What is a Lab Grown Diamond? All You Need to Know

More than gemstones, diamonds symbolize dreams, hope, and achievement. Diamond-buyers today want more than stunning designs; they seek beauty with values, and Lab Grown Diamonds fit the bill. But what is a Lab Grown Diamond? Are they real? Do they shine like natural ones?

Lab Grown Diamonds are 100% real, offering the same sparkle and brilliance as mined ones. Made in labs, they are special as they come without the environmental cost or ethical concerns. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Lab Grown Diamonds, decoding HPHT or what the CVD diamond process is, the myths surrounding them, and why they’re emerging as a popular choice.

Defining Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab Grown Diamond definition refers to the gemstones made by people, not nature. Also known as man-made or synthetic diamonds, they are grown under controlled lab conditions that mimic Earth’s natural process. While chemically, physically, structurally, and visually they share the same properties as the natural diamonds, the difference between the two boils down to their origin:

Natural diamonds develop over millions of years under Earth’s heat and pressure.
Lab Grown Diamonds grow in labs within weeks through advanced technology.

So, you get a beautiful, genuine, and real diamond that’s kinder to the planet and often easier on your budget.

How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?

The creation of Lab Grown Diamond starts with a tiny "diamond seed", a thin slice of real diamond about as fine as a human hair. From this seed, diamonds grow using one of two methods:

Diagram showing the process of diamond creation with CVD and HPHT methods.

HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature): HPHT mimics the intense heat and pressure found deep inside the Earth. The diamond seed is placed in a machine where carbon melts around it, growing the diamond layer by layer over a few weeks. HPHT can also enhance the color of natural diamonds.
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): Under CVD, a gas-based process, the seed is placed in a chamber containing carbon-rich gas. When exposed to intense heat and pressure, the gas breaks down, while carbon atoms attach to the seed, building the diamond layer by layer.

While HPHT melts carbon like nature’s process, CVD grows diamonds atom by atom, offering more control over quality and shape.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Lab Grown Diamonds are every bit as identical as mined ones. They share the same chemical composition, hardness, brilliance, and sparkle as the real ones. To ensure authenticity, organizations like IGI (International Gemological Institute) and SGL (Solitaire Gemological Laboratories) grade and certify Lab Grown Diamonds using the same criteria as natural stones. This means:

Same chemical makeup: Pure carbon arranged in the diamond crystal structure.
Same physical properties: Hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, durability to last forever.
Same optical qualities: Fire, brilliance, and sparkle are identical to mined diamonds.
Authenticated gemstones: Certified by trusted labs (IGI, SGL), with grading for cut, color, clarity, and carat.

Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds

To help you compare at a glance, we've outlined the differences in the table below.

Basis	Lab Grown Diamonds	Natural Diamonds
Origin	Created in a lab within weeks using technology that replicates natural conditions.	Naturally formed over millions of years deep within the Earth.
Price	30–50% less expensive for the same size and quality.	Expensive due to rarity and complex processes.
Environmental Impact	Lower impact; no large-scale land disruption.	High impact due to mining, deforestation, and ecosystem damage.
Quality & Availability	Easier to find high-quality diamonds; larger sizes are more accessible.	High-quality stones exist, but are rarer and expensive.
Cut & Customization	More control and affordable.	Less control and expensive.
Ethical Sourcing	Conflict-free and traceable.	Potential risk of being sourced from conflict zones unless certified.
Certifications	IGI, SGL, and other reputable labs.	GIA, AGS, IGI, and other gemological institutes.

Benefits of Choosing Lab Grown Diamonds

Be it luxury, ethics, and elegance, Lab Grown Diamonds are worth considering because:

Affordable Diamond Jewellery: Lab Grown Diamonds cost 30-50% less than Natural Diamonds despite the same size and quality. Since they're created in labs without expensive mining, the overall production cost is low.
Modern Designs & Availability: From geometric shapes and hidden halos to ultra-thin bands and trendy cuts like oval, pear, and emerald, as well as larger carat sizes, Lab Grown Diamonds for sale are widely available in the latest cuts and styles.
Eco-Conscious Choice: Manufactured diamonds are sustainable as they require fewer resources to produce, and don't involve environmental disruption due to mining.
Wider Variety in Cuts & Colors: They come with a broader range of shapes and rare colors like blue, pink, and yellow, options that are either hard to find or incredibly expensive in nature.

Common Myths Around Lab Grown Diamonds

Let’s break down some of the most common myths about engineered diamonds and talk about the real facts about them:

1. “They’re fake.”

Lab Grown Diamonds are real diamonds with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties except for their origins.

2. “They don’t last.”

Lab manufactured diamonds, like the mined ones, score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them durable and also one of the hardest substances on Earth.

3. “They have no resale value.”

The Lab Grown Diamonds price of resale might be lower than that of mined stones. However, they offer better upfront value, allowing you to buy a larger or higher-quality stone at a lower price.

4. “They’re easy to spot.”

Trained experts also struggle to tell Lab Grown Diamonds apart from Natural Diamonds without advanced equipment.

5. "They're just cubic zirconia."

Cubic zirconia is a diamond simulant; Lab Grown Diamonds are not. They're made of pure carbon crystals, just like natural diamonds.

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Lab Grown Diamond

Buying a laboratory diamond is not always simple. Be it designs, cuts, or the quality, let’s make it easier for you:

Understand the 4Cs

Before you buy a diamond, it’s important to understand the 4Cs - Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat - the universal standards that define a diamond’s beauty and value.

Diamond grading criteria including cut, carat, color, and clarity on a white background.

Cut: This affects the sparkle of your diamond, so look for cuts rated "excellent" or "very good".
Clarity: This means how free your diamond is from tiny imperfections. Many Lab Grown Diamonds have excellent clarity without extra cost, giving you that clean, beautiful look.
Color: Diamonds range from completely colorless to slightly yellowish. While colorless ones (D-F) are rare and premium, near-colorless diamonds (G-J) look just as dazzling and offer great value.
Carat: This is the diamond’s weight and usually size. Bigger can be better, but sometimes a smaller diamond with a superb cut and clarity steals the show.

Certifications

Diamond report with IGI and SGL logos and text on a white background

Trusted certifications like IGI or SGL are indicators of a diamond’s quality, purity, and authenticity.

Shape and Style

Lab Grown Diamonds come in all classic shapes, from round, princess, and oval to emerald, and more. Choose a style that speaks to your preferences, outfits, lifestyle, and personality.

Budget

Lab Grown Diamonds are generally more affordable than mined diamonds, but prices depend on the 4Cs.

Reputable Sellers

Choose a trusted jeweler to buy Lab Grown Diamonds so that you’re assured of quality and transparency.

Explore the dazzling collection of Lucira’s Lab Grown Diamond jewellery.

Conclusion

While traditional diamond jewelry is a symbol of luxury, Lab Grown Diamonds offer a smarter, more conscious, and equally luxurious choice. From stunning designs to wide availability and guaranteed authenticity to affordable prices, Lab Grown Diamonds give you everything you want and more.

Make the switch to Lab Grown Diamonds and enjoy jewelry that's not only beautiful but also kind to your budget and the planet. Browse our exquisite collection of Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands, Earrings, and Necklaces.

Every diamond tells a story. Start yours with Lucira Jewelry.