Definition of a Lab-Grown Diamond
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond made of pure carbon formed in a crystal structure identical to natural diamonds. It shares the same physical chemical and optical properties as mined diamonds.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They look the same, feel the same, and are made of the same material as mined diamonds.
In 2018 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officially recognised lab-grown diamonds as genuine diamonds affirming that origin alone does not change what a diamond is.
Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds
- Cost-effective luxury: Lab-grown diamonds typically cost less than mined diamonds of the same size and quality, making them a more accessible choice without compromising on brilliance.
- Ethically sourced: Created in controlled laboratory environments, lab-grown diamonds avoid the environmental and de humanitarian concerns sometimes associated with traditional diamond mining.
- Consistent quality: Thanks to advanced growing technology, lab-grown diamonds offer reliable quality with excellent clarity, colour, and cut — every time.
How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Made
Lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the earth’s mantle. There are two main methods:
- High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This method applies extreme heat and pressure to a small diamond seed, encouraging the carbon atoms to crystallise and form a diamond.
- Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD): In this process, a diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. The gas is activated into plasma, allowing carbon to bond and build up layer by layer into a diamond.
Both methods produce real diamonds with the same physical and chemical properties as mined ones.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Natural Mined Diamonds
If you're wondering about lab-grown diamonds and how they compare to natural ones, the key differences come down to origin, price, and impact — not appearance.
Origin
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over billions of years through intense heat and pressure. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are created above ground using advanced technology that mimics natural diamond formation in just a few weeks.
Price
One of the biggest advantages about lab-grown diamonds is their affordability. They typically cost less than natural diamonds of the same quality, making them ideal for those who want brilliance without the higher price tag.
Environmental and Ethical Impact
Choosing lab-grown diamonds means supporting a more ethical and environmentally conscious alternative. With no mining involved, these diamonds offer peace of mind for responsible shoppers.
Visual and Chemical Properties
Visually and chemically, lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural ones. Even skilled gemologists can’t tell them apart without specialised equipment.
Want to know more about lab-grown diamonds and how to tell them apart from natural ones? Read our full comparison guide here.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Diamond Simulants
While simulants like cubic zirconia and moissanite may resemble diamonds at first glance, they are not true diamonds.
Simulants do not share the same chemical structure or physical properties as natural or lab-grown diamonds. They are made from different materials and typically cost much less. Unlike lab-grown diamonds, which are real diamonds made of pure carbon, simulants are easy to tell apart due to their different brilliance and hardness.
In short, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, while simulants are simply lookalikes.
The 4Cs of Lab-Grown Diamond
Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are evaluated using the 4Cs — cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. These key characteristics determine a diamond’s overall quality and value.
- Cut refers to how well the diamond has been shaped and faceted, affecting its brilliance and sparkle.
- Colour measures how colourless the diamond appears, with D being the most colourless.
- Clarity assesses the presence of inclusions or blemishes. For a clean and radiant appearance, look for clarity grades such as VS1 to VVS1, which offer excellent clarity with minimal imperfections — more on this in our lab-grown diamond clarity guide.
- Carat weight indicates the size of the diamond, but remember that bigger doesn’t always mean better — balance it with cut and clarity for the best value.
Although lab-grown and natural diamonds look identical to the naked eye, they can be tested using advanced gemological equipment. Specialised tools like infrared spectrometers or Type IIa diamond testers can accurately identify a diamond’s origin.
How Much Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Cost
The price of a lab-grown diamond depends on the same factors that affect natural diamonds — carat weight, cut, colour, and clarity. However, lab-grown options are typically 30% to 50% more affordable than mined diamonds of comparable quality. This makes them a popular choice for those seeking exceptional brilliance without the premium markup.
If you're curious about lab-grown diamond prices and how they stack up against their natural counterparts, view our detailed comparison in our lab-grown vs natural diamonds pricing guide.
Choosing the Right Lab-Grown Diamond
Finding the perfect lab-grown diamond begins with understanding your personal preferences and lifestyle. Here are some tips to guide your selection:
- Set a budget: Decide on your ideal price range, and balance the 4Cs accordingly to get the best value.
- Consider your style: Sleek solitaires, vintage-inspired halos, or modern bezel settings — the right cut and setting can elevate your look.
- Prioritise sparkle: Focus on a well-cut diamond that maximises brilliance, even if that means choosing a slightly lower carat weight or clarity.
- Shop from a trusted source: Ensure your diamond comes with proper certification and quality assurance.
Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring or a personal keepsake, choose a piece that reflects your story and values.
Explore Love & Co.’s Lab-Grown Diamond Collection
Ready to discover the brilliance of lab-grown diamonds for yourself? At Love & Co., we offer a wide selection of beautifully crafted pieces featuring certified lab-grown diamonds. From elegant engagement rings to timeless everyday jewellery, each piece is designed with care and modern sophistication.
Browse the full lab-grown diamond collection to find the piece that speaks to you — because ethical, radiant, and meaningful jewellery should be within everyone’s reach.
