What is a lab-grown diamond?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond grown in a laboratory rather than mined from the earth, and it has exactly the same chemical composition, crystal structure and physical properties as a natural diamond. The two main methods are High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). Only specialist equipment can tell them apart, which is why reputable lab-grown stones come with a grading report. They are graded by the same 4Cs as mined diamonds and are priced considerably lower, making larger stones more accessible.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond?
- Yes, a lab-grown diamond is chemically and physically identical to a mined diamond, made of pure carbon in the same crystal structure. The only difference is how it was formed, in a controlled laboratory over weeks rather than deep in the earth over billions of years.
- Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value?
- Lab-grown diamonds have fallen significantly in resale value as production has scaled up, so they are generally considered a lower-resale-value choice compared with natural diamonds. If long-term investment value matters to you, a natural diamond is the better option; if you want the most stone for your budget, lab-grown wins on price.
- Can a jeweller tell if a diamond is lab-grown?
- A jeweller cannot tell just by looking, and neither can standard gem-testing equipment in most cases. Specialist spectroscopic instruments are needed to detect trace differences. That is why responsible sellers provide a grading certificate specifying whether the stone is natural or lab-grown.
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