What Are Lab Grown Diamonds and Why People Are Choosing Them?

Lab grown diamonds have become a genuine option for people shopping for diamond jewellery, but there is still a lot of confusion around what they are, how they are made and how they compare with natural diamonds.

If you are considering a lab grown diamond, it helps to look beyond the simple fact that it is made in a laboratory. How are these diamonds created? Are they real diamonds? How are they graded and certified? Why do they generally cost less than natural diamonds? And what should you actually look at when comparing one diamond with another?

This guide brings together the key facts about lab grown diamonds and explains them in straightforward terms. We’ll look at how lab grown diamonds are produced using CVD and HPHT technology, how the 4Cs are used to assess their quality, what certification means, and how they compare with natural diamonds and other diamond alternatives.

We’ll also look at why more jewellery buyers are considering lab grown diamonds, including the flexibility they can offer in terms of size, specifications and budget. The aim is simple: to give you factual, researched information about lab grown diamonds so you can understand what you are buying, compare your options intelligently, and make your own decision based on quality, certification, price and overall value. 

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond? 

A lab grown diamond is a real diamond created in a controlled laboratory environment rather than formed naturally beneath the Earth’s surface. It has the same carbon composition and crystal structure as a natural diamond, which is what makes it a diamond rather than an imitation or a diamond simulant.

A simple way to think about it is this: “lab grown” describes the diamond’s origin, not a different kind of diamond material. Natural diamonds develop through geological processes inside the Earth, while lab grown diamonds are produced in a controlled environment where the conditions needed for diamond growth can be recreated. Once grown, the diamond can be cut, polished, graded and used in jewellery just like a natural diamond.

This distinction becomes important when you start comparing individual stones. A lab grown diamond can have its own combination of cut, colour, clarity and carat, and these characteristics affect its appearance and price. A grading report can also provide information about the diamond’s characteristics and laboratory-grown origin, giving you something more reliable to compare than the word “lab grown” on its own.

There are two established methods used to grow lab grown diamonds, CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature). Both can produce gem-quality diamonds, but they use different processes. We’ll look at those methods separately later in the guide.

So, when you see the term lab grown diamond, think of it as a diamond whose origin is different from a natural diamond, while the stone itself remains diamond. From a buying perspective, the more useful questions then become: What is the diamond’s quality? How is it certified? What are its specifications? And how does its price compare with other diamonds you're considering?

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Actually Real?

A lab grown diamond is a real diamond. It has the same carbon composition and crystal structure as a natural diamond, along with the physical and optical properties that make diamond the material used in fine jewellery. The main distinction is its origin: it is grown in a laboratory rather than formed naturally.

This is different from a fake diamond or diamond simulant. Materials such as moissanite and cubic zirconia can be made to look like diamonds, but they are not diamonds themselves. A lab grown diamond does not simply imitate the appearance of a natural diamond; it is diamond.

The similarity between lab grown and natural diamonds is also why you cannot reliably determine their origin just by looking at them. Even experienced jewellery professionals may need specialised gemological equipment to determine its origin. A grading report from a recognised gemological laboratory can provide this information along with the diamond's quality characteristics.

How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Created? 

Lab grown diamonds are created by growing a diamond crystal in a controlled laboratory environment. The process begins with a small piece of diamond called a diamond seed, which provides the starting structure for the new diamond to grow around.

Instead of waiting for the geological conditions that form natural diamonds, scientists use specialised equipment to recreate the conditions needed for diamond growth. Carbon is then introduced into the process, allowing it to build onto the diamond seed and gradually form a larger diamond crystal.

There are two main methods used to grow lab grown diamonds: Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT). The two methods work quite differently, but they have the same basic purpose: creating the conditions in which carbon can form a diamond crystal.

CVD Lab Grown Diamonds

Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) grows a diamond inside a controlled chamber containing carbon-rich gases. The diamond seed is placed inside the chamber, and the gases are activated under controlled conditions so that carbon atoms separate from the gas and gradually settle onto the seed.

The diamond grows layer by layer, eventually forming a larger crystal that can be cut and polished into a finished gemstone. CVD has become an important method for producing gem-quality lab grown diamonds and is widely used in the jewellery industry.

HPHT Lab Grown Diamonds

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) takes a different approach. The process uses extremely high pressure and high temperature to recreate conditions similar to those associated with natural diamond formation. A diamond seed is placed with a carbon source, and under the controlled conditions, the carbon crystallises around the seed and forms a diamond.

HPHT has been used in diamond technology for decades and can produce diamonds suitable for jewellery as well as other applications.

CVD vs HPHT Lab Grown Diamonds

CVD and HPHT are two different methods of growing a lab grown diamond. CVD uses a carbon-rich gas in a controlled chamber, where carbon gradually builds onto a diamond seed. HPHT uses extremely high pressure and temperature to encourage carbon to crystallise around a diamond seed.

The finished diamonds can both be used in fine jewellery, but they can have different growth characteristics. For example, the growth conditions can influence the diamond’s internal features and sometimes its colour or other characteristics, which is why laboratories can examine these features when identifying how a diamond was grown.

For you as a buyer, however, CVD or HPHT is not a quality grade. A CVD diamond is not automatically better or worse than an HPHT diamond. The finished stone should still be assessed on its cut, colour, clarity, carat weight and certification. Two diamonds made using the same method can also differ considerably in appearance and price.

Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds share the fundamental characteristics of diamond. Both are real diamonds, can be cut into the same shapes, are evaluated using the 4Cs and can be independently certified. The key differences come down to origin, price, rarity, resale considerations and the flexibility each option gives you as a buyer. 

If you are deciding between the two, this side-by-side comparison makes those differences easier to understand.

How Is the Quality of a Lab Grown Diamond Determined?

A lab grown diamond is evaluated using the same 4Cs of diamond quality used for natural diamonds: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. These four factors describe the characteristics of an individual diamond and help you compare one stone with another.

The important thing to remember is that “lab grown” tells you the origin of the diamond, not its quality. Two lab grown diamonds can have the same carat weight but look noticeably different because of differences in cut, colour or clarity. That is why the 4Cs, along with the diamond’s grading report, matter when you are comparing stones

• Cut: Affects how well the diamond interacts with light and how much sparkle it shows.

• Colour: Measures how much colour is visible in the diamond, with D being the highest grade on the standard D-to-Z scale.

• Clarity: Refers to the inclusions and blemishes present in the diamond.

• Carat: Measures the diamond's weight, not its visual size or overall quality.

The 4Cs should also be considered alongside the diamond's grading report, which gives you documented information about the individual stone you are considering.

How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Graded and Certified?

Lab grown diamonds are graded and certified by independent gemological laboratories, just like natural diamonds. The purpose is to examine the individual diamond, establish that it is laboratory-grown, and document its characteristics so that buyers have independent information to refer to when comparing stones.

The grading process looks at characteristics such as cut, colour, clarity and carat weight, although the exact grading system can depend on the laboratory. For example, IGI continues to use the traditional 4Cs grading system for lab grown diamonds, while GIA introduced a revised system in 2025 that assesses qualifying lab grown diamonds as either Premium or Standard based on factors including colour, clarity and finish.

Which Organisations Certify Lab Grown Diamonds?

Several established gemological laboratories examine and issue reports for lab grown diamonds. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is particularly active in lab grown diamond grading and has offered dedicated laboratory-grown diamond reports since 2005. Its reports can document the diamond's 4Cs, measurements, growth method where reported, and any disclosed treatments.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) also provides laboratory-grown diamond services. Its current system uses a separate quality assessment for lab grown diamonds, and GIA identifies evaluated stones with a permanent laser inscription on the girdle containing “Laboratory-Grown” and the relevant assessment number.

Why Certification Matters When Buying Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds can look extremely similar to natural diamonds, and their laboratory origin cannot reliably be established just by looking at the stone. Gemological laboratories use specialised testing and instruments to determine whether a diamond is natural, laboratory-grown or a simulant.

So, certification gives you something particularly useful when buying a lab grown diamond: independent documentation of what the stone is and what its characteristics are. It lets you move beyond a seller's description and evaluate the actual diamond you are considering.

Lab Grown Diamonds Price in India

The lab grown diamonds price in India depends on several factors, including carat weight, cut, colour, clarity, shape and certification. Unlike gold, there is no single fixed market rate for a lab grown diamond, so two stones of the same carat weight can have very different prices.

Current Indian market data gives a useful indication of where prices stand. As of September 2026, a 1-carat lab grown diamond averages around ₹24,000 per carat in one large Indian price database, while another live database covering more than 52,000 one-carat stones puts the average at around ₹37,400. The wide variation shows why carat weight alone is not enough when comparing diamonds.

Lab Grown Diamond Price vs Natural Diamond Price

The price difference becomes much clearer when comparable carat weights are placed side by side. Current India-wide market data shows the following indicative prices:

These are market benchmarks, not fixed retail prices, and the actual price of a jewellery-ready diamond will depend on its specifications, certification, seller and setting. Still, the data shows how substantial the price difference can be in India. 

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Have Resale Value?

Yes, lab grown diamonds do have resale value. In India, current 2026 market estimates put open-market resale at around 20–40% of the original retail price, although the actual amount varies based on the diamond, certification, condition and resale channel.

The lower purchase price of lab grown diamonds also means you can own a larger or higher-specification real diamond at a lower initial cost compared with a comparable natural diamond.

If resale or upgrading matters to you, check the jeweller's policy before purchasing. At ONYA, eligible jewellery can be exchanged or bought back under our applicable terms, with buyback value of up to 80% of the eligible diamond value.

Why Are People Choosing Lab Grown Diamonds?

The reasons are fairly straightforward: price, choice, quality and the ability to buy a real diamond without paying a premium for natural geological origin. For many buyers, that changes what they can get within the same jewellery budget.

• More value for your budget: Lab grown diamonds generally cost substantially less than comparable natural diamonds, giving you more room to choose a larger stone, higher specifications or a more elaborate design.
• They are real diamonds: Lab grown diamonds have the same fundamental carbon composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds. The difference is their origin, not the diamond material itself.
• More choices: A lower diamond cost gives you greater flexibility to choose your preferred carat, colour, clarity, shape and jewellery design rather than putting most of your budget towards the diamond alone.
• Avoids conventional diamond mining: Lab grown diamonds are created using CVD or HPHT technology instead of being extracted through conventional mining. For buyers who want to avoid the mining aspect of diamond sourcing, this is an important part of their appeal. The overall environmental impact of lab-grown production still depends on factors such as the energy used.
• Certified and traceable: Lab grown diamonds can be independently graded by recognised gemological laboratories, giving buyers documented information about the stone's characteristics and laboratory-grown origin.
• Growing support for the technology in India: India's government has actively invested in the development of the lab-grown diamond industry. A ₹242 crore, five-year research initiative at IIT Madras was established to develop indigenous LGD technology, including CVD and HPHT equipment, diamond seeds and production processes. In 2026, the India Centre for Lab Grown Diamond was continuing this work, with the stated aim of strengthening India's capabilities and supporting startups and industry.
• A growing part of the future of diamonds: Lab grown diamonds can be produced without relying on geological diamond deposits, allowing supply to scale with technology and manufacturing capacity. This has already changed diamond pricing and the wider industry, with lab-grown stones becoming significantly more affordable as production has scaled.

Ultimately, the appeal is simple: you can buy a real diamond, have more choice within your budget and decide which characteristics matter most to you. The fact that India is investing in the technology and building domestic capabilities also shows that lab grown diamonds are not simply a short-term jewellery trend, but part of a developing diamond and advanced-materials industry.

The Popularity of Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery

Lab grown diamonds have moved beyond being an alternative to natural diamonds and are now being used across a wide range of jewellery. Rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants are all available with lab grown diamonds, giving buyers more choice across everyday jewellery, engagement pieces and special-occasion designs.

Their lower price compared with comparable natural diamonds is one of the biggest reasons behind this growing popularity. Buyers can choose a real diamond while having more flexibility with size, specifications and jewellery design within the same budget.

As awareness of lab grown diamonds grows, lab grown diamond jewellery is becoming a popular choice for engagement rings, everyday wear, gifting and special occasions. 

Explore the different lab grown diamond jewellery categories:

• Explore Lab Grown Diamond Rings
• Explore Lab Grown Diamond Earrings
• Explore Lab Grown Diamond Bracelets
• Explore Lab Grown Diamond Necklaces
• Explore Lab Grown Diamond Pendants
• Explore Lab Grown Diamond Mangalsutra

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Sustainable?

Lab grown diamonds can offer a more sustainable alternative in some respects, particularly because they do not require conventional diamond mining. Instead, they are grown in controlled facilities using CVD or HPHT technology, which avoids the land disturbance and extraction associated with mining.

However, lab grown diamonds are not completely impact-free. Growing a diamond requires electricity, so the environmental footprint depends partly on how that electricity is generated and how efficiently the production facility operates. A lab grown diamond produced using renewable or lower-carbon electricity can have a different environmental footprint from one produced using a more carbon-intensive power source.

India's transition towards cleaner electricity is also relevant to the future of lab grown diamond production. India reached 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources in June 2025, and by March 2026, non-fossil capacity had reached 283.46 GW. The government is targeting 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.

So, rather than calling every lab grown diamond “sustainable”, it is more accurate to say that lab grown diamonds remove the need for conventional diamond mining, while their overall environmental impact depends on how they are produced.

For a buyer, if sustainability is important, look beyond the words “lab grown”. Ask about the energy source used in production, manufacturing practices and any available environmental information about the diamond or jewellery brand.

This framing is better for the hub because it gives the reader the actual reason LGDs appeal from a sustainability perspective, while avoiding the blanket “lab grown = eco-friendly” claim that can undermine the credibility of the rest of the guide.

Lab Grown Diamonds: What Should You Take Away?

By now, you can see that lab grown diamonds are no longer a question of simply choosing between a “real” diamond and an alternative. There is a much bigger shift happening around how diamonds are produced, priced, evaluated and bought.

The important part is understanding what each piece of information actually tells you. The growth method explains where the diamond came from. The 4Cs tell you about its characteristics. Certification gives you an independent record of the stone. And the price tells you what you are paying for that particular combination of specifications, rather than simply telling you whether a diamond is good or bad.

That is also why two lab grown diamonds that look similar in a jewellery display can still be very different purchases. Once you know what to check, you can compare them on something more meaningful than the largest carat number or the lowest price.

The market itself is continuing to evolve as production technology improves, prices change and more people become familiar with lab grown diamonds. For buyers, that creates more choice, but it also makes understanding the product more important.

If you are considering a lab grown diamond, the best place to start is not with a single question such as “How much does it cost?” Instead, look at the complete picture and decide which combination of diamond characteristics, certification, price, origin and design makes sense for you.

That is ultimately what this guide is meant to help you do: understand the diamond behind the label, rather than simply choosing the label.