What Are Laboratory-Grown Diamonds?

EVERGROW / IGI LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS

Laboratory-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments that replicate the natural conditions in which diamonds form. By placing a diamond seed into a high-tech laboratory, the diamond gradually grows into a crystal, which is then cut and polished using traditional craftsmanship.
According to G.I.A.'s definition:

Laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical, optical and physical properties and crystal structure as natural diamonds.

Laboratory-grown diamonds appear identical to natural diamonds to the unaided eye

Laboratory-Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds vs. Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia

Laboratory-grown diamonds share the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. Both are composed of pure carbon crystals with a Mohs hardness of 10.
In contrast, moissanite and cubic zirconia have entirely different chemical compositions—silicon carbide and cubic zirconium oxide, respectively—with hardness levels of 9.25 and 8.25.

Visually, laboratory-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from natural diamonds. Even expert gemologists cannot differentiate between the two with the naked eye!
On the other hand, moissanite has an unnaturally clear brilliance and fire, making it easier for the average person to spot the difference.

Similar to how the pearl market evolved to include natural, cultured, and synthetic pearls—with cultured pearls now dominating 90% of the market—laboratory-grown diamonds are set to redefine the jewelry industry. With major global brands increasingly adopting lab-grown diamond jewelry, this trend is shaping up to be the hallmark of 21st-century elegance.

Laboratory-grown diamonds have emerged as a popular alternative, offering the same beauty and properties as mined diamonds, often at a more accessible price point.

4C Standard

Diamond Knowledge Classroom

Laboratory-grown diamonds and mined natural diamonds are graded using the same 4Cs standard:
d

CARAT

Carat refers to the weight of a diamond, often referred to as the diamond's "carat size."
1.00 carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams. The heavier the diamond, the greater its value. When a diamond reaches certain benchmark weights (e.g., 0.5 carats, 1 carat, 2 carats, etc.), its price often increases significantly.
For example, comparing a 1.02-carat diamond with a 0.99-carat diamond, even if both have the same grade, the 1.02-carat diamond will be around 20% more expensive due to reaching the benchmark weight of 1 carat.

Color

The closer a diamond is to being colorless, the rarer and more valuable it is.
A diamond’s color is graded based on the internationally recognized GIA color scale. The color range spans from the most valuable D (Colorless) to the least valuable Z (Light Yellow).

Clarity

Clarity refers to the purity of a diamond. Fewer internal inclusions and external blemishes result in higher clarity and greater value.
Clarity is one of the primary grading factors. Nearly all diamonds have inclusions and blemishes that are not visible to the naked eye and can only be seen under 10x magnification. Laboratories evaluate clarity based on the number, size, location, and visibility of these inclusions. Clarity is categorized into six grades:

Cut

A diamond's brilliance is greatly enhanced or diminished by the quality of its cut.
The "fire" or sparkle of a diamond is heavily influenced by its proportions, symmetry, and polish. Well-cut diamonds reflect the maximum amount of light back to the observer’s eye, creating unparalleled brilliance. Conversely, diamonds that are cut too shallow or too deep allow some light to escape, reducing their sparkle.

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