Lab-Diamonds
Facts
Considering a lab-grown diamond? Here's your quick-start guide. From how they’re made to how they compare with mined diamonds, here are the key truths behind the sparkle.
Lab-grown diamonds are not imitations or fakes, they’re chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. The only real difference? Their origin. Instead of forming deep underground, lab diamonds are created above ground using cutting-edge science.
They look, feel and sparkle exactly the same, even trained jewellers need special tools to tell them apart.
Lab diamonds begin with a diamond “seed”, a tiny crystal, that’s placed in a chamber with carbon and exposed to extreme heat and pressure. This process mimics the natural formation of diamonds, but takes just weeks instead of millions of years.
The result? A rough diamond that’s then cut and polished like any other.
Lab-grown diamonds can cost 30–60% less than mined diamonds of the same size and quality. That means you can invest in a larger, higher-grade diamond without compromising on beauty or integrity.
Just like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are graded by independent gemmological laboratories such as the GIA or IGI.
Certification includes details like carat weight, cut, colour, and clarity, giving you full confidence in your purchase.
Diamonds over 0.25 carats are usually certified, as the process is detailed and rigorous.
Lab diamonds are real diamonds. Cubic zirconia and moissanite are synthetic alternatives with different chemical compositions and visual properties.
They may sparkle, but they don’t compare in terms of durability, weight, or brilliance.
To protect buyers, lab diamonds are often marked with a microscopic laser inscription, invisible to the naked eye, confirming their origin.
Lab diamonds have gained major credibility in the jewellery world. Experts and gemmologists agree that they are indistinguishable from mined diamonds in every visible and measurable way, and many highlight the ethical and environmental benefits as a major plus.
Lab-grown and mined diamonds are visually and chemically identical, but their origins, cost, and environmental impact differ. Mined diamonds are naturally occurring and limited in supply, which can influence their perceived rarity and value. However, the mining process raises environmental and ethical concerns for some buyers. Lab diamonds are created above ground using controlled processes, offering a lower-impact alternative with more transparent sourcing, and often a lower price tag. The right choice depends on your priorities, whether that’s origin, budget, or sustainability.
