There are several reasons why demand for lab grown diamonds is rapidly growing. Factors such as better purchase price as well as environmental and ethical considerations make lab grown diamonds an attractive alternative. Multiple consumer survey’s about customer intentions show that millennials (the target age group for diamond engagement rings) are increasingly becoming educated about lab-grown diamonds and see the merit of purchasing a lab grown diamond ring or jewellery piece above that of mined natural diamond jewellery. These changing attitudes could continue to grow as consumers gain the knowledge to make a fully informed decision.

Lab grown diamonds are grown using two methods, High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Disposition (CVD).

The HPHT method involves placing a diamond seed crystal in a purpose built press or growth chamber where extreme heat and pressure is applied. This then allows carbon atoms to precipitate on the diamond seed crystal and enables the lab grown diamond to grow. Once grown to a required size it will then be cut and polished. As part of the growth process HPHT diamonds use a metal catalyst and as such can have metal inclusions.

The CVD process involves a diamond seed crystal being placed in a diamond growth chamber where it is filled with carbon containing gas. The chamber is then placed under extreme heat causing carbon to precipitate and deposit on the diamond seed crystal slowly forming the diamond. Once grown to a required size it is then cut and polished. CVD diamonds do not contain metal inclusions but as part of the growth process can come with graphite or other mineral inclusions. Some CVD lab diamonds may also have post pressure and temperature treatment applied to them after they are grown and will have this listed on the lab diamond certificate.

The primary difference between natural and lab grown diamonds is how they are produced. Natural diamonds are mined under the earth's surface and have formed over billions of years, while lab grown diamonds are man made above ground (without need for any mining activities). There is no visual difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds, they sparkle and optically look exactly the same. Even to the trained eye such as a jeweller it would be near impossible to see the difference between a lab grown or mined diamond. Lab grown diamonds can be distinguished from natural diamonds if specialised equipment is used to test them.

Yes absolutely, all our lab grown diamonds above 0.5ct are certified by the International Gemological Institute and Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (IGI and GCAL). IGI and GCAL are both highly respected and experienced diamond grading laboratories which is why each lab grown diamond purchased through us comes with a detailed IGI or GCAL diamond certificate.  

Yes lab grown diamonds cost less than mined natural diamonds and offer excellent value when compared to mined diamonds across the 4Cs (carat, colour, clarity and cut). All our lab grown diamonds can be transparently viewed through our lab diamond where customers can view 360 degree high definition videos of each of our diamonds along with detailed diamond grading certificates.