The present invention relates to a method for producing colorless, single-crystal diamonds at a rapid growth rate. The method for diamond production includes controlling temperature of a growth surface of the diamond such that all temperature gradients across the growth surface of the diamond are less than about 20° C., and growing single-crystal diamond by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition on the growth surface of a diamond at a growth temperature in a deposition chamber having an atmosphere, wherein the atmosphere comprises from about 8% to about 20% CH4 per unit of H2 and from about 5 to about 25% O2 per unit of CH4. The method of the invention can produce diamonds larger than 10 carats. Growth rates using the method of the invention can be greater than 50 μm/hour.