Lab Grown Diamond

Lab-grown diamonds are created using two advanced methods that replicate the natural diamond formation process: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). 

With High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT), all it takes is a few days to a few weeks to grow a diamond, depending on the desired size. The process mimics the natural conditions under which diamonds form deep within the Earth. A diamond seed is placed with carbon and metal catalysts inside a pressurised chamber before being subjected to extreme temperatures (1300–1600°C) and pressures (5–6 GPa) — similar to the pressure of a commercial aircraft engine.

Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) uses carbon-rich gases in a vacuum chamber to grow diamonds layer by layer on diamond seed plates. The overall process operates at lower pressures and moderate temperatures (700–1300°C) and typically takes less time (around 4-6 weeks, depending on the size of the diamond.) 

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to natural diamonds. The only reliable way to distinguish between the two is through a grading report from a reputable gemological laboratory or using specialised equipment.

Leading institutions like IGI will laser-inscribe lab-grown diamonds with labels such as “LABGROWN,” along with the report number. Although these inscriptions are invisible to the naked eye, we would be happy to show you your diamond’s inscription number using our magnifying equipment if you visit us in person. This excludes diamonds with a bezel setting, where the inscription is hidden from view. 

Lab-grown diamonds are certified and graded using the same rigorous standards applied to natural diamonds. Leading gemological laboratories in the lab-grown sector, like IGI (International Gemological Institute), issue grading reports that assess the diamond based on its carat, colour, clarity, and cut to ensure consistency and transparency. 

Each grading report clearly states that the diamond is laboratory-grown and also identifies the method of formation, whether it was created using High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). The report will also disclose if any post-growth treatments have been applied to the diamond, or note if a treatment status could not be determined.

IGI laser-inscribes each lab-grown diamond with “LABGROWN” to help distinguish it from natural stones. In terms of documentation, IGI offers both digital and printed grading reports. These confirm the diamond’s quality, specifications, and lab-grown origin — giving you full confidence in your stone’s authenticity and characteristics.

At the moment, we only offer IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds. This ensures you receive full transparency through the traditional 4Cs grading system — carat, colour, clarity, and cut.

GIA recently announced that it will be phasing out 4Cs grading for lab-grown diamonds by the end of 2025. Instead, lab-grown diamonds will be categorised more broadly as “Premium,” “Standard,” or left ungraded. As this new system offers less detail, we’ve chosen to continue working with IGI for now, so you can make fully informed decisions when selecting your stone.

Diamond simulants — sometimes marketed as imitation or “synthetic diamonds” — are fundamentally different from lab-grown diamonds. While lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural diamonds, simulants are generally low-cost, mass-produced alternatives that mimic the appearance of diamonds. They are not considered precious gemstones and do not possess the same brilliance, fire, or durability.

Though simulants may appear similar at first glance, they lack the hardness of diamonds and will show signs of wear and dullness over time. Common simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite have different refractive indices and optical properties, making them noticeably different from real diamonds under closer inspection.