Diamonds have always been the absolute epitome of beauty and desire: but people and our planet have heavily paid the price of their mining. But now, thanks to incredible advances in technology, we’re able to grow diamonds in labs – beauty made by science, not shovels.
But what exactly does that mean? If your knowledge of lab-grown diamonds is somewhere between “heard about them on TikTok” and “is that even real?”, we’ve got you covered.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: The Basics #
Let’s start with the headline: lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Not “diamond-like,” not “cubic zirconia in a fancy outfit,” but chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. If you handed one to a gemologist without their very expensive equipment, they wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
How is that possible? Well, lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced processes that replicate the exact conditions under which diamonds form naturally. It’s like recreating the Earth’s diamond-making recipe but in a controlled environment (and on a much faster timeline – weeks, instead of millions of years).
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made? #
There are two main methods for growing diamonds in a lab:
HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature): #
Mimics the way diamonds form naturally underground, using a high pressure and high temperature environment. A tiny diamond seed is placed in a chamber, surrounded by carbon, and subjected to extreme conditions until the carbon crystallises into a diamond.
CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition): #
This is more of the “modern science” approach. A diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber, where carbon gas is introduced and turned into plasma. The carbon atoms layer themselves onto the seed, building a diamond atom by atom.
Both methods result in stunning, genuine diamonds. The main difference is how they grow and the type of lab environment they require.
What’s the Difference Between Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds? #
The short answer: nothing, really. Lab-grown and mined diamonds are identical in their structure and sparkle. But there are some key distinctions worth noting:
The Origin: Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled settings without the environmental destruction or ethical concerns of traditional diamond mining.
The Cost: Because they don’t involve digging up vast amounts of earth or navigating supply chains, lab-grown diamonds are usually 40–80% more affordable than their mined counterparts.
The Ethics: Lab-grown diamonds are free from the murky supply chains and ethical concerns often associated with mining. No deforestation, no human exploitation, no guilt.
Why Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond? #
Lab-grown diamonds have shaken up the jewellery world for good reason:
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They’re Kind to the Planet: Traditional diamond mining can cause deforestation, soil erosion, and even displace communities. Lab-grown diamonds? None of that. They’re a far cleaner, greener choice.
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They’re Budget-Friendly: Want a bigger or higher-quality stone without maxing out your credit card? Lab-grown diamonds give you more sparkle for your spend.
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They’re Identical to Mined Diamonds: You don’t have to sacrifice quality. Lab-grown diamonds are every bit as dazzling, durable, and brilliant.
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They’re a Statement of Modern Values: Lab-grown diamonds are perfect for those who value innovation, sustainability, and ethical practices—without compromising on beauty.
What About Quality? #
Lab-grown diamonds are evaluated using the same standards as mined diamonds. This ensures you’re getting a stone that’s as stunning and high-quality as you’d expect.
And if you’re worried about lab-grown diamonds being “less durable,” rest assured – they’re just as tough. (On the Mohs scale – on which the hardness of minerals is classified – diamonds sit at a solid 10, whether they’re mined or lab-grown.)
Do They Look Different? #
The short answer: nope. Lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from mined diamonds to the naked eye. The only thing that sets them apart is their origin (and the feel-good factor of knowing your diamond hasn’t left a trail of destruction!)
Who Are Lab-Grown Diamonds For? #
Lab-grown diamonds are perfect for everyone, literally everyone. They work if you want a unique, ethical stone to match your values, they work if you want stunning quality without the jaw-dropping price tag, and they truly are the environmentally conscious option for those who want to say “yes” to beauty and sparkles while saying “no” to harming people and the planet.
What We Believe #
Lab-grown diamonds aren’t just an alternative to mined diamonds – they’re the future of luxury jewellery. At Adamas Studio, we specialise in helping couples (and singles!)find diamonds that match their values and their sparkle. Whether you’re after a timeless classic or a bold, modern design, we’ll craft a ring that’s as unique as you.