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What is a Lab Diamond?
First and foremost, a lab grown diamond is a diamond!
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, created using advanced technology that replicates the natural conditions in which diamonds form deep within the earth. Instead of being mined, they are grown above ground in highly controlled lab environments.
The result is a diamond that is chemically, physically and optically identical to a mined diamond, just without the environmental and ethical concerns that often surround traditional mining.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes, Lab Grown Diamonds are Real Diamonds.
Just like Natural Earth Grown Diamonds they;
- Are made of pure carbon
- Rank 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness
- Feature natural inclusions and growth patterns
- Are graded using the 4 Cs
- They come with IGI or GIA certification and a laser inscription on the girdle
Lab vs. Mined: What's the Difference?
The only real difference between lab grown and mined diamonds is their origin. One has come from a Lab, one has come from the ground. Both are made of pure carbon. Both have the same hardness, sparkle, and brilliance. Even trained gemologists find it difficult to tell them apart without specialist equipment. Lab Diamonds are not to be confused with diamond simulants like cubic zirconia, which are created with different materials.
Lab diamonds are not fake, they're real diamonds, just created in a lab instead of coming from the ground.
At Lilywho, we believe it’s important to understand what you’re buying. That’s why every lab diamond we sell is certified, with all the same grading standards used for mined diamonds including clarity, colour, cut, and carat.
Why Choose a Lab Diamond?
Lab grown diamonds give you the freedom to get a lot more from your budget, compared to a mined stone of the same size and quality. This allows clients to indulge in larger diamonds without compromising on quality. Whether you're designing an engagement ring or a special gift, choosing a lab diamond lets you focus on the quality, proportions, and craftsmanship.
Lab diamonds offer peace of mind with No mining & No ethical grey areas.
FAQ Lab Diamonds
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Synthetic?
No. A Diamond is a Diamond. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are made of crystallised carbon, just like natural mined diamonds, and share the exact same physical, chemical, and optical properties.
The term "synthetic" is often misused to suggest that lab diamonds are fake or imitation, mainly to convince someone to pay a lot more for a mined diamond. Lab grown diamonds are not to be confused with simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite, which may look similar but are entirely different materials.
Lab grown diamonds offer the same brilliance, hardness, and longevity as natural diamonds.
Are diamonds a financial investment?
Diamond prices are currently at historic lows. This is largely due to the increasing popularity and success of lab grown diamonds, which offer the same appearance and durability as mined diamonds but at a lower cost.
At Lilywho, we do not offer guarantees on future diamond values. What we can promise is that our pricing is fair and reflects the current market, whether you choose a lab grown or natural diamond. All of our rings are made to the highest standards and are designed to last more than a lifetime.
In our view, diamonds should not be seen as a way to make money. There is virtually no re-sale market for Diamonds. Instead, we see them as an investment in love, beauty, and meaning, something chosen to celebrate life’s most important moments.
How Are Lab Diamonds Made?
Lab diamonds are grown using one of two methods
1. Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD):
A tiny diamond seed is placed in a chamber filled with carbon rich gas. Over time, carbon atoms bond to the seed, growing into a crystal.
2. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT):
This method mimics the intense heat and pressure found beneath the earth’s surface, transforming carbon into diamond.
Both techniques create stunning diamonds that are every bit as brilliant and durable as those found in nature.
Can You easily Tell the Difference Between a Lab Diamond and a Mined Diamond?
No, even experienced jewellers and gemologists can’t tell the difference just by looking. Although some will pretend they can!!! Lab and mined diamonds share the same chemical and physical properties, including their brilliance, hardness, and sparkle.
Only specialised equipment can detect the origin. Without advanced testing, it’s nearly impossible to visually tell them apart. To put it simply: a lab diamond looks, sparkles, and wears just like a mined one.
How Long Does It Take To Grow a Diamond in a Lab?
The time it takes to grow a lab diamond depends on the size and quality of the stone. On average, the process takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Lab diamonds are grown by recreating the high-pressure, high-temperature conditions found deep within the earth. This allows carbon atoms to gradually form a crystal structure the same way natural diamonds develop, just in a controlled environment.
Because the process requires precision and constant monitoring, each diamond takes time to grow properly. But the result is well worth it: a real diamond with the same brilliance, strength, and beauty as a mined one, created with far less environmental impact.
Do Lab Diamonds Test as Real Diamonds?
Yes, lab grown diamonds test positive on standard diamond testers. Because they are made of the same material as mined diamonds, pure carbon, they pass all the same tests for authenticity.
Lab diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. In fact, even trained gemologists cannot tell them apart without advanced equipment designed to detect subtle differences in crystal growth and trace elements.
Simply put, lab diamonds are real diamonds and they’re virtually indistinguishable from their mined counterparts.
Do Lilywho Also Sell Natural Mined Diamonds?
Yes, we do. At Lilywho, we proudly work with lab grown diamonds and believe they offer exceptional beauty, value, and peace of mind.
However, we have been in the Jewellery business for a very long time, and we’ve grown up selling natural, earth grown, mined diamonds. So if you prefer a mined diamond for your ring, that’s absolutely perfect too. The choice is yours, and we’re here to guide you either way.
Will a Lab Diamond Last a Lifetime?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are just as durable and long lasting as natural diamonds. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties and rank 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them the hardest natural material known.
With proper care, your lab grown diamond will retain its brilliance and sparkle for generations.
Diamonds will always get dirty, dotty, and cloudy from sprays, tans, perfumes, chorine etc especially when residue accumulates under the stone, however they will always clean up like new. Lab diamonds are a sustainable and timeless choice perfect for those who want lasting beauty without compromise.
Do Lab Diamonds Come with Certification?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are graded and certified using the same strict standards as natural diamonds. Reputable gemological labs like the GIA & IGI, provide independent certification for lab created diamonds.
At Lilywho, we believe certification is essential when buying a lab diamond. It verifies the diamond’s quality based on the 4Cs cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight and ensures you are getting exactly what you pay for.
Whether mined or lab grown, always choose a diamond with a trusted certificate. It is your guarantee of quality, value, and peace of mind.
What is IGI and what does IGI certification mean?
IGI stands for the International Gemological Institute. It is a globally recognised gemological organization that provides independent diamond grading and certification services. IGI is known for its expertise in grading both natural diamonds and lab diamonds
Do Lab Grown Diamonds come in all shapes?
Absolutely. Just like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds can be cut into a wide range of shapes to suit your style.
The most popular choice is the round brilliant cut, known for its incredible sparkle and timeless appeal. It’s a classic shape used in both lab grown and mined diamonds.
However all other shapes are also readily available in lab grown options. At Lilywho, we offer a stunning variety of shapes including Oval, Emerald, Pear, Cushion, Radiant, Asscher, Marquise, Heart and many more. If you dream it, we can make it.
