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Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. A lab-grown diamond is chemically, physically and optically identical to a mined diamond. It is the same crystal of pure carbon, with the same hardness and the same fire. The only difference is origin: one forms in the earth over millions of years, the other in a controlled environment over weeks. Both are graded on the same 4Cs by GIA and IGI.

How are lab-grown diamonds made?

Two methods are used. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) recreates the heat and pressure under which diamonds form in the earth. Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) grows the crystal layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas. Both produce gem-quality stones that are then cut and polished exactly as a natural diamond would be.

How much less expensive are lab-grown diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 50 to 7% less per carat than a natural diamond of equivalent grade. That lets the same budget reach a larger or higher-quality stone, which is why many clients choose lab-grown for a bigger centre stone or a more intricate setting.

Are lab-grown diamonds certified?

Yes. We supply lab-grown diamonds with GIA or IGI certification on every centre stone, graded on the same cut, colour, clarity and carat scales as natural stones. The certificate clearly identifies the stone as laboratory-grown, so you always know exactly what you are buying.

Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value?

Lab-grown diamonds have a lower resale value than natural diamonds. If a stone's long-term value matters most to you, a natural diamond is the better choice; if maximum size and sparkle for your budget matters most, lab-grown is hard to beat. We set out the trade-offs honestly so the choice is yours.

Shop Lab Grown Diamonds

In a laboratory setting, lab-grown diamonds are formed through a process that emulates the natural growth of diamonds. Although they possess the same visual, chemical, and physical properties as natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds typically cost less than mined diamonds of equivalent quality.

Lab-Grown Diamonds, Explained

A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. It is the same crystal of pure carbon as a mined stone, with the same hardness, the same brilliance and the same fire. The only difference is where it began. For couples who want the largest, brightest stone their budget allows, a lab-grown diamond is one of the most rewarding choices we offer.

How a lab-grown diamond is made

Two methods produce gem-quality diamonds in weeks rather than the millions of years a natural stone takes. High Pressure High Temperature recreates the conditions deep in the earth, while Chemical Vapour Deposition builds the crystal layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas. Both yield rough crystals that are then cut and polished by hand exactly as a mined diamond would be.

Lab-grown and natural, side by side

Place a lab-grown and a natural diamond of the same grade together and no eye, and no loupe, can tell them apart. They are graded on the same four measures, cut, colour, clarity and carat, by the same laboratories. Our guide to the 4Cs of diamonds explains how those grades shape a stone.

  • Identical to the eye and the instrument. Same refractive index, same dispersion, same scratch resistance.
  • Typically 50 to 70% less per carat. The same budget reaches a larger or higher-graded stone.
  • Lower resale value. If long-term value matters most, a natural diamond holds it better.

Certification you can verify

GIA or IGI certification is available on every centre stone we set, lab-grown or natural, graded on the same scales and clearly identifying its origin. The certificate can be verified online, and the finished ring is hallmarked at the London Assay Office.

Designing with a lab-grown diamond

Because a lab-grown stone gives you more carat for your budget, it suits designs where size or detail leads: a generous solitaire, a wider band, or a setting with pavé or a halo. We help you decide where to spend, draw the ring in CAD, and finish it by hand at our Hatton Garden bench. Settings start from £800 and complete bespoke engagement rings from £1,500. To compare certified stones sourced to your brief, book a free consultation.

A lab-grown diamond is the same carbon as a mined one. Only its beginning is different.

On lab-grown diamonds

Shop Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

Shop lab-grown diamond engagement rings

In a laboratory setting, lab-grown diamonds are formed through a process that emulates the natural growth of diamonds. Although they possess the same visual, chemical, and physical properties as natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds typically cost less than mined diamonds of equivalent quality.

Begin Your Bespoke Journey

Visit our Hatton Garden studio or arrange a private video consultation with our design team.

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