Lab-grown diamonds—also called synthetic or man-made diamonds—are chemically, physically, and optically identical to Natural diamonds. Unlike Natural diamonds, which form deep within the Earth over billions of years, lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratories in a matter of weeks.
All lab-grown diamonds start with a tiny diamond seed. From there, two main methods create the stone:
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): Replicates Earth’s diamond-forming conditions with extreme heat (over 2,000°C) and pressure (1.5 million per square inch). Metal inclusions may occur.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): A diamond seed sits in a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. Carbon atoms settle layer by layer to form the diamond, often with fewer inclusions.
| Feature | HPHT | CVD |
|---|---|---|
| Formation Method | Simulates Earth's high-pressure, high-temperature conditions | Grows diamond layer by layer in a carbon gas chamber |
| Post-Growth Treatment | Usually minimal | Some undergo HPHT to improve colour |
| Size | Smaller, high quality | Larger stones possible |
| Inclusions | May contain metal inclusions | Fewer inclusions |
| Quality | Often requires less colour treatment | May require HPHT to enhance colour |
Lab-grown diamonds are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice—the same structure as Natural diamonds—giving them equal hardness, brilliance and materiality.
Lab-grown diamonds are crafted with precision using three key components: a diamond seed, which acts as the foundation for crystal growth, a carbon source that fuels the diamond’s formation—and trace elements which subtly influence the stone’s colour and character.
Diamond Seed: Thin slice of pre-existing diamond providing the crystalline structure.
Carbon Source: Graphite (HPHT) or hydrocarbon gases like methane and hydrogen (CVD).
Trace Elements: Hydrogen, nitrogen, or boron influence hues. Nitrogen will give a yellow tint. Boron will produce blue tones.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds—identical in chemistry, optics, and durability—and even contain inclusions, just like Natural diamonds do. But they are synthetic and have a wildly different origin story.
To most observers, high-clarity lab-grown and high-clarity Natural diamonds (in the top 1 per cent of Natural diamonds) appear identical—largely because high-clarity stones are smaller in scale. Only gemologists with specialised magnification tools can tell them apart by detecting:
Internal growth patterns unique to lab-grown diamonds
Metallic or process-related inclusions
Laser inscriptions marking lab origin
| Feature | Lab-Grown Diamond | Natural Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliance | Refractive index 2.417-2.419 | Refractive index 2.417-2.419 |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Origin | Laboratories—in weeks | Deep in Earth—over billions of years |
| Rarity | Produced in increasing quantities | Rare, especially large stones and high grades |
| Certification | Certified by GIA but as a simplistic 'premium' or 'standard'. Not graded by HRD. | Certified by reputable gemological institutions into the 4 Cs |
| Durability | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
The main difference between lab-grown and Natural diamonds is origin. Lab-grown diamonds are created in laboratories, while Natural diamonds are mined from the Earth. Value is another difference. Natural diamonds are more valuable and tend to hold their value better, too.
Lab diamonds cost less than Natural diamonds because they are synthetic and can be produced on demand, while Natural diamonds are a limited resource.
Not necessarily. The industry has safeguards in place, however there are also gaps.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are as hard as Natural diamonds, with a rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This hardness makes both lab-grown and Natural diamonds highly resistant to scratching and ideal for long-lasting jewellery.
It depends. Lab diamonds may sometimes test as real diamonds—with more rudimentary tests—because they have the same chemical composition as Natural diamonds. However, they can be distinguished from Natural diamonds using more specialised testing devices which reveal their subtle differences.
Lab diamonds match Natural diamonds in brilliance, durability, and quality, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a diamond at a more affordable price.
Lab diamonds are chemically, optically, and physically the same as Natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin and value.
Most jewellers cannot tell the difference between lab-grown and Natural diamonds without specialised tools. However, most jewellers should be able to see lower clarities (which are the majority of natural diamonds) with a loup (a specialist magnifying device). Gemologists, on the other hand, use advanced equipment—such as UV light and high-magnification microscopes—to detect growth characteristics unique to lab diamonds.