What are lab grown diamonds

Lab grown diamonds have boomed over the last 5-7 years as people have adopted them en masse, as they offer size and value when compared to their natural counterparts.

1) What “lab-grown diamond” actually means

A lab-grown diamond is real diamond crystal (carbon) just produced in a controlled environment rather than mined. Chemically and physically, a lab-grown diamond is the same material as a mined diamond.  What differs is the origin and often pricing and supply dynamics. Gemological labs and regulators focus heavily on clear disclosure so customers understand whether a stone is mined or laboratory-grown. Federal Trade Commission+2Naj+2

2) How lab-grown diamonds are made (HPHT and CVD)

There are two main growth methods:

• HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature): mimics the intense heat and pressure found in nature, using specialised presses to grow diamonds from carbon. GIA
  
  

• CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition): uses a gas-phase process in a reactor; carbon atoms deposit onto a diamond “seed,” building the crystal layer by layer. GIA
  
  

Both methods can produce beautiful gemstones. They can also leave different growth features that labs may detect with advanced instrumentation. GIA+1

3) Are lab-grown diamonds “the same” as mined diamonds?

In day-to-day wear, they can look identical—because the optical properties that create diamond’s sparkle come from the crystal itself. The practical difference for most buyers is less about “real vs fake” and more about:

• Origin: lab vs earth
  
  

• Supply: Unlimited lab production can scale faster than mining
  
  

• Value behaviour: lab prices have historically moved quickly as production grows and retail competition increases The Guardian+1
  
  

4) Understanding certification: GIA, IGI, and what a report tells you

If you’re buying any diamond (mined or lab-grown), the report matters because it documents the 4Cs (and other identifiers) as assessed by the lab.

• IGI provides a straightforward explainer of what appears on a lab-grown diamond report and how to read it. igi.org+1
  
  

• GIA publishes technical education around growth processes and identification, which is helpful for understanding the science behind the scenes. GIA+1
  
  

A good habit: match the report number to the stone’s inscription (if present), and keep the PDF with your insurance documents.

5) The big topic: price, resale value, and what buyers should expect

Lab-grown diamonds will cost less at retail than mined stones of comparable size and appearance.  Its still early in the story of lab grown diamonds but its unlikely that they will have much (if any) resale value as there is no limit on supply.

• Industry reporting shows lab-grown pricing has fallen sharply over recent years, driven by expanding supply and competition. The Guardian+1
  
  

• Market commentary also describes a “split” market dynamic (with lab and natural behaving differently). Rapaport
  
  

What this means in plain English:

• Lab-grown can be brilliant if you want more size/quality for the budget.
  
  

• If you care about resale or long-term scarcity, many buyers still see mined diamonds differently.
  
  

(And whichever you choose: buy it for love and wearability first—treat any diamond as an emotional purchase, not an investment.)

6) Ethics and sustainability: what’s true, what’s nuanced

Many people are drawn to lab-grown for ethical reasons—especially around supply chain transparency. Sustainability, though, is more nuanced:

• Lab growth can be energy-intensive; the footprint depends heavily on where the electricity comes from and how the facility operates. Vogue+1
  
  

• There are also industry standards emerging for lab-grown materials in the jewellery supply chain. responsiblejewellery.com+1
  
  

A practical takeaway: if sustainability is a key motivation, ask for specifics (energy source, facility claims, third-party standards) rather than relying on blanket statements.

7) Common myths (quickly cleared up)

Myth: “Lab-grown diamonds are cubic zirconia.”
No—CZ is a different material. Lab-grown diamonds are diamond crystal. Federal Trade Commission

Myth: “You can always tell by looking.”
Often you can’t. Proper separation can require advanced testing. GIA+1

Myth: “Lab-grown diamonds are always perfect.”
They can be high quality, but they still come in a range of colour/clarity, and they can have growth features just like mined diamonds have natural inclusions. igi.org+1

8) How to shop smart for a lab-grown diamond (a simple checklist)

Here’s an easy checklist you (or your customer) can use:

1. Start with shape + measurements (don’t shop by carat alone).
   
   

2. Check the report (IGI/GIA or another respected lab) and confirm it’s specifically laboratory-grown. igi.org+1
   
   

3. Prioritise cut quality for brilliance (especially for round/brilliant styles).
   
   

4. Ask which growth method (HPHT/CVD) and whether any post-growth treatment is disclosed. GIA+1
   
   

5. Look at videos in multiple lighting—daylight, soft indoor, spot lighting.
   
   

6. Confirm return/resize policies early (rings live a hard life).
   
   

9) Terminology and disclosure: what should be written on quotes, invoices, and listings

Different markets have guidelines, but the theme is consistent: be crystal clear.

• The FTC guidance for advertising in the US emphasises describing stones as “laboratory-grown” / “laboratory-created” (or equivalent) so consumers aren’t misled. Federal Trade Commission
  
  

• In the UK trade, NAJ guidance (built on ISO/CIBJO principles) recommends approved qualifiers such as “laboratory-grown,” “laboratory-created,” or “synthetic,” used clearly and consistently. Naj+1
  
  

• CIBJO also publishes dedicated guidance on lab-grown diamond terminology and handling. CIBJO+1
  
  

If you’re writing consumer-facing copy: avoid vague phrases like “cultured diamond” unless it’s tightly qualified and compliant for your market.

10) Where the market is heading (and what that means for buyers)

Lab-grown diamonds are now a mainstream choice—especially for engagement rings—because they allow bigger looks at lower price points, and the origin story appeals to many modern buyers. The Washington Post+1

At the same time, major industry voices increasingly frame lab-grown as a fast-moving product category with heavy supply influence and rapid price adjustments. Reuters+1

As a designer and manufacturer, we enjoy the freedom and accessibility that lab grown diamonds give us.  For all but the biggest companies, going out and buying a 3ct cushion cut diamond for stock was unrealistic. But now with lab grown diamond we can buy and experiment with larger stones.

Breaking it down . . . . . .

• Lab-grown: modern, scalable, great value-for-size, but expect pricing to keep evolving.
  
  

• Mined: geologically rare origin story, different supply constraints, often perceived differently for heirloom/resale narratives.
  
  

Neither choice is “morally superior” by default—it depends on values, budget, and what the piece needs to mean.