Earth-mined diamonds are harvested in a long and obscure process that requires them to pass through many hands. This puts more of a burden on the planet (producing more carbon emissions) and makes diamonds expensive. Because the supply chain is shorter, lab-grown diamonds are a cheaper and more planet-friendly alternative that still guarantees the same quality. After all, diamonds shouldn't cost the earth.

The earth-mined diamond industry has a reputation for its unethical and shady practices. Typically, this can be issues such as slave labour, child labour, low wages, or community displacement to make way for mines. For example, have you ever heard of ‘blood diamonds’? These are diamonds mined in conflict zones, with oppressive work conditions, to fund the crimes of rebel movements in the region. The Kimberley Process was brought in to prevent these types of situations from occurring, however, its narrow wording and inconsistent application have left a lot to be desired.

In addition, accidents and other health hazards are commonplace in diamond mines. Workers are at risk of mine explosions, and other on-site risks, as well as exposure to pollution and toxins which can increase the risk of cancer, among other illnesses.

In contrast, lab-grown diamonds have zero impact on human life, as the lab ‘diamond growing process necessitates maintaining a clean room environment’. This results in ‘no life or occupational hazards to employees’.

Mining earth diamonds requires a huge amount of fossil fuel and water, putting unnecessary pressure on the planet. In addition, the emissions produced from the traditional mining process cause both air pollution and groundwater pollution. In parts of Africa, where fresh water is scarce, this is a huge problem.

Take the ‘Marange Diamond Fields’ in Zimbabwe. Here, toxic waste (from the diamond mine) was being disposed of in the nearby river. This caused widespread damage such as biodiversity loss, crop damage, soil contamination, as well as health risks to workers as a result of exposure to toxins. This is just one of the many examples that showcase how unsustainable the traditional diamond mining process can be.

A lab-grown diamond is a diamond that is created through a controlled artificial process, rather than a gemmological process beneath the earth’s surface. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical and aesthetic structures as mined diamonds.

Put simply, no, there is no chemical or aesthetic difference between lab-grown diamonds and ones mined from the Earth.

Gemological labs (e.g., GIA, IGI, or HRD) can utilise very advanced and expensive machinery to detect slight differences in growth structures resulting from the respective environments of each diamond's formation process. This is like comparing the DNA of two different individuals – each will have unique characteristics but still be made up of the same chemical elements.

A lab-grown diamond is the most widely used term to describe diamonds that are grown through scientific processes and human intervention.

Other names include man-made diamonds, lab-created diamonds, above-ground diamonds, cultivated and cultured diamonds.

Cubic zirconia is a simulant – it's made to look like a diamond, but its chemical, optical, and physical properties are not the same as those of a diamond. It is less durable and has less brilliance than a mined diamond or a lab-grown diamond.

Moissanite is also a simulant or imitation and is rarely found in nature, so most Moissanite is manufactured – it is the second hardest material after diamonds. Moissanite also refracts light differently, so its sparkle can look quite colourful, almost like a rainbow effect. In terms of price, Moissanite is significantly cheaper than lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds.

All of the globally renowned gemmological labs issue lab-grown diamond reports that clearly state the "identification" or "origin" of the diamond as "laboratory-grown".

Lab diamonds above 0.30 carats can be graded for their colour, cut and clarity. To see an example of such a report, please visit the International Gemological Institute (IGI).

For our bridal jewellery, we work with IGI or GIA-certified lab diamonds.

Our daily wear collection does not come with a grading report; however, we do include a certificate of authenticity to confirm that your item is 100% genuine.

For our bridal jewellery, we always provide an additional gemmological grading report by a laboratory of your choice. We typically work with IGI-certified diamonds.

There are two primary methods for creating lab-grown diamonds: HPHT and CVD. Read about each technological process below:

HPHT (High Temperature, High Pressure) mimics the environment that a natural diamond undergoes beneath the Earth’s surface. Temperatures exceeding 1300 degrees Celsius and pressures of 50,000 atmospheres are required to turn a carbon source into carbon atoms that start to form into a rough diamond crystal.

CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition)is a process whereby a hydrocarbon gas is placed into a vacuum chamber over a tiny diamond seed. Carbon gases are heated to 800º Celsius, causing them to break apart from their carbon atoms, which then form on top of the diamond seed, slowly growing into a rough diamond crystal. 

It can take 3-6 weeks to grow a lab-grown diamond rough, although it may take longer.

Yes. When using a diamond tester, lab-grown diamonds test as real because their physical and chemical properties are identical to those of mined diamonds.

No—that is why the most reputable grading labs (ie, GIA, HRD, IGI) will also grade lab-grown diamonds for their colour, clarity and cut.

Lab-grown diamonds only make up about 15% of all diamonds in the market. This means that they are still relatively rare within the industry.

Fun fact: Laboratory-grown diamonds were invented by General Electric in the 1950s and have been responsible for significant industrial advancements in telecommunications, optics, and healthcare.