What are HPHT Lab Diamonds?

The High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) process mimics the natural conditions in which diamonds form about 100 miles beneath the Earth's surface due to subduction. In this process, a carbon source, a diamond seed, and a metallic catalyst are placed into an octahedral cell. This cell is then positioned in a massive mechanical press, where it is heated to nearly 1,500 degrees Celsius and subjected to immense pressure. The molten metal dissolves the carbon, and the intense pressure causes the carbon to precipitate onto the diamond seed, resulting in the growth of a larger diamond. The level of pressure applied by these powerful presses is akin to balancing a jumbo jet on the tip of your finger.