Gem Stone King Blog

September 17, 2025

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds? Facts You Should Know

Also referred to as lab-created, man-made, engineered, or cultured diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds produced through advanced technological processes that replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form deep within the Earth. While natural diamonds take millions of years to develop beneath the Earth, lab-grown diamonds are created in highly controlled laboratory environments using two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

These methods simulate the intense heat and pressure found in the Earth's mantle, where carbon atoms bond together in a crystalline structure to form a diamond. The result is a diamond composed of the same material (pure carbon) as a natural diamond, with the same crystal lattice structure, optical brilliance, and chemical properties. This means that lab-created diamonds are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds, making them indistinguishable to the naked eye.

Because lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory, their growth can be carefully monitored, allowing for greater precision in terms of size, shape, and quality. Additionally, lab diamonds are often considered a more ethical and sustainable choice. They are free from the environmental impact and ethical concerns associated with traditional diamond mining, offering an eco-friendly and conflict-free alternative without compromising on beauty or durability.

In summary, lab-grown diamonds are not just a synthetic alternative, they are real diamonds in every sense. They offer the same exceptional qualities as mined diamonds, but with the added benefits of traceability, sustainability, and a more accessible price point.

How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?

Lab-grown diamonds are created using two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This method simulates the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the Earth. A carbon source, often graphite, is placed in a chamber with metal catalysts. The chamber is then subjected to extreme pressure (around 1.5 million psi) and high temperatures (over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit). Under these conditions, the carbon crystallizes into diamond.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): This technique involves placing a small diamond seed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. The gases are energized, typically through microwave radiation, causing the carbon to deposit onto the seed and gradually grow into a diamond crystal. This method allows for better control over the diamond's characteristics and can produce larger stones.

Both methods result in diamonds that are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds.

How Are Lab Diamonds Certified and Graded?

Lab-grown diamonds are certified the same way natural diamonds are. Gemological graduates at institutions such as the International Gemological Institute (IGI) determine the 4 C's (Cut, Color, clarity, and Carat grades) of individual gemstones before providing a physical or digital report.

Discover our Lab Diamond Jewelry collections

Explore IGI certified lab-grown diamonds set in fine gold, silver, and platinum. These timeless designs bring beauty and confidence to every look. Available in all shapes and sizes, there’s something for every occasion.