Lab grown diamonds FAQ

The recent advancements in the technology used to create diamonds have revolutionised the diamond industry forever. Lab grown diamonds have become a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewellery due to their competitive pricing. Customers are also becoming increasingly environmentally friendly and ethically conscious in their day to day life, and lab grown diamonds alleviate many concerns people have in these areas, making lab grown their go to choice when buying diamonds. ForeverYours has compiled an FAQ to help answer the many questions people have regarding lab grown diamonds.

Are Lab grown diamonds the same as real diamonds?

The chemical, physical and optical attributes of lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds. A lab grown diamond can certainly be considered a ‘real diamond’ as the technology used to make them mimics the process that occurs to make natural diamonds. The only difference is that lab grown diamonds will be cheaper than natural ones, making them a great choice for budget conscious buyers. 

How are lab grown diamonds made?

There are two processes that can create lab grown diamonds for jewelry: HPHT and CVD.

HPHT stands for High Pressure/High Temperature. This process mimics the natural environment that is required to produce a natural diamond by subjecting carbon to high temperature and high pressure. This method requires a lot of energy.

CVD stands for Chemical Vapor Deposition. This process mixes hydrogen and methane gas in a chamber with a seed crystal. Microwave power heats the chamber to a high temperature which causes the gases to react and grow a diamond on the seed. This method has become more common in recent years as technology has advanced and higher quality diamonds can be made.

Do Lab grown diamonds have the sparkle as natural diamonds?

As long as the lab grown diamond has a high quality cut, the diamond will sparkle just like a natural diamond.

Is it more ethical to purchase lab grown diamonds?

The fact that lab grown diamonds are more ethical because they are not mined overseas in poor working conditions and don't have an unsustainable impact on the environment are contributing factors as to why many people are choosing to purchase lab grown diamonds. When buying diamonds many people consider whether a diamond is a ‘blood diamond’ which is mined overseas in a 3rd world country without any consideration to human rights. Lab grown diamonds have a significantly lessened impact on the environment as they are grown in the lab without doing the damage caused from mining the earth. 

Why do lab grown diamonds have many different names online?

There are a few different names used: Lab grown diamonds, lab created diamonds, lab made diamonds, cultured diamonds, synthetic diamonds, created diamonds. They are all the same and all refer to diamonds made in laboratories. 

Can I tell the difference between Lab grown and Natural diamonds?

The visual attributes between the two are impossible to recognise to the naked eye. However, there are two small tell tale details you can look out for. Many lab grown diamonds have tiny laser inscriptions along the horizontal girdle of the diamond. You can look for the inscription with a magnifying glass. Lab grown diamonds can also have a lab report number inscription, which you can enter on the manufacturers website to get information about the diamond. If there is no inscription, only a major gemological laboratory will be able to tell you whether the diamond is mined or created. 

Can a jeweller tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds will have an identical appearance compared to a natural diamond, so some jewellers will not be able to tell the difference unless they have gemological training and know to check the diamond closely with a microscope to see whether it has inscriptions on it. 

Can a diamond tester detect whether a diamond is lab grown?

Lab grown diamonds have the same electrical and thermal conductivity as natural diamonds, so they will pass the diamond tester. 

Is buying a lab grown diamond considered the “cheap” option?

Some people may be concerned that their partner will think of them as ‘cheap’ for purchasing a lab grown diamond instead of the real thing. Others will say that a diamond is a diamond whether it comes from a lab or the ground and that it doesn't matter. Many people prefer lab grown diamonds because of environmental and ethical reasons. Attitudes towards diamonds are rapidly changing, over half of the people aged 21-40 who are shopping for diamond engagement rings are willing to consider lab grown diamonds. This is due to the discounted prices that lab grown diamonds offer whilst looking exactly the same. With lower prices and guaranteed ethical sourcing, buying lab grown diamonds is the modern and practical choice.

Is a lab grown diamond just a fake diamond?

The Lab grown diamonds that we are capable of producing today are nothing like fake diamonds. In the past, fake diamonds were originally made with glass, which is not very durable and doesn't sparkle the same way as a diamond so you could tell it was fake. Other popular diamond imitations like cubic zirconia, natural zircon or topaz gems are more likely to chip than Lab grown diamonds. Lab grown diamonds have none of the issues that fake diamonds have, they are just as durable and sparkle like natural diamonds. 

Do lab grown diamonds get cloudy?

Lab grown diamonds have a good clarity rating, so just like a high quality natural diamond, they won't get cloudy.  

Why do some lab diamonds come in colours?

Having the option for coloured diamonds is a significant bonus for lab grown diamonds. Fancy coloured diamonds are some of the most sought after diamonds, and can be some of the most expensive ones. Pink diamonds for example, are famously remarkable and always in demand. Buying a nice coloured diamond ring just isn't a realistic option for many peoples budgets, but with the advancements in technology, lab grown diamonds have made it possible for you to get a nice colour, cut and size at an affordable price.