Education/Diamonds & Stones
Lab Grown Diamonds
The short answer
What is a lab grown diamond, and is it a real diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond. It has the same chemical composition and crystal structure as a mined diamond, with the same hardness and optical properties. The difference is its origin. A lab grown diamond is created using advanced technology rather than forming underground over geological time.
How is a lab grown diamond made?
01 · Where it starts
It begins with a seed
Every lab grown diamond starts with a thin slice of diamond called a diamond seed. Placed inside a growth chamber, the seed becomes the foundation for new diamond material to grow onto, building the same crystal structure found in a mined diamond.
The growth process uses carbon to form diamond around the seed. Once growth is complete, the rough diamond is cut and polished into its finished form.
Under a loupe, on a certificate, and on your hand, they are the same stone.
02 · How are lab grown diamonds made?
CVD and HPHT
Lab grown diamonds are produced using two established methods: CVD and HPHT.
CVD, or chemical vapour deposition, grows diamond from a carbon containing gas inside a controlled chamber. Carbon is deposited onto the diamond seed as the crystal grows.
HPHT, or high pressure high temperature, uses extremely high pressure and temperature to create the conditions required for diamond growth. A diamond seed is placed into the growth environment alongside a carbon source.
Both methods produce real diamonds. The resulting diamonds can then be cut, polished and independently graded.
The growth method is recorded on the diamond's laboratory report, so you can see how your diamond was created.
03 · How is a lab grown diamond graded?
Cut, graded and certified
A lab grown diamond is graded using the same 4 Cs framework used to describe mined diamonds: cut, colour, clarity and carat.
After growth, the rough diamond is cut and polished before being submitted to an independent gemmological laboratory such as IGI for grading.
At Amarii, centre stones of 1.00 carat and above carry an IGI report. The report identifies the diamond as laboratory grown and records its grading information, including the growth method.
You see that report before your ring is made, so you can review the diamond you have chosen.
04 · What is the difference between lab grown and mined diamonds?
Origin, not identity
Lab grown and mined diamonds are both diamonds. The fundamental difference is where and how they formed.
A mined diamond formed underground over geological time. A lab grown diamond is created in a controlled environment using CVD or HPHT technology.
For many people, lab grown offers the opportunity to choose a larger or higher grade diamond within the same budget. The right choice depends on your preferences, priorities and budget.
Lab grown is at the heart of Amarii. Our focus is on selecting diamonds that meet our Amarii Curated criteria, regardless of size or shape.
Frequently asked questions about lab grown diamonds
Is a lab grown diamond a real diamond?
Yes. A lab grown diamond is a real diamond with the same fundamental chemical composition and crystal structure as a mined diamond. It is not a simulant or imitation.
Are lab grown diamonds made from glass or another material?
No. A lab grown diamond is made from carbon and has the crystal structure of diamond. It is fundamentally different from simulants such as cubic zirconia or moissanite.
What is the difference between CVD and HPHT?
CVD grows diamond from a carbon containing gas in a controlled chamber. HPHT uses high pressure and high temperature to create conditions for diamond growth. Both methods produce genuine diamonds.
Does an IGI report identify a lab grown diamond?
Yes. An IGI report for a lab grown diamond identifies it as laboratory grown and provides information about its grading and growth method.
Are lab grown diamonds cheaper than mined diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are generally available at lower prices than mined diamonds of comparable specifications. Pricing varies according to the diamond's characteristics, size and market conditions.
Does Amarii sell mined diamonds?
No. Amarii works only with lab grown stones: lab grown diamonds, lab grown coloured diamonds and lab grown gemstones.
Where to explore next
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