Lab Grown Diamonds: Man-Made Wonders
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. Even trained jewellers cannot reliably distinguish between them without specialised equipment. Only advanced gemological laboratories have the tools necessary to differentiate laboratory grown diamonds from natural ones.
Because they are visually indistinguishable, institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America laser-inscribe the girdle of every certified lab grown diamond to indicate that it was created in a laboratory. Even this stamp is something that can only be viewed with a microscope.
The History
Like alchemy, the attempt to generate diamonds under laboratory conditions has a long history. The first major break-through came in 1773 when chemist Antoine Lavoisier discovered that the crystal structure of diamonds was linked to carbon. From then on, the race began to convert cheaper forms of carbon into diamonds.
Nineteenth-century experiments — most notably those by James Ballantyne Hannay and Ferdinand Frédéric Henri Moissan — involved heating graphite to extremely high temperatures before immersing it in water to induce rapid cooling. The theory was that this sudden cooling process would replicate the immense pressure conditions found within the Earth’s mantle, where natural diamonds form. Whether Hannay or Moissan truly succeeded in creating diamonds remains uncertain: they believed they had, while most scientists remain unconvinced.
The first verifiable laboratory grown diamond was produced by the Swedish company ASEA in 1953. From there, companies and researchers around the world began developing synthetic stones. These early lab grown diamonds, while chemically identical to natural diamonds, were not especially attractive and often displayed a yellow-brown hue with numerous inclusions.
Over the last few decades, however, lab grown diamonds have improved dramatically — to the point where they are now virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds in appearance and quality. Today, these stones account for approximately 17% of all diamonds sold globally.
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
There are two primary methods used to create lab grown diamonds: HPHT and CVD.
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) is the direct descendant of the nineteenth-century attempts to manufacture diamonds. This method subjects diamond seeds and carbon sources, such as graphite, to extremely high pressure and temperature, replicating the conditions found within the Earth.
CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) is a more modern and technical process. A diamond seed is placed inside a vacuum chamber, which is heated to a very high temperature. Carbon-rich vapour is then introduced into the chamber and subjected to microwaves, allowing carbon atoms to crystallise layer by layer around the seed. Over time, a fully formed diamond develops.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Expensive?
Lab grown diamonds are significantly less expensive than natural diamonds — often costing around 70–75% less. As the technology behind their production continues to improve, prices are expected to become even more accessible. The advent of lab grown stones means that styles that were previously only available to the ultra-rich are now increasingly affordable to the average consumer.
What About the Environmental Impact?
Lab grown diamonds are generally considered a more sustainable alternative to mined diamonds. While natural diamond mining has faced criticism for environmental damage and human-rights concerns, lab grown diamonds offer a visually identical option with a significantly smaller environmental footprint.
In addition, the growing popularity of lab grown diamonds has contributed to a reduction in demand for newly mined natural diamonds. Hopefully, this reduction of market pressure will help correct some of the industry’s excesses.
Moral of the Story?
Lab grown diamonds are an excellent alternative to natural diamonds. They are more affordable, more environmentally conscious, and visually identical to naturally occurring stones.
At Simpsons, we appreciate all diamonds. Natural diamonds are extraordinary creations of the Earth, while lab grown diamonds are extraordinary creations of human ingenuity. We are happy to offer both lab grown and natural diamonds in a wide range of styles.
