FAQs
What are lab-grown diamonds?
a) Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds that are created in a laboratory rather than being mined from the earth.
b) Two methods of creating lab-grown diamonds:
HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature)
Mimics the conditions deep underground where natural diamonds form—carbon is subjected to extremely high pressure and heat until it crystallizes into a diamond.
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
Uses a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas; carbon atoms slowly accumulate on a substrate, growing into a diamond layer by layer.
Are lab diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are REAL DIAMONDS. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural diamonds (pure carbon arranged in a cubic crystal lattice), so they look and perform exactly the same in terms of sparkle, hardness, and durability.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: A Comparison
| Category | Lab-Grown Diamonds | Natural Diamonds |
| Origin & Formation | Created in a controlled laboratory environment using technological processes such as High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). | Formed by nature deep within the Earth over billions of years, then brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions. |
| Chemical Composition | 100% crystallized carbon, possessing the identical chemical and physical structure as natural diamond. | 100% crystallized carbon, with a crystal structure formed by nature. |
| Optical & Physical Properties | Visually, optically, and physically identical to natural diamonds; require specialized equipment from gemological laboratories for identification. | Visually, optically, and physically identical to lab-grown diamonds; require specialized equipment from gemological laboratories for identification. |
| Ethical Sourcing | Have a traceable origin and are guaranteed conflict-free by their controlled production process. | The modern natural diamond industry adheres to strict protocols (e.g., the Kimberley Process) to ensure conflict-free sourcing. Consumers can seek diamonds from suppliers committed to responsible and ethical practices. |
| Environmental Considerations | Production has a different environmental profile, primarily associated with energy consumption, but avoids large-scale land disturbance. | Traditional mining has evolved in its practices; many major players now implement comprehensive environmental management and land rehabilitation plans. |
| Grading & Certification | Graded to the same standards using the 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat) by leading independent gemological institutes like GIA and IGI, which clearly disclose the diamond's lab-grown origin on the report. | Graded using the universal 4Cs system (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat) by leading independent gemological institutes like GIA and IGI. |
| Rarity & Value | Accessible and can be produced to meet demand, offering significant value. | Rare and finite, as their supply is limited by what nature has created. Their value is traditionally tied to their geological rarity and enduring history. |
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds come with certification?
a) Yes, lab-grown diamonds have the same type of certificates as natural diamonds.
b) The main grading labs for lab-grown diamonds are:
GIA (Gemological Institute of America): One of the most respected labs worldwide. Grades by cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and includes a note such as “Laboratory-Grown Diamond” in the report. Modern GIA reports for lab-grown diamonds now use the same scale as for natural diamonds.
IGI (International Gemological Institute):Very popular for lab-grown stones, especially in the U.S. and Asia. Known for fast turnaround and detailed grading reports.
Why choose Lab-Grown Diamonds?
a) Ethically and environmentally friendlier than natural diamonds since they avoid mining.
b) More accessible cost: lab-grown diamonds usually cost 30%-40% less than natural diamonds.
