Scientific Standards & Technical Integrity

The Architecture of a Legacy

At Gemméterna, we operate at the intersection of high-technology physics and molecular biology. A diamond is more than a gemstone; it is a crystalline structure of pure carbon. Our mission is to ensure that the carbon forged into your diamond is a pure, unadulterated reflection of the sample provided.

We adhere to rigorous laboratory protocols to transform biological matter into a Type IIa diamond—the purest category of diamond, representing less than 2% of all mined stones.

Phase I: Carbon Isolation & Graphitization

The journey begins with the thermal decomposition of the biological sample.

  • Atmospheric Purification: We utilize specialized vacuum environments to extract carbon atoms from the hair sample, removing all non-carbon elements (oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen).
  • Graphitization: The isolated carbon is refined into high-purity graphite. This "biogenic graphite" serves as the foundational "seed" material for your diamond’s growth.

Phase II: HPHT Synthesis (High Pressure High Temperature)

To transform graphite into a diamond, we must replicate the extreme thermodynamic conditions found 150 kilometers below the Earth’s surface.

  • The Growth Cell: Your carbon is placed into a sophisticated HPHT press.
  • Thermodynamic Forces: We subject the carbon to pressures exceeding 60,000 atmospheres and temperatures surpassing 1,500°C.
  • Crystalline Metamorphosis: Over several weeks, the carbon atoms rearrange themselves into a cubic crystal structure, growing atom-by-atom into a raw diamond. This slow, controlled growth ensures the highest clarity and structural integrity.

Phase III: Chain of Custody & Traceability

Integrity is our highest scientific standard. We employ a Unique Identification Protocol (UIP) to ensure the total security of your sample.

  • Dedicated Growth Cycles: Unlike industrial diamond labs, each Gemméterna diamond is grown in a dedicated cycle to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Documentation: We maintain a rigorous log of the diamond’s growth parameters, ensuring that the stone you receive is inextricably linked to the carbon you provided.

Phase IV: Expert Grading & Verification

Once the synthesis is complete, the diamond undergoes the same scrutiny as any high-jewelry stone.

  • Artisanal Cutting: The rough diamond is cut by master lapidaries to maximize its refractive index and brilliance.
  • Laser Inscription: Each stone is laser-inscribed with a unique certificate number and its "Lab-Grown" origin, providing a permanent digital and physical record of its quality and provenance.