What are lab grown diamonds?

Diamonds are traditionally representative of love, luxury, and foreverness. But over the last several years, lab grown diamonds have become extremely popular, and for good reason. They are new! They are ethical! They are purchased at a lower price point than mined diamonds! Most people are still asking: Are they real? How are they made? Should I buy one?

Let us take a look at everything you need to know about lab grown diamonds.

How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?

Rose Gold Princes Lab Grown Diamond Earrings

Lab vs Nature

Mined/ natural diamonds are formed under high heat and pressure deep in the Earth’s crust over billions of years. Lab grown diamonds are manufactured in sophisticated laboratories that create the same conditions as the mined ones, only faster.

There are two primary methods (actually there are ways to improve CVD, but just keep it simple for now):

CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) Method

In this method, a small diamond "seed" is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. The gases are heated and the carbon attaches itself to the seed, creating a diamond over many weeks, layer by layer.

HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) Method

The diamond seed is subjected to extremely high pressure and temperature (approximating natural conditions inside the Earth). The carbon melts around the diamond seed, and as it cools, the carbon crystallizes into a diamond.

How long does it take to grow?

Depending on the size and method, a lab grown diamond can grow in as little as 6–10 weeks. Compare this to millions or billions of years in nature!

Read more: Difference Between Lab Grown Diamond and Natural Diamond? A Guide

Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds

Gold Auric Lab Grown Diamond Pendant- Heer by GIVA

Composition: Both diamonds are made of pure carbon and have the same crystal structure.

Physical Properties: They have the same hardness (10 on Mohs scale) and the same brilliance and fire.

Visual Differences: There is no visual difference to the naked eye, and even expert jewellers require special equipment to distinguish between diamonds.

Which One is Better?

Both diamonds are real diamonds, but lab grown diamonds are usually considered to be better value because they are more ethical, more affordable, and are more sustainable.

Read more: What are the Pros and Cons of Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?

Yes. Lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They are not imitations like cubic zirconia or moissanite. While both look similar, cubic zirconia and moissanite have a different composition and properties. Lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in all of their respective properties and composition with the only difference being their origin.

Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds

Ethical – No conflict mining or exploitation of human labor.

Affordable – Usually between 30 to 40% less than mined diamonds of the same quality.

Customisable – Lab grown diamonds are easier to get into different cuts, sizes, and designs according to your preference.

Eco-friendly – Lab grown diamonds are produced with far less environmental damage than mined diamonds.

Read more: Lab Diamonds vs Mined Diamonds: Cost Comparison

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Certified?

Yes! Lab grown diamonds receive certification from reputable gemological institutes just like natural diamonds.

- SGL (Solitaire Gemmological Laboratories Ltd.)

- IGI (International Gemological Institute)

They are graded on the same 4 Cs:

- Cut - how well the diamond encapsulates light

- Clarity - appears visually clear and no flaws

- Colour - colourless to yellow

- Carat - is the diamond weight

Check out the stunning Heer by GIVA lab grown diamond earrings, and get the best one for you.

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Retain Their Value?

Made With 14K Gold And Lab Grown Diamonds

Resale value: Mined diamonds will typically hold a higher resale value, but lab grown diamonds do redeem themselves.

Return on Investment: In recent times, lab grown diamonds are normally purchased as an investment. They are also the best deal for personal jewellery.

The sentimental value: Lab grown diamonds have the same value for engagements, weddings, or gifts as mined diamonds.

Read more: The Rise of Lab Grown Diamonds in Modern Jewellery

How to Select the Right Lab Grown Diamond?

Selecting a fine lab grown diamond can be a fantastic experience, but with the many options available, it can be useful to know what matters most. Here are the main steps to help you:

1. Budget & Size

First, figure out your budget. The opportunity is that lab grown diamonds are usually 30–40% cheaper than natural diamonds which likely enables you to buy a much bigger stone for your budget. For example, if you were considering a 1.0 carat natural diamond, that same budget could likely buy you a 1.5–2.0 carat lab grown diamond of the same quality. This is a great feature about lab grown diamonds because you can emphasize either size, or quality; whichever is more important to you.

2. The 4Cs

The 4Cs; cut, clarity, colour, and carat, set by GIA, are still commonly accepted as the universal standard for evaluating diamonds. The cut drives how much brilliance and sparkle your stone will have. Clarity means how free the diamond is from internal flaws or inclusions. Colour's value goes from the colourless stone which is the rarest and most valuable, moving down to slightly tinted, and then lower value colours. Carat measures the weight of the diamond; it does not determine a diamond's physical size; diamonds with equal carat weight can have totally different sizes. The benefit to you, the consumer, with lab grown diamonds is that you can typically get a better combination or mix overall of the 4Cs within your budget.

3. Select a Metal Colour

The metal chosen for your jewellery can have a big impact on the overall effect of the piece. White gold pairs really well with the sparkle of a clear, colourless diamond. Yellow gold has a warm colour and is more traditional. Rose gold has a romantic, modern feel to it. Finding the right metal colour to pair with your diamond will help to make sure that your jewellery piece reflects your individual style.

4. Purchase your diamond from an Authorised Jeweller

Lastly, it is always best practice to buy from a reputable jeweller who will provide certification for their lab grown diamonds. Certification from GIA or IGI certifies that the diamond is real and of a certain quality. This step is always important to make sure the diamond is real, ethically sourced, and fairly priced.

By following these steps, you can feel confident that you are selecting a lab grown diamond which is right for your personal style, and budget, and ensures that it is in line with your values. You can now check the GIVA lab grown diamonds collection featuring stunning jewellery designs and shine guilt-free!

Read more: Diamond Cut Guide: Explore Popular Shapes & Their Brilliance

Lab grown diamonds offer beauty, ethical sourcing,and affordability all at the same time, and are a fantastic option for modern consumers. Lab grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds, but are more affordable and environmentally friendly.

At GIVA, we make sure that every lab grown diamond goes through a thorough certification and quality check process so that nothing you receive is less than perfect. Each piece is graded by the 4Cs; so you can see the brilliance of the purchase knowing that it is 100% real. GIVA works with reputable gemological institutes such as GIA and IGI to give transparency and trust for every piece you buy.

However, quality is just one side of the equation. GIVA also emphasises creating jewellery that upgrades your lifestyle. The collections offer everything from classic solitaire engagement rings to chic diamond studs that can be worn everyday. Every piece is designed to be functional, fashionable, and durable. Whether you are dressing up for a special night out or adding a bit of sparkle and shine to your everyday wear. GIVA lab grown diamond jewellery is designed to shine with you.

With modern craftsmanship, ethical sourcing and timeless designs, GIVA makes sure that you do not have to choose between luxury and accessibility.