FAQ
1. How Many Types of Technology Are Available for Making Life Diamonds from Pet Hair?
Life diamonds are typically synthesized using a carbon source through High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods. Since pet hair contains carbon elements, it is theoretically feasible.
2. How Many Steps Are Involved in the Entire Process?
The overall process, from collecting pet hair to extracting carbon, purifying it, converting it into graphite, synthesizing the diamond, cutting and polishing, and final certification, consists of multiple steps:
1. Hair Sample Collection & Preprocessing
Purpose: Ensure the purity and sufficient carbon content in the hair.
- Collection: Requires at least 0.5–1g of pet hair (about a small tuft). Avoid contamination with dust, cosmetic residues, or other impurities.
- Cleaning: Soak in an organic solvent (e.g., ethanol) to remove grease, dandruff, and organic matter. Rinse thoroughly with deionized water.
- Drying: Low-temperature drying in a dust-free environment to prevent carbon oxidation.
2. Carbon Extraction
Purpose: Isolate pure carbon from pet hair.
- High-Temperature Combustion: Heat hair in an oxygen-deficient environment at 800–1000°C, causing organic matter to carbonize and leave carbon-rich residue (ash).
Reaction: Organic compounds (C, H, O, N) → High-temperature oxygen deficiency → C (carbon) + gases (CO₂, H₂O, NOx, etc.)
- Acid Treatment: Strong acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid, nitric acid) dissolve non-carbon impurities (metal ions, minerals), leaving behind a carbon framework.
- Purification: Use centrifugation and filtration to achieve ≥99.9% purity of carbon powder.
3. Graphitization Process
Purpose: Convert amorphous carbon into a graphite structure suitable for diamond synthesis.
- High-Temperature & High-Pressure Treatment:
Heat the carbon powder at 2000–3000°C and apply 1–5 GPa pressure to rearrange carbon atoms into a layered graphite structure.
- Graphite Purity Testing:
Analyze using X-ray diffraction (XRD) or Raman spectroscopy to confirm graphite crystal quality.
4. Diamond Synthesis
There are two primary synthesis methods: HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition).
- For diamonds under 2 carats: HPHT method is used.
- For diamonds above 2 carats: CVD method ensures higher purity and complex shapes.
Method 1: HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
- Principle: Mimics the natural geological conditions for diamond formation.
- Process:
1. Place graphite and a metal catalyst (e.g., iron, nickel) into a high-pressure chamber.
2. Heat to 1300–1600°C and apply 5–6 GPa pressure.
3. Carbon atoms rearrange into a diamond crystal structure over days to weeks.
Method 2: CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
- Principle: Deposits carbon atoms from gas onto a diamond seed under low-pressure conditions.
- Process:
1. Convert graphite into a carbon-rich gas (e.g., methane, CH₄).
2. Ionize gas in a vacuum chamber, breaking it into carbon atoms and hydrogen.
3. Carbon atoms deposit onto a diamond seed crystal, growing at a rate of 0.1–10 micrometers per hour.
5. Post-Processing & Cutting
Purpose: Refine the synthesized diamond into a jewelry-grade product.
- Laser Cutting: Precisely cuts the diamond into the desired shape (round, heart, etc.).
- Polishing: Uses diamond powder to polish the surface to VVS clarity (very, very slight inclusions).
- Color Enhancement (Optional): Uses irradiation or heat treatment to alter the diamond’s color (e.g., blue, yellow).
6. Certification & Customization
- Certification: Third-party organizations like IGI (International Gemological Institute) or GIA (Gemological Institute of America) assess the diamond based on the 4Cs (Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut).
- Engraving (Optional): Laser engraving on the diamond’s girdle for personalized inscriptions (e.g., pet's name, memorial date, up to 12 characters).
Furora’s Value-Added Services:
a. Hand-drawn pet portrait
b. Production process video documentation
c. Custom engraving (numbers & English, up to 12 characters)—each diamond has a girdle inscription, while personalized engraving requires customization.
3. What Are Some Challenges of the Two Existing Technologies?
1. Carbon Purity Issues:
Pet hair contains only about 50% carbon, requiring strict purification to prevent impurities from causing defects in the diamond.
2. Time & Cost of Synthesis:
a. HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature): Produces rough diamonds in just a few weeks.
b. CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): Requires 3–12 months, making it a longer and costlier process.
3. Ethics & Authenticity Concerns:
a. Ensuring a traceable link between pet hair and the final diamond is crucial.
b. DNA Matching Myth: Some companies claim to offer DNA verification certificates, but this is scientifically impossible because proteins denature at high temperatures (basic middle school biology). DNA cannot survive the diamond synthesis process.
c. The More Accurate Approach: Instead of DNA verification, a carbon source tracking method would be more precise, but technically challenging.
d. Furora’s Transparency Solution: Provides full-process video documentation to ensure authenticity and build customer trust.
4. What are the differences between the two synthetic diamond methods, HPHT and CVD?
1. Generation Cycle:
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) requires high pressure and temperature, simulating natural conditions, whereas CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) operates under low pressure with vapor deposition. In terms of synthesis cycle, HPHT may take from a few days to several weeks, while CVD can take longer, even several months, though the actual time may vary depending on the technology used.
2. Suitable Production Results for Diamonds:
If small-carat diamonds or specific colors are needed, HPHT may be more suitable. On the other hand, if high purity or complex shapes are desired, CVD may be better. Additionally, cost is a factor, as HPHT equipment is expensive and suited for mass production, whereas CVD is more flexible in a laboratory setting.
3. Final Appearance of Diamonds:
Diamonds synthesized using HPHT may contain metallic impurities and tend to have a yellowish color, whereas CVD diamonds are generally purer but may have internal stress that leads to color issues, requiring post-processing to address those issues.
For Lower Cost → HPHT is Better
- HPHT can mass-produce small diamonds (under 2 carats) at a lower per-carat cost.
For Higher Purity & Colorless Diamonds → CVD is Better
- CVD does not require metal catalysts, achieving VVS-level clarity and making colorless diamonds easier to produce.
For Specific Color Requirements → Choose Based on Target Color
- Yellow/Pink Diamonds: HPHT + irradiation treatment
- Blue Diamonds: CVD + boron doping
For Industrial Applications (e.g., Cutting Tools) → HPHT is More Cost-Effective
5. What are the standards for collecting pet hair? Are there different quality requirements for diamonds of different carats?
If the custom life diamond is under two carats, at least 3g of pet hair is required; if the custom life diamond is over two carats, at least 5-10g of pet hair is required. In theory, to ensure the growth of the life diamond, providing more hair would be beneficial.
6. Are there any additional requirements for the packaging container?
There are no additional requirements for the packaging of the collected hair, as long as it is sealed and kept dry. Furora will also provide a standardized container for customers to collect the hair.
7. How many diamonds can one portion of hair make?
Generally speaking, for diamonds under two carats, about 23 seeds can be produced. After growth, since it is not possible to guarantee the quality of all the seeds, Furora's factory currently has at least a 30% yield rate (i.e., diamonds that can be delivered), which is already considered industry-leading.
Calculating roughly, for diamonds over two carats, typically 17-20 life diamonds will grow, and as the carat size increases, the number decreases. For diamonds over five carats, about 13-15 life diamonds can typically be produced.
8. How should it be handled if a customer wants multiple life diamonds?
The number of life diamonds can be delivered according to the customer's request. The diamonds can also be cut and designed into jewelry based on the customer's needs. In terms of pricing, the first life diamond is priced at the brand's retail price. If the customer wants a second rough diamond, it will be charged at the rough diamond price (specific pricing can be inquired from the brand).
9. What color can be used for diamond color?
Furora has leading technology in colored diamonds, and the most beautiful and stable life diamond is the yellow diamond. Pink and blue diamonds can also be produced, but due to different processing techniques, they require a secondary color adjustment, which may result in a slight grayish tint. The outcome is somewhat unpredictable, so this needs to be communicated with customers in advance.
10. What are the available carat sizes for diamonds?
Furora mainly produces life diamonds in 0.5, 0.7, 1, 1.5, and 2 carats. Other carat weights can also be customized based on customer requests, with separate pricing provided accordingly.
11. What types of finished jewelry can be made?
Furora can customize various types of jewelry for customers, such as rings, necklaces, earrings, and brooches. Diamonds can be cut into different shapes and set into various jewelry designs, and custom pieces can even be made based on images provided by the customer.
Currently, the main jewelry materials include 18K gold, platinum, and silver. Pricing varies depending on the material and customization requirements.