Diamond Guide

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds (also known as synthetic diamonds, man-made diamonds, or cultured diamonds) are diamonds produced in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technology, mimicking the natural processes that form diamonds deep within the Earth.

Unlike natural diamonds, which are formed over millions of years under intense pressure and heat, lab-grown diamonds are created within weeks to months through two primary methods:

  1. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): Replicates natural diamond-growing conditions.
  2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): Uses a gas mixture to deposit carbon atoms on a seed.

Both methods produce diamonds that are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds.

Physical, Chemical & Visual Comparison

Lab-grown and mined diamonds have identical chemical composition and physical properties. They look the same to the naked eye and are indistinguishable without advanced testing.

How to Tell the Difference

  • No visible difference to the naked eye.
  • Gemological tools may detect growth patterns or inclusions.
  • Certification (GIA, IGI, GCAL) clearly mentions origin.

Understanding the 4Cs

Diamond Cut: The Key to Sparkle

Diamond cut refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and faceted from its rough form. The cut determines how much light it reflects—its brilliance.

Cut Grades

  1. Excellent – Ideal proportions, maximum brilliance.
  2. Very Good – Nearly excellent with minor differences.
  3. Good – Acceptable sparkle, less brilliance.
  4. Fair – Noticeable light leakage.
  5. Poor – Lacks brilliance due to poor proportions.

Factors Influencing Cut

  1. Proportions: Angles, table, and depth determine light reflection.
  2. Symmetry: Alignment of facets affects sparkle.
  3. Polish: Smoothness enhances brilliance.

Diamond Clarity

Clarity refers to internal inclusions and external blemishes. Fewer imperfections mean higher clarity and value.

Clarity Grades

  • FL – Flawless
  • IF – Internally Flawless
  • VVS1/VVS2 – Very, Very Slightly Included
  • VS1/VS2 – Very Slightly Included
  • SI1/SI2 – Slightly Included
  • I1/I2/I3 – Included

Diamond Color

Diamond color ranges from colorless (D) to light yellow/brown (Z).

  • D–F: Colorless
  • G–H: Near Colorless
  • I–J: Faint Color
  • K–Z: Light Yellow/Brown

Diamond Carat Weight

Carat weight measures diamond size (1 carat = 200 mg). Larger diamonds are rarer but value depends on cut, color, and clarity too.