Lab grown diamonds are revolutionising the world of gemstones, offering a sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds. Created using advanced technology, they have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, making them virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye.
With a lower environmental impact and often a more affordable price tag, lab grown diamonds are gaining popularity among those seeking engagement rings and unique jewellery. As values shift towards sustainability, these diamonds are set to redefine what it means to wear a diamond.
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds created in controlled laboratory environments. They share the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds, meaning they sparkle, shine, and perform in the same way.
Thanks to technological innovation, lab grown diamonds are now widely available and increasingly popular among consumers who want a more ethical and environmentally friendly option.
How are lab grown diamonds made?
Lab grown diamonds are created using two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). Both techniques replicate the natural processes that form diamonds beneath the earth’s surface.
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
This method simulates the intense heat and pressure found deep underground. A small diamond seed is placed in carbon and subjected to temperatures of around 1,500°C and pressures up to 1.5 million psi. The carbon crystallises around the seed, forming a diamond in just a few weeks.
Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD)
CVD involves heating carbon-rich gases, such as methane, in a vacuum chamber to create plasma. This allows carbon atoms to settle on a diamond seed, layer by layer, until a diamond is formed. Growth can take several weeks to months, depending on the desired size and quality.
Diamonds produced through either method are graded and certified by recognised organisations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), ensuring quality and authenticity.
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes — lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They’re composed of pure carbon in a crystalline structure, just like natural diamonds, and are identical in their appearance, durability, and sparkle.
They are graded using the same criteria as mined diamonds — cut, colour, clarity, and carat — and can be certified by leading gemological labs. As awareness of sustainable alternatives grows, lab grown diamonds are increasingly accepted as a genuine and desirable choice.
Why choose a lab grown diamond?
There are several reasons why lab grown diamonds appeal to today’s consumers:
- Ethical sourcing: They avoid the human rights issues sometimes linked to traditional diamond mining
- Cost-effective: Lab grown diamonds usually cost 20–40% less than natural diamonds of similar quality
- Environmentally conscious: Their production has a lower environmental footprint compared to mining, which can lead to deforestation and habitat destruction
- Quality assurance: Lab grown diamonds are subjected to the same grading standards as natural diamonds, offering reassurance on cut, colour, clarity, and carat
- Technological innovation: Modern processes ensure a consistent, high-quality product that meets evolving consumer expectations
- Values-driven purchase: More buyers are prioritising ethical and sustainable choices, making lab grown diamonds a popular option for conscious consumers
Lab grown diamonds vs natural diamonds
Lab grown and natural diamonds are visually and chemically identical, but their origins and other factors can differ:
- Origin: Lab grown diamonds are made in laboratories; natural diamonds form underground over billions of years
- Cost: Lab grown diamonds are typically more affordable — often up to 40% cheaper for the same size and quality
- Environmental impact: Producing lab grown diamonds has a much lower ecological impact than traditional mining
- Ethics: Lab grown options offer a clear supply chain, free from conflict concerns
- Certification: Both types can be independently graded and certified, assuring buyers of their quality and characteristics
- Changing perceptions: While natural diamonds are still seen as traditional, lab grown diamonds are fast becoming a symbol of modern values — combining beauty with responsibility.
Choosing What’s Right for You
Lab grown diamonds are reshaping the jewellery industry, offering a modern, ethical, and cost-effective alternative to mined stones. They deliver the same brilliance and durability, while aligning with the values of sustainability, transparency, and innovation.
Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring or a meaningful gift, lab grown jewellery allow you to make a conscious choice without compromising on beauty or quality.
