ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LAB GROWN DIAMONDS

What is a lab grown diamond?

In essence, a lab grown diamond is a diamond.

The main distinction is in how lab grown diamonds are made, which as the name rather helpfully suggests, is in a lab. After years of refinement, the lab process can now create a man-made diamond that is visually, chemically and physically identical to a natural diamond.

How are lab grown diamonds made?

The lab grown diamond creation process begins with selecting a “seed” (a flat slither) of a natural diamond.

A lab grown diamond is then created through a laboratory process that emulates the natural diamond growth process. This revolutionary method sees the aforementioned diamond seed subjected to extreme conditions, with very high pressure and temperatures capable of creating a rough diamond in a matter of months.

Once grown, the lab grown diamonds are then cut, polished and set in the same way as natural diamonds.

This is why we began by suggesting it is not overstating things to call this one of the most important developments in jewellery history. Throughout the entire history of diamonds as jewellery, going back thousands of years, the only way to source a diamond was to find one produced by the conditions of the natural world. Now, for the first time ever, humans have found a way to do that for themselves.

Are lab grown diamonds real?

As mentioned above, lab grown diamonds can now be produced to be visually, chemically and physically identical to a natural diamond. This is certainly true of all the lab grown options we stock.

Different individuals may have differing definitions of exactly what constitutes ‘real’ with regards to lab grown diamonds, but in terms of key factors such as chemical composition, reflective rate and colour diffusion, the latest generation of man-made diamonds are fully comparable to natural diamonds.

So, while they may not be naturally occurring, they are certainly real.

Can lab grown diamonds be certified?

Yes, they can.

Given the level of quality and chemical makeup of lab grown diamonds. it stands to reason that they can be certified in just the same way as happens for natural diamonds.

Lab grown diamonds are certified and inscribed by the IGI (International Gemological Institute) in Antwerp.

How do lab grown diamonds compare to natural diamonds?

This is understandably one of the most common questions on lab grown diamonds, how do they compare to their natural counterparts, are there differences between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds?

We have already covered that lab grown are physically, visually and chemically identical to natural options, with many jewellers and gemologists attesting that they cannot tell any difference by eye. Short of sending to a lab for detailed testing, the two are visually identical and fully comparable as a jewellery option, except in some key areas where lab grown options may actually offer some additional benefits.

How do lab grown diamonds compare in price?

It is difficult to give specifics in terms of exact price differences, as it can vary depending on the size and quality of each diamond, but many estimates suggest that the current generation of lab grown diamonds will cost between 40% and 80% less than a natural diamond with identical carat weight and grades.

Natural diamonds require high levels of land mass and infrastructure for mining which adds to overhead costs. Although the process for making lab grown diamonds is costly, it doesn’t compare to the average expense of extracting mined diamonds and the rarity of finding them, leading to the lower comparative price.

How do lab grown diamonds compare in size?

Lab grown diamonds are available in a range of sizes, with all the most popular diamond sizes for engagement rings, earrings and other jewellery pieces on offer. But given the lower comparative price, it’s the opportunity to opt for a larger lab grown diamond that is proving an attractive proposition for many.

We are finding that rather than lowering their budget, many jewellery lovers are opting for a larger lab grown diamond for the same price as they were previously planning to spend on a natural diamond.

How do lab grown diamonds compare as an investment?

In terms of comparing natural diamonds vs lab grown diamonds as an investment, it is important to state that we are not here to offer direct investment advice, especially on such a relatively new option.

It’s also important to note that we would not advise purchasing any diamond piece predominantly as an investment; our jewellery is focused on the meaning, quality and artistry they offer to the owner at the time.

But when it comes to comparing whether lab grown diamonds are a good investment, we would highlight the fact that given the lower comparative cost of lab grown diamonds, while offering an identical quality level, they would make for a good investment for many jewellery buyers.

Although grown in a lab, moissanite is not the same as a lab grown diamond. Unlike lab grown diamonds, moissanite does not share the same chemical makeup as a natural diamond, it also looks visually different and isn’t quite as hard.

Moissanite and other diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia, are designed to mimic real diamonds – whereas lab grown diamonds are actual diamonds. One of the most notable differences between moissanite and lab diamonds is that a lab grown diamond has a more bright and clear sparkle to its stone.

Are lab grown diamonds ethical?

Both lab grown and mined diamonds can be ethical. The mined diamond trade has been linked to environmental damage and hazardous working conditions, but it is absolutely possible to source responsibly mined diamonds, something we ensure for all of the natural diamonds used at ROX.

Thanks to the Kimberley Process (a global initiative of 59 countries), conflict diamonds are close to eradicated, with 99.8% of world trade prevented.

Growing diamonds in a lab environment can mean more sustainably made diamonds – with less of a carbon footprint, more controlled working conditions and better value for money. This means lab-grown diamonds can be a highly ethical option as long as those aforementioned environmental impacts and labour conditions adhere to a high standard.

The Responsible Jewellery Council is currently working on setting the standards for laboratory grown materials to inspire full confidence in those shopping for lab grown diamonds.

Who is wearing lab grown diamonds?

At this point, it’s becoming more of a case of who has not worn a lab grown diamond piece.

The ever-growing list now includes Drake, Lady Gage, Zoe Kravitz, Penelope Cruz and Meghan Markle.

Grammy-winning singer Frank Ocean even owns his own lab grown diamond company, while Leonardo DiCaprio has also invested into the industry.

Our range of lab grown diamonds at ROX

Now that you know a little more about lab grown diamonds, why not take a look at some of the stunning lab grown pieces we have here at ROX? We have dedicated pages for lab grown diamond engagement rings, lab grown diamond earrings and lab grown diamond necklaces, as well as an overall lab grown diamond jewellery page bringing together many of our best options.