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A laboratory-grown diamond, often called a lab-grown or lab-created diamond, is a diamond grown by people rather than formed in the earth. It is made of carbon in the same crystal structure as a natural diamond, so it has the same hardness, brilliance and fire. Zarna Jewels works only with laboratory-grown diamonds, grown with the CVD process and cut and polished by our parent company, Sheladiya Diamond, in Surat.
What is a laboratory-grown diamond?
It is a diamond in every physical and chemical sense: carbon atoms arranged in a diamond crystal. It is not a simulant such as cubic zirconia or moissanite, which are different materials that only look like diamond. The one difference from a natural diamond is its origin, so it must always be described as laboratory-grown (or with a phrase of the same meaning) when it is sold, and its grading report states that origin.
How CVD diamonds are grown
- The seed: growing starts from a thin, flat slice of diamond.
- The chamber: the seed is placed in a sealed chamber with carbon-rich gas, which is energised into a plasma.
- Growth: carbon atoms settle on the seed and build up layer by layer into a rough diamond over several weeks.
- Finishing: some diamonds are given a treatment after growth to improve their colour; a grading report notes this.
- Cutting and polishing: the rough diamond is planned, cut and polished exactly like a natural diamond, then graded.
The other growing method, HPHT (high pressure, high temperature), recreates the heat and pressure of the earth’s mantle in a press.
Why choose a laboratory-grown diamond?
A larger or finer diamond for your budget
A laboratory-grown diamond costs much less than a natural diamond of the same size and grade, so you can choose a bigger stone, a better grade or a more detailed setting.
The same beauty and durability
It is cut and polished in the same way and has the same brilliance, fire and hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), so it is just as suitable for an engagement ring worn every day.
A supply chain you can follow
Our diamonds are grown, cut, polished and set within our own business in Surat, so we know where every stone comes from.
How laboratory-grown diamonds are graded
They are graded on the same 4Cs as natural diamonds: cut, colour, clarity and carat. You can add an IGI report for your diamond at checkout. It records the 4Cs and measurements, states that the diamond is laboratory-grown, notes any treatment after growth and has a report number you can check on IGI’s website; the number is often laser-inscribed on the diamond’s edge. Learn the grading scales in our diamond guide.
What to check before you buy
- The cut: it matters most for sparkle. Aim for Excellent or Very Good.
- The report: an independent report such as IGI confirms the grades and origin.
- The metal: look for hallmarked gold or silver. See hallmarking.
- The aftercare: returns, resizing and guarantees. We offer 30-day returns, free resizing within 30 days and a lifetime manufacturing guarantee.
- Buying to wear: like most jewellery, a laboratory-grown diamond is best chosen for the joy of wearing it rather than as an investment.
Laboratory-grown and natural diamonds compared
Both are carbon in the same crystal, with the same hardness and optical properties, and look identical to the eye. Natural diamonds formed over billions of years and are mined; laboratory-grown diamonds are grown in weeks and cost much less. Read the full comparison in our natural diamond guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a laboratory-grown diamond a diamond?
Yes. It is carbon in a diamond crystal, with the same properties as a natural diamond; only the origin differs, and it must be described as laboratory-grown.
Will it test as a diamond?
Yes. Standard diamond testers identify it as diamond. Only a gem laboratory’s specialist equipment can tell its origin.
Does a laboratory-grown diamond go cloudy or change colour?
No. Like any diamond it is stable; it only looks dull when it is dirty, and a gentle clean restores its sparkle. See our care guide.
How long does it take to grow one?
Growing a rough diamond takes several weeks, followed by cutting, polishing and grading.
Questions about a particular stone? Book a video consultation to see diamonds on camera, or email care@zarnajewels.com.
