Lab Grown Diamonds
Two origins. The same remarkable material. Lab grown diamonds allow you to choose a diamond produced in a controlled environment rather than one formed deep within the Earth. The choice comes down to personal priorities, design and budget.
What is a lab grown diamond?
Lab grown diamonds consist of carbon arranged in the diamond crystal structure. They are genuine diamonds rather than diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia. Their optical, physical and chemical properties are essentially the same as those of natural diamonds, although their growth features can differ.
How are lab grown diamonds created?
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
This process uses specialised equipment to recreate some of the extreme pressure and temperature conditions under which diamonds can form. Carbon crystallises into diamond on a seed crystal.
Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD)
A diamond seed is placed in a chamber containing carbon-bearing gases. Under carefully controlled conditions, carbon accumulates on the seed, building a diamond crystal layer by layer. Further treatment may sometimes be used to improve colour.
Natural or lab grown: how do they compare?
| Consideration | Natural diamond | Lab grown diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Forms naturally within the Earth | Grown in specialised facilities |
| Material | Crystalline carbon | Crystalline carbon |
| Appearance | Can look visually identical to a lab grown diamond | Can look visually identical to a natural diamond |
| Grading | May be independently graded | May be independently graded, with laboratory origin disclosed |
| Price | Often costs more for broadly comparable specifications | Often costs less for broadly comparable specifications |
What should you consider before choosing?
Compare the cut, proportions, colour, clarity, carat weight and certificate of each stone. Ask how its origin is disclosed and consider the setting, warranty, aftercare, future value expectations and how you want the piece to feel.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lab grown diamond real?
Yes. A lab grown diamond is diamond, but it has a different origin from a natural diamond.
Can you tell them apart by eye?
Usually not reliably. Specialised instruments and laboratory testing may be needed to identify growth origin.
Is a lab grown diamond the same as cubic zirconia?
No. Cubic zirconia is a different material with different physical properties.
Which option is better?
Neither origin is universally better. We can help you compare suitable options for the look, meaning and budget you have in mind.