Written records show that Pliny, the very famous Roman naturalist described diamonds as “the most valuable, not only of precious stones but of all the things in this world.” This was back in the first century A.D. The allure of diamonds goes back centuries and very rightly so.

History is a testament to diamond lovers, from Maharajas to Marilyn Monroe’s diamonds are a girl’s best friend. They have been a symbol of romance and preciousness. They are prized for their rarity and beauty. Diamonds are formed by intense heat and temperature, miles below the earth. They are mined and undergo several cutting and polishing processes, to finally be set into a piece of jewellery. In recent years, you might have come across or heard of the term “Lab Grown Diamonds”.

What are lab grown diamonds? Are they real diamonds? How can you tell the difference between the two? These are the questions that are very commonly heard when people learn about lab grown diamonds. To help you with all these questions and more, we have curated a FAQ guide to answer all of them.

Note: Natural diamonds refers to mined diamonds. As mined diamonds come from the way of nature and are not caused by humankind, they are known as natural diamonds.


What are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Diamonds that have been made in a laboratory are known as lab grown diamonds. These diamonds have the same chemical composition as natural or mined diamonds. Even the crystal structure and physical properties are similar to a natural or mined diamond.

What is the Difference Between Lab Grown Diamonds and Natural Diamonds?

Natural or mined diamond refers to diamonds that have been mined and are naturally formed inside the earth. Lab grown diamonds refers to diamonds that have been manufactured in a laboratory. Both of them have the same physical and chemical properties. They both require high pressure and high temperature to be made. Natural or mined diamonds are a testimony to nature’s brilliance, while lab grown diamonds are a testimony to the brilliance of the human mind.


What is the Difference Between Lab Grown Diamonds and Diamond Simulants?

A diamond simulant is any material that imitates a diamond. A material that is not a diamond (lab grown or natural) but looks like a diamond, is classified as a diamond simulant. These simulants might be created in laboratories or even be found as natural gemstones. Some examples of diamond simulants are Zircon, Glass, Strontium Titanate, Cubic Zirconia, Synthetic Moissainaite et cetera.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds the Same as Cubic Zirconia

No, lab grown diamonds are not the same as cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia is a naturally occurring gemstone. However, as it is rare in nature, it has a a lab grown counterpart which is commonly called synthetic cubic zirconia. While all of these stones have amazing dispersion and are attractive, they are not the same.

How Much Do Lab Grown Diamonds Cost?

Lab grown diamonds cost significantly lesser than natural or mined diamonds. This is due to the origin of their creation. Just like a mined or natural diamond, the price of a lab grown diamond depends on the combination of 4Cs - carat, colour, cut and clarity.

Can Lab Grown Diamonds Be Certified?

Yes! Just like a mined diamond, even lab grown diamonds can be certified by laboratories. The lab report will also mention if the diamond is a lab grown or a natural/mined diamond.

At Ainsworth, we provide detailed information regarding clarity, carat and colour.


How is a Lab Grown Diamond Made?

Lab grown diamonds can be made using two processes - HPHT (High Pressure and High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) process. Both these processes have their own benefits.


Are Lab Grown Diamonds Chemically the Same as Natural or Mined Diamonds

Yes! Lab grown diamonds and natural or mined diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties. The only difference between them is the origin. The former is made in a laboratory while the latter is mined from earth.


Can You Tell the Difference Between Lab Grown Diamonds and Natural or Mined Diamonds?

You cannot tell difference between a lab grown diamond or a natural or mined diamond just by looking at it through a gem loupe. Even an experienced gemologist can never tell just by looking at it. While sometimes due to specific inclusions present in them, gemologists can make a guess but that is not a conclusive answer. It is only after various tests that involve advanced equipment, that they can tell you with a guarantee if your diamond is a lab grown diamond or a natural or mined diamond. The best and correct way to tell if you're diamond is a natural or lab grown diamond, is to send it to a gemological testing laboratory. These laboratories have advanced equipment, and based on various tests, they come to confirmation.

At Ainsworth, we mention in all our products if the diamonds are natural/mined or lab grown diamonds.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Lab Grown Diamond and a Diamond Simulant?

The best way to tell the difference between a lab grown diamond and a diamond simulant is by taking it to a gemological lab. Gemologists study gemstones and undergo vigorous training. With the help of various tests and advanced equipment, they can guide you on the identity of the submitted gemstone.


Are Lab Grown Diamonds Environment Friendly?

Yes! Due to their method of creation and origin, lab grown diamonds are comparatively more eco friendly than mined or natural diamonds. Lab grown diamonds do not depend on extractive mining. This allows them to enjoy being more environmentally friendly.


Is a Lab Grown Diamond or a Natural/Mined Diamond Better?

Whichever diamond you have or want, is the better diamond. Both natural/mined and lab grown diamonds have their advantages. Both of the diamonds have their own allure and romance. Ultimately, it comes down to your preference. We believe in the beauty of diamonds, their origin just adds more to their romance in its own way.


Are Lab Grown Diamonds Valuable?

Yes! Lab grown diamonds are valuable gemstones. Diamonds are valuable gemstones due to their rarity. Even though lab grown diamonds are made in a laboratory, they are not easily made. It was not until the mid-1990s that commercial lab grown diamonds are produced. Before that, they were produced for industrial purposes. It took a lot of research to understand how they are made and come to an effective method that would produce quality lab grown diamonds. Lab grown diamonds cost lesser than natural or mined diamonds, however, they are valuable gemstones.


How to Take Care of a Lab Grown Diamond?

Just like mined diamonds can get greasy due to constant wear, so can lab grown diamonds. The easiest way to clean them at home is by mixing warm water with mild soap and using a soft brush. However, we do recommend getting your jewellery professionally cleaned once a year so that even the dirt between prongs that hold diamonds and other parts, get cleaned. We also advise you to not wear diamond jewellery (lab grown or mined) for activities such as swimming, exercising, working out, cleaning, et cetera. Lab grown diamonds need to be taken care of in a similar manner to natural or mined diamonds.


Where Can I Buy Lab Grown Diamonds Jewellery in the UK?

At Ainsworth, we are proud to be an official stockist for Chelsea Rocks. Chelsea Rocks creates exclusive fine jewellery using premium laboratory-grown diamonds.

If you have any more questions, we are always here to help you out.