Lab-grown diamonds have taken the jewellery world by storm—and for good reason. As technology advances and sustainability becomes more important to consumers, these stunning gems are gaining popularity fast. But what exactly are lab-grown diamonds, and how do they compare to their natural counterparts? Let’s explore the most common questions people ask.
When Did Lab-Grown Diamonds Become So Popular?
While lab-grown diamonds have been around since the 1950s, they only started gaining significant mainstream traction in the late 2010s. Brands began to spotlight sustainability, and eco-conscious shoppers fuelled their popularity. By the early 2020s, lab diamonds were no longer a niche choice—they had gone mainstream for everything from Jewellery to Engagement Rings.
What Does Lab-Grown Diamonds Mean?
A lab-grown diamond, also known as a synthetic or man-made diamond, is a diamond created in a controlled laboratory environment. It has the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as a mined diamond. That means it's not a simulant like cubic zirconia—it’s a real diamond, just made differently.
How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Made
There are two primary methods used to create lab-grown diamonds:
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): Mimics the natural diamond-forming process by applying intense pressure and heat to carbon.
Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD): Involves placing a diamond seed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas, which crystallises to form a diamond layer by layer.
Both methods yield high-quality diamonds indistinguishable from natural ones without specialised equipment.
Can Lab-Grown Diamonds Be Identified?
To the naked eye, lab-grown and mined diamonds look identical. Even trained gemmologists need advanced instruments to detect subtle differences, such as growth patterns and trace elements. However, reputable jewellers will disclose whether a diamond is lab-grown and provide certification from organisations like IGI or GIA.
Can Lab-Grown Diamonds Cut Glass?
A strange question, but one that often comes up! Yes, lab-grown diamonds can cut glass—just like natural diamonds. Both are rated a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, the highest possible, which means they can scratch or cut most other materials, including glass.
Will Lab-Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester?
Yes, they will. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds, so they conduct heat in the same way. This means they will pass standard thermal conductivity diamond testers, just like mined diamonds. However, advanced testers can differentiate between lab-grown and natural diamonds based on other properties such as UV fluorescence or electrical conductivity.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
Absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They possess the same brilliance, hardness, and sparkle as natural diamonds because they are made of the same material: pure carbon in a crystal structure.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Cheaper?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds typically cost 30–50% less than their mined counterparts. The lower price is due to a shorter supply chain and fewer overhead costs—not because they’re lower quality. In fact, many lab diamonds have fewer inclusions and better colour.
Where to Buy Lab-Grown Diamonds?
You can explore our full selection of lab-grown diamonds in our engagement ring collection and jewellery collection. Whether you're looking for a timeless solitaire or a modern twist on a classic piece, we offer a wide range of styles designed with both elegance and sustainability in mind.
Who Sells Lab-Grown Diamonds Near Me?
Faire & Fine make it easy to find your perfect diamond wherever you are. Our online store ships across the UK, and our team is here to assist you with personalised guidance. Simply reach out via our contact form and we’ll help you find the right piece or arrange an in-person consultation if available.
If looks for something bespoke please get in touch here.
Final Thoughts
Lab-grown diamonds are revolutionising the jewellery market by offering the same beauty and durability as natural diamonds—often at a better price and with a smaller environmental impact. Whether you’re engagement ring shopping or treating yourself to some jewellery, lab-grown might just be your best-kept secret to sparkle.