Laboratory Grown Diamonds

They are Real Diamonds 

Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to mined diamonds. Even a Jeweller or Gemmologist cannot tell the difference without specialised testing equipment.

Value for Money

You can purchase a larger and higher quality lab grown diamond at a fraction of the cost of a natural diamond.

Eco-Friendly

In general, lab grown diamonds are considered a better option as they don’t create the same level of environmental damage as mining for natural diamonds.

What is a Laboratory Grown Diamond?

A lab grown diamond is a real diamond which is created in a laboratory using processes which replicate the same growing conditions of diamonds that are produced in the earth.  

There are two major processes used to create a lab grown diamond: High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD).  Both methods begin with a “seed” which is a diamond slice about as thick as a human hair. 

HPHT -A seed is placed amid pure graphite carbon and subjected to extreme temperature and pressure, which replicates the conditions deep within the earth where natural diamonds form. This process forms layers to the diamond over several days.

CVD – A diamond seed is placed into a vacuum chamber which is filled with carbon-rich gases and then heated to extreme temperature. Layers of carbon will begin to form around the seed diamond, growing a more substantial one.  

Due to these highly controlled creation processes, lab grown diamonds tend to have a higher quality than their natural counterparts.  

A CVD (left), HPHT (middle) and natural diamond crystal (right). The CVD diamond is edged in carbon from the growth process.

Image source: Gemological Institute of America Inc. www.4cs.gia.edu

Grading and Certification

Lab diamonds are graded on the same scale of Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat Weight as natural diamonds. At Class A, we source lab grown diamonds which have been certified by leading diamond laboratories IGI (International Gemological Institute) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America). Lab grown diamonds are laser inscribed on the girdle of the stone with the certificate number and a reference to being lab grown.

An example of what the inscription on a lab grown diamond may look like.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of lab grown diamonds compares favourably to mined diamonds, with natural diamond mining known to be responsible for the pollution of water sources and the destruction of natural habitats. 

Lab diamonds aren’t without their disadvantages either, with some producers sourcing their energy via fuel-based electricity from the grid. However, it is hoped that soon all producers will move to sustainable energy sources such as hydropower and solar. 

 

Value

It is considered that mined diamonds will hold their value better than lab diamonds because there is a limited supply. Lab grown diamonds can be manufactured in unlimited quantities, so they are not considered rare or as valuable. However, just as mined diamonds have re-sale value, so do lab grown diamonds, with both having a similar resale value as part of the original sale price. 

Most importantly, people do not buy a diamond for its investment value. It is an emotional purchase and that is where its true value lies!  


Key Benefits

  • Lab diamonds offer the same beauty, with all the fire, scintillation, and sparkle as a mined diamond. 
  • Lab diamonds are considerably less expensive than mined diamonds. You can save 30-40% on your diamond simply by choosing lab grown.   
  • They are still real diamonds. With the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as a mined diamond, it is impossible to tell them apart without specialised testing equipment. 
  • Lab grown diamonds are not mined from the earth and are therefore considered a more environmentally sustainable option than mined diamonds.  

 

We believe everyone should have the freedom to choose from a range of diamonds for their engagement ring or jewellery. We carefully source both natural and lab grown diamonds so you can see for yourself just how beautiful both these gemstones really are.