In recent years, lab-grown diamonds have become increasingly popular in the jewellery market, emerging as a compelling alternative to natural diamonds for many consumers. However, terms like "lab-grown diamond," "man-made diamond," "synthetic diamond," and "CVD diamond" are often used interchangeably—causing confusion for buyers. This guide by Diamond Culture breaks down everything you need to know.
How Many Names Does a Lab Grown Diamond Have?
Lab grown diamonds (also known as Laboratory-Grown Diamonds or LGDs) go by many names depending on the region, brand, or production method:
- Synthetic Diamond
- Man-Made Diamond
- Cultured Diamond
- Future Diamond
- CVD Diamond / HPHT Diamond (named after the specific growth technology)
The Key Point: All of these names refer to the same product. While terminology varies by region and brand, they all describe diamonds grown in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technology that replicates natural processes.
Physical & Chemical Properties: How Do They Compare to Natural Diamonds?
Although lab-grown diamonds are not formed in nature, they possess the exact same chemical composition (pure carbon), crystal structure, and optical properties as natural diamonds.
With a Mohs hardness of 10, they are just as durable as mined diamonds. The two are visually indistinguishable to the naked eye, and even professional gemologists cannot tell them apart using standard tools. Because their composition is identical, they are recognised as "diamonds" by international grading institutions and receive official IGI and GIA grading reports.
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made? CVD vs. HPHT
Natural diamonds take over a billion years to form deep underground under extreme heat and pressure. Lab-grown diamonds, by contrast, are created in a matter of weeks using one of two advanced technologies:
CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition)
Carbon-rich gases are broken down inside a vacuum chamber, depositing carbon atoms layer by layer onto a diamond "seed." CVD diamonds often exhibit exceptional purity and are typically Type IIa.
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
This method replicates the extreme conditions found deep within the Earth, using intense pressure and heat to crystallise carbon. HPHT is a long-standing technology used since the 1950s.
Lab grown diamonds formed via CVD and HPHT methods.
Lab Grown Diamond vs. Natural Diamond vs. Moissanite
Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds share the same chemical composition and crystal structure — both are composed of pure carbon — giving them identical optical and physical properties. They are completely indistinguishable to the naked eye.
Left: Natural diamond. Right: Lab grown diamond.
| Lab Grown Diamond | Natural Diamond | Moissanite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Pure Carbon | Pure Carbon | Silicon Carbide |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 | 10 | 9.25 |
| Visual Appearance | Virtually identical to natural diamond | — | Slightly different |
| IGI / GIA Certified | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Price | ~5–10% of natural diamond | Highest | Lowest |
| Environmental Impact | ✅ Lower carbon footprint | ❌ Mining impacts environment | ✅ |
| Resale Value | Lower | Higher | Lowest |
It is vital to distinguish between a lab-grown diamond and a diamond simulant like Moissanite. While Moissanite may look similar at a glance, its chemical composition is entirely different. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds — the only difference lies in how and where they were formed.
Left: Diamond. Right: Moissanite.
Price Advantage of Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are priced at approximately 5–10% of an equivalent natural diamond — a saving of up to 90%. This means consumers can choose a larger carat weight, higher clarity, or invest more in premium setting craftsmanship—all within the same budget.
Environmental Advantage of Lab Grown Diamonds
Traditional diamond mining involves significant land disruption. Lab-grown diamonds require no mining, resulting in a lower carbon footprint and making them a responsible choice for modern consumers.
Grading Certificates
Because lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds, they are recognised as "diamonds" by international grading institutions and can receive official certification.
- IGI Reports: Follow the standard 4C grading format.
- GIA Reports: From 2025 onwards, GIA updated its lab-grown diamond reports to a “Range Grading” system, no longer providing specific 4C grades. Each lab grown diamond is now assessed as either “Premium” or “Standard” quality.
IGI Laboratory-Grown Diamond Grading Report.
New format of GIA Lab Grown Diamond Report (digital only).
FAQ
Q: Will a lab-grown diamond lose its value?
A: While natural diamonds have higher resale liquidity, lab-grown diamonds offer exceptional purchase value. They are bought for the joy of wearing and the symbolism they carry, allowing you to achieve your dream look for a fraction of the cost.
Q: Which is better — CVD or HPHT?
A: Both methods produce beautiful diamonds. CVD diamonds often have higher purity, while HPHT is a more established technology. We recommend focusing on the 4C grades (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat) and the grading certificate rather than the production method.
Q: Do lab-grown diamonds come with grading certificates?
A: Yes. Both IGI and GIA provide grading reports for lab grown diamonds. IGI's lab grown diamond report follows the same format as natural diamonds, clearly stating all 4C grades. From October 2025, GIA updated its lab grown diamond reports to a “range grading” system, assessing each diamond as either “Premium” or “Standard” quality rather than providing specific 4C grades.
Q: Are lab-grown diamonds suitable for an engagement ring?
A: Absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds are physically and visually identical to natural diamonds, carrying the same timeless symbolism. Choosing a lab-grown diamond allows you to select a larger carat weight and higher quality within the same budget. For those seeking the ultimate in brilliance, we highly recommend our Perfect Hearts Collection — each diamond features a perfect Hearts & Arrows pattern—the ultimate symbol of devotion.
Further Reading
- The Complete Diamond 4C Guide: Cut, Colour, Clarity & Carat
- CVD vs. HPHT: How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
- IGI vs. GIA: What's the Difference Between Grading Reports?
- How to Choose a Lab Grown Diamond Brand: 8 Key Points to Avoid Common Pitfalls
Ready to explore lab grown diamonds? Browse our Diamond Search or book an in-store consultation — our expert team is here to guide you.
