When we talk about types of lab-grown diamonds, we are not referring to a single classification. A cultivated diamond can be differentiated by the method with which it was created, by its cut shape, by its color, by its atomic classification, and even by its carat size. Each of these variables influences its final appearance, its price, and the jewelry you can create with it.
In this guide, you will find all the varieties of lab-grown diamonds clearly organized so that you know exactly what options you have and how to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Tipos de diamantes de laboratorio según el método de creación
This is the first major classification and the most important one from a technical standpoint. All lab-grown diamonds are produced using one of these two methods.
Diamante HPHT (alta presión, alta temperatura)
El método HPHT replica las condiciones que se dan en el manto terrestre, donde se forman los diamantes naturales. Una semilla de diamante se introduce en una cápsula y se somete a presiones de unas 58.000 atmósferas y temperaturas cercanas a los 1.400 °C.
El carbono que rodea la semilla cristaliza progresivamente hasta formar un diamante completo.
Este fue el primer método desarrollado para crear diamantes en laboratorio, en la década de 1950, y sigue siendo uno de los más utilizados hoy en día.
Características principales del diamante HPHT
- Crecimiento en múltiples direcciones, cúbico u octaédrico.
- Puede presentar inclusiones metálicas procedentes del flujo de crecimiento.
- Tiende a producir con facilidad diamantes de color amarillo, naranja o marrón.
- Los diamantes HPHT incoloros requieren excluir el nitrógeno del proceso.
- En claridades bajas, algunas piezas pueden ser ligeramente magnéticas por las inclusiones metálicas.
- La mayoría son de tipo IIb a nivel atómico.
Diamante CVD (deposición química de vapor)
El método CVD funciona de forma diferente. Una fina lámina de diamante se coloca dentro de una cámara de vacío sellada.
Se inyectan gases ricos en carbono, generalmente metano e hidrógeno, que se calientan hasta convertirse en plasma a temperaturas de entre 700 y 900 °C.
Los átomos de carbono se liberan y se van depositando sobre la semilla capa a capa.
Este método se desarrolló en la década de 1980 y permite un control muy preciso del proceso de crecimiento.
Características principales del diamante CVD
- Crecimiento en una sola dirección, capa sobre capa.
- Suele presentar inclusiones de carbono no cristalizado en lugar de metálicas.
- Produce diamantes incoloros con mayor facilidad que el HPHT.
- Los cristales en bruto pueden tener un tono grisáceo o marrón que se corrige con tratamiento posterior.
- La mayoría son de tipo IIa a nivel atómico, lo que los hace químicamente muy puros.
- Añadiendo pequeñas cantidades de boro o nitrógeno se pueden crear diamantes de color.
CVD vs. HPHT Diamond Comparison
| Característica | Diamante HPHT | Diamante CVD |
|---|---|---|
| Presión de trabajo | ~58.000 atmósferas | Baja (vacío) |
| Temperatura | ~1.400 °C | 700–900 °C |
| Dirección de crecimiento | Multidireccional | Unidireccional (capa a capa) |
| Tipo atómico predominante | IIb | IIa |
| Inclusiones habituales | Metálicas | Carbono no cristalizado |
| Colores naturales más frecuentes | Amarillo, naranja, marrón | Grisáceo, marrón (corregible) |
| Facilidad para producir incoloros | Más complejo | Más sencillo |
| Certificación | GIA, IGI (mismas 4C) | GIA, IGI (mismas 4C) |
| Resultado final | Diamante real | Diamante real |
The most important thing to know is that both methods produce real diamonds, indistinguishable to the naked eye. The choice of method does not determine the quality of the diamond: that depends on the 4Cs listed on its certificate (carat, cut, color, and clarity). A CVD diamond with an excellent cut and D color has exactly the same value as an HPHT diamond with the same specifications.
Tipos de diamantes de laboratorio según la forma de talla
The cut shape is what defines the diamond's external appearance and how it interacts with light. Lab-grown diamonds can be cut into all shapes available for natural diamonds, without any limitations.
Brilliant cut (round)
It is the most popular and highly valued shape. With 57 or 58 facets designed to maximize light return, the brilliant-cut diamond offers the greatest possible sparkle and fire. It is the only shape for which gemological laboratories certify cut quality with a grade (excellent, very good, good...).
If you are looking for maximum sparkle and a timeless style, this is the safest choice.
Cushion size
Square or slightly rectangular shape with rounded corners that resemble a cushion. There are two main variations: the standard cushion cut (brilliant), with a lot of fire and play of light, and the modified cushion cut, which has a "crushed ice" effect thanks to additional facets. It is one of the most requested cuts for engagement rings.
Oval cut
Elongated shape with a brilliance similar to that of a round diamond. Oval diamonds appear visually larger than round ones of the same carat weight due to their more extended surface. Furthermore, as they do not have sharp edges, they are more resistant to impacts and chipping.
Emerald cut
Rectangular shape with truncated corners and stepped facets (instead of the brilliant cut's triangular facets). It does not seek to maximize brilliance, but to create a "hall of mirrors" effect with broad, elegant flashes. It requires diamonds of high clarity because inclusions are more visible with this type of faceting.
Pear size
It combines the brilliant cut's shape with a pointed end, creating a teardrop look. It is very versatile and elongates the hand when mounted on a ring. It can present the so-called "bow-tie effect" (a dark shadow in the center) if the cut is not optimal.
Marquise cut
Elongated shape with two pointed ends that maximizes the diamond's visible surface area. It creates a visual effect of greater size and slims the fingers. It is less common than other shapes, which gives it a more distinctive character.
Radiant cut
It combines the rectangular or square shape of the emerald cut with the faceting pattern of the brilliant cut. The result is a stone with the elegance of geometric shapes but with the brilliance and fire of brilliant cuts. Very popular for colored diamonds because it intensifies color saturation.
Summary table of carving styles
| Forma | Facetas | Brillo | Efecto visual | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brillante (redonda) | 57–58 | Máximo | Clásico, atemporal | Cualquier joya, máximo brillo |
| Princesa | 57–76 | Muy alto | Moderno, geométrico | Anillos de compromiso, pendientes |
| Cojín (cushion) | Variable | Alto | Romántico, vintage | Anillos de compromiso, solitarios |
| Oval | 56–58 | Alto | Alargado, elegante | Anillos, estiliza la mano |
| Esmeralda | 44–57 | Moderado | Sofisticado, salón de espejos | Piezas con diamante de alta claridad |
| Pera | 56–58 | Alto | Forma de gota, versátil | Colgantes, anillos, pendientes |
| Marquesa | 56–58 | Alto | Maximiza tamaño visual | Anillos, piezas con presencia |
| Radiante | 62–70 | Muy alto | Geométrico con fuego intenso | Diamantes de color, anillos |
| Corazón | 56–59 | Alto | Simbólico, romántico | Colgantes, regalos especiales |
All these shapes are available in GIA or IGI certified lab-grown diamonds, exactly the same as in natural diamonds.
Tipos de diamantes de laboratorio según el color
Another way to classify cultivated diamonds is by their color. Lab-grown diamonds are produced in both colorless versions and a wide range of fancy colors.
Colorless Lab-Grown Diamonds
These are the most sought-after for jewelry. They are graded on the GIA color scale, which ranges from D (completely colorless) to Z (visible yellowish tint). Lab-grown diamonds frequently achieve exceptional color grades (D, E, F) thanks to the control allowed by the production environment.
For a clean, white appearance, colors between D and H are the best option. From I-J onwards, the diamond may start to show a slight warm tint, although when set in jewelry, it can be equally attractive and offers significant savings.
Fancy Color Lab-Grown Diamonds
This is where lab-grown diamonds offer a particularly interesting advantage. Natural colored diamonds are extremely rare and have very high prices. Lab-grown diamonds provide access to intense and vibrant colors at much more accessible prices.
Colors are achieved by incorporating certain elements during the creation process or through controlled post-treatments:
| Color | Elemento responsable | Método más habitual | Disponibilidad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo | Nitrógeno | HPHT | Alta |
| Azul | Boro | HPHT y CVD | Media-alta |
| Rosa | Tratamiento post-crecimiento | CVD + tratamiento térmico | Media |
| Verde | Irradiación controlada | Post-crecimiento | Media-baja |
| Naranja | Nitrógeno (alta concentración) | HPHT | Media |
| Rojo | Tratamiento post-crecimiento | CVD + tratamiento térmico | Baja |
| Negro | Inclusiones abundantes o grafito | HPHT y CVD | Alta |
Fancy color diamonds are graded on a different scale than colorless diamonds. Instead of letters (D-Z), they are graded by the intensity of their color: Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid, and Fancy Deep. The more intense and pure the saturation, the higher their value.
For fancy color diamond cuts, radiant, cushion, and pear shapes are the most recommended because they intensify color saturation and distribute color more evenly.
Tipos de diamantes de laboratorio según su clasificación atómica
This is a more technical classification, but it's important to know because it appears on many certificates and affects the diamond's purity and properties.
Diamonds are classified into two main types based on the presence of impurities in their crystal structure:
Type I Diamonds (contain nitrogen)
- Type Ia: Nitrogen atoms are clustered. They can produce pale yellow to brown hues. This is the most common type in natural diamonds (approximately 98% fall into this category).
- Type Ib: Nitrogen atoms are individually dispersed. They produce very intense yellow or orange colors. They are rare in nature (only 0.1% of natural diamonds) but common in lab-grown diamonds created by HPHT.
Type II Diamonds (nitrogen-free or with boron)
- Type IIa: Virtually nitrogen-free. They are the purest diamonds chemically. They can be colorless, pink, red, or brown. In nature, they are very rare (1-2% of the total), but most lab-grown diamonds created by CVD belong to this type.
- Type IIb: Contain traces of boron instead of nitrogen. They exhibit a characteristic blue or grayish-blue hue and are notable for being semiconductors (they conduct electricity). HPHT diamonds are often of this type.
| Tipo atómico | Impureza principal | Color resultante | Frecuencia natural | En laboratorio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ia | Nitrógeno agrupado | Incoloro a amarillo pálido | ~98% de los naturales | Poco frecuente |
| Ib | Nitrógeno disperso | Amarillo / naranja intenso | ~0,1% de los naturales | Común en HPHT |
| IIa | Sin nitrógeno | Incoloro, rosa, rojo, marrón | ~1–2% de los naturales | Común en CVD |
| IIb | Boro | Azul, gris azulado | ~0,1% de los naturales | Común en HPHT |
A relevant fact: most lab-grown diamonds are Type IIa or IIb, meaning they are chemically purer than the vast majority of natural diamonds. This doesn't make them "better" in absolute terms, but it does speak to the quality of the production process.
Tipos de diamantes de laboratorio según su tamaño (quilataje)
Lab-grown diamonds are available in virtually any size, from small pave pieces (0.01 ct) to diamonds larger than 10 carats.
| Rango de quilates | Uso habitual | Precio orientativo vs natural |
|---|---|---|
| 0,01 – 0,29 ct | Pavé, acentos, eternity bands | 60–70% más económico |
| 0,30 – 0,99 ct | Pendientes, colgantes, anillos secundarios | 70–80% más económico |
| 1,00 – 1,99 ct | Anillos de compromiso, solitarios | 70–80% más económico |
| 2,00 – 4,99 ct | Piezas de alto impacto, joyería exclusiva | 75–85% más económico |
| 5,00 – 10+ ct | Piezas de colección, alta joyería | 80%+ más económico |
The economic advantage becomes more pronounced as the carat weight increases. A natural 3-carat diamond with good specifications can easily exceed €30,000-€40,000, while its lab-grown equivalent would be a fraction of that price.
Cómo elegir el tipo de diamante de laboratorio adecuado
With so many variables, the choice can seem complex. Here are the keys to simplifying your decision based on what you're looking for.
- If you're looking for maximum brilliance and timeless style: round brilliant cut, colorless (D-G), CVD or HPHT method interchangeably. Prioritize cut quality (excellent or ideal) above all else.
- If you're looking for something different and with personality: cushion, oval, or pear cut in a colorless diamond, or dare to go with a fancy color diamond in a radiant cut.
- If your priority is to maximize size for your budget: princess, oval, or marquise cut (they make better use of the rough material and appear visually larger). H-I color and VS2-SI1 clarity offer the best size-to-price ratio.
- If you're looking for a colored diamond: choose HPHT for intense yellows and blues, or CVD with treatment for pinks. Radiant and cushion shapes maximize saturation.
- If chemical purity is important to you: Type IIa CVD diamonds are the purest. If you're looking for a natural blue with boron, opt for Type IIb HPHT.
In all cases, ensure the diamond comes with a GIA or IGI certificate confirming its 4Cs and lab origin.
Preguntas frecuentes sobre tipos de diamantes de laboratorio
Lab-grown diamonds can be classified in several ways: by creation method (CVD and HPHT), by cut shape (round, princess, cushion, oval, emerald, pear, marquise, radiant, heart, and more), by color (colorless and fancy colors in yellow, blue, pink, green, black, and others), and by atomic classification (type Ia, Ib, IIa, and IIb). The combinations of these variables make for a very wide range of offerings.
Neither is inherently better than the other. Both methods produce real diamonds with the same physical and optical properties. The final quality depends on the 4Cs listed on the certificate, not on the production method. To the naked eye, a CVD diamond and an HPHT diamond of the same specifications are indistinguishable.
Yes. Fancy color lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds whose color is produced by incorporating specific elements during growth (nitrogen for yellows, boron for blues) or through controlled post-growth treatments (for pinks, greens, and reds). They are certified in the same way as natural color diamonds.
There is no universally "best" shape. The round brilliant cut offers maximum sparkle and is the most versatile. The princess and cushion cuts are the most popular for engagement rings. Oval and marquise cuts maximize visual size. For colored diamonds, the radiant and cushion cuts intensify saturation. The choice depends on personal style and the type of jewelry.
A type IIa diamond is one that contains virtually no nitrogen in its crystal structure, making it one of the most chemically pure. They are very rare in nature (only 1-2% of natural diamonds), but most lab-grown diamonds created by CVD belong to this type. They can be colorless or have pink, red, or brown hues.
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds can be cut into exactly the same shapes as natural diamonds: round brilliant, princess, cushion, oval, emerald, pear, marquise, radiant, heart, Asscher, and any other fancy shape. There are no technical limitations.
The price mainly depends on the 4Cs (carat, cut, color, and clarity), not the creation method. That said, for the same budget, you can maximize the size by choosing cuts that make better use of the rough material (princess, oval, marquise) and opting for H-I colors and VS2-SI1 clarities instead of higher grades.
The term "eco-friendly diamond" is often used interchangeably with lab-grown diamond, referring to its lower environmental impact compared to mining. Although lab-grown diamonds have a smaller ecological footprint, they also require energy for their production. It is a marketing term, not an official gemological classification.
Of course. It is very common to combine a larger central diamond (for example, a 1 ct brilliant-cut solitaire) with smaller pavé or channel-set diamonds. You can also combine colorless diamonds with colored diamonds to create contrasts. Since they are all real diamonds with the same properties, the combination is fully compatible.
A GIA or IGI certificate for a lab-grown diamond indicates the cut shape, the 4Cs (carat, cut, color, clarity), the lab-grown origin ("laboratory grown" or "created"), and, in many cases, the atomic type (IIa, IIb, etc.). Some certificates also specify the creation method (CVD or HPHT). If this information is not on the certificate, you can ask the seller or the issuing laboratory.
Alfonso Martínez
Founding Partner
