A lab-grown diamond (also known as a man-made or synthetic diamond) is a diamond that is created through a controlled manufactured process rather than a gemological process beneath the earth’s surface. Despite this, lab-grown diamonds have the exact same physical, chemical and aesthetic structures as mined diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds are created in a way that’s kinder for the planet and its people. This diamond variety is brought to life through modern technology that allows us to replicate the process of mined diamond formation within a lab. To do this, there are two different processes: 

HPHT (High Temperature, High Pressure): A small apparatus mimics the environment that a mined diamond undergoes beneath the earth’s surface. Temperatures exceeding 1,300 degrees Celsius and 50,000 atmospheric pressure are applied to a carbon source, turning carbon atoms into a rough diamond crystal. 

CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition): A diamond seed is placed into a CVD chamber and combined with high temperatures and hydrocarbon gas to create a plasma globe. When the gases’ molecular bonds begin to break down, the pure carbon attaches itself to the diamond seed, forming atomic bonds and turning the seed into a much larger rough diamond. 

The result? A rough, unique diamond that’s chemically the same as an earth-mined diamond but without the ethical and environmental price tag. In fact, after the polishing process, jewellers, gemologists, and scientists can not tell the difference between earth-mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds, resulting in them being graded the same way.

The most common and well-known diamond type is the earth-mined kind, which lies deep within the Earth’s mantle and is formed under immense pressure and heat. Composed entirely of carbon atoms, these diamonds are prized for their exceptional hardness and brilliance and have been around for millions, if not billions, of years.

They emerge through volcanic eruptions, surfacing through kimberlite pipes, and are then mined and cut to reveal their beauty. Their rarity and the natural processes behind the stones' formation contribute to their enduring allure and value.

Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, don’t form in the Earth’s mantle over millions of years but are created in a lab. Using modern technology, a diamond’s natural conditions of high temperatures and pressures are replicated in a controlled environment, allowing the diamond to form in weeks. This fast and sustainable process means the future of lab-grown diamonds is bright, offering consumers a more conscious alternative to the traditional diamond market.

The quest to create lab-grown diamonds began in earnest after scientists identified that diamonds were composed of pure carbon in 1797. This discovery ignited a flurry of experimentation throughout the 19th century as researchers sought to replicate the natural conditions required for diamond formation. 

Despite numerous claims of success, early efforts largely fell short. So, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that significant breakthroughs were made, and the first lab-grown diamond was created. Over the decades, technology advanced, refining the processes and resulting in lab-grown diamonds that rival mined stones in both their quality and brilliance.

The first lab-grown diamond was successfully created in 1954. Researchers at General Electric (GE) developed the high-pressure, high-temperature (HTPT) method, mimicking the natural processes that form diamonds deep within the Earth. This marked a significant milestone in the production of the lab-grown diamond market. 

Today, most lab-grown diamonds are made through chemical vapour deposition (CVD), when carbon gas grows a diamond seed in a chamber. This method gives scientists more control over the properties and value of lab-grown diamonds, making larger productions with higher gem quality. 

Lab-grown diamonds have surged in popularity within the jewellery market, and while currently assessed at a $27.2 billion dollar market value (2023), it’s predicted to reach $59.2 billion by 2032. Their popularity began in the mid-2010s, fueled by technological developments that enhanced the diamonds’ quality and affordability. 

As consumers increasingly seek ethical and sustainable choices, lab-grown diamonds offer a transparent alternative to traditional mined stones, often associated with environmental and social concerns. This rise of lab-grown diamonds is reshaping the industry, especially economy-wise; these beautiful gems not only democratise luxury but also compel stakeholders to rethink their approach in a rapidly evolving market. 

• Ethical sourcing. Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments, avoiding the ethical issues associated with mined diamonds, such as conflict financing and exploitation. 
• Environmental impact. Their production generally has a lower ecological footprint, giving lab-grown diamonds greater moral value.
• Affordability. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 60-70% less than earth-mined diamonds, making them accessible to a broader range of consumers. 
• Quality, variety, and customisation. They can be produced with superior clarity, colour, and size, offering options that may not be available within the earth-mined market. On top of that, they can be tailored to the individual preferences of the buyer. 
• Transparency. The sourcing and creation processes of lab-grown diamonds are well-documented, providing consumers with clear information about their purchase.

The future of lab-grown diamonds is bright, driven by ongoing innovation and a growing consumer preference for sustainable options. As we learn more about the adverse environmental effects of the earth-mined diamond industry, the rise of lab-grown diamonds is inevitable, presenting an opportunity to use the gemstones in numerous industries besides jewellery.

“Lab-grown diamonds are fake or inferior to earth-mined diamonds.”

Lab-grown diamonds are REAL diamonds, made of the same pure carbon structure as earth-mined diamonds, and can even match or exceed them in quality and brilliance. The only difference is that a lab-grown diamond grows in a lab instead of in the Earth’s mantle. 

“The value of lab-grown diamonds is less than earth-mined diamonds.”

While lab-grown diamonds are more affordable, they still have significant value and retain their worth due to the quality and technology behind their creation. Earth-mined diamonds are more expensive due to their formation and collection methods. However, it’s important to note that diamonds, whether lab-grown or earth-mined, are generally not the best investment item.

“All lab-grown diamonds are the same.” 

No diamond is the same, whether mined or created in a lab. Each stone is unique in its size, shape, and quality. Lab-grown diamonds can be customised during the growing process since they’re created in a controlled environment, offering more options for consumers. However, each and every single one is still unique and made up entirely of its own properties.