Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition (pure carbon), the same crystal structure, and the same optical properties as diamonds formed deep within the Earth over billions of years. The only difference is their origin.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
There are two primary methods for creating lab-grown diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). Both replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form, producing stones that are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds.
In the HPHT process, a small diamond seed is placed in carbon and subjected to extreme pressure and heat. The carbon melts and forms a diamond around the seed. CVD uses a gas mixture in a vacuum chamber, where carbon atoms deposit onto the seed crystal layer by layer.
Lab-Grown vs Mined Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same criteria as mined diamonds — the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight). They receive the same certifications from laboratories like the IGI (International Gemological Institute).
The key differences are ethical and environmental. Lab-grown diamonds don't require mining, which means no large-scale land disruption, no community displacement, and a significantly lower carbon footprint. They also typically cost 30-40% less than comparable mined diamonds.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They are real diamonds in every measurable way. Even expert gemologists cannot distinguish them from mined diamonds without specialised equipment. Your IGI certificate will note the diamond as laboratory-grown.
Why Choose Lab-Grown?
For many couples, lab-grown diamonds represent a thoughtful choice that aligns with their values. You get the same brilliance, fire, and durability as a mined diamond, with complete transparency about where your stone came from and how it was made. At Savoir-Faire, every lab-grown diamond comes with full IGI certification.