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Lab Grown Diamonds: A Complete Guide
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds — the only difference is origin.
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes — lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They are made of pure crystallised carbon, exactly like mined diamonds, and share the same hardness, brilliance, fire, and durability. The Federal Trade Commission and leading gemological labs (IGI, GIA, SGL) classify them as genuine diamonds, not imitations. The only difference from a mined diamond is that a lab grown diamond is created in a laboratory rather than formed in the earth.
How are lab grown diamonds made?
Lab grown diamonds are created using one of two methods: CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) or HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature). Both start with a tiny diamond seed and recreate the extreme heat, pressure, and carbon-rich conditions under which diamonds naturally form — building the crystal atom by atom over several weeks. The result is a diamond chemically and structurally identical to a mined one. Ivana Jewels sources stones grown by both methods, certified by IGI or SGL.
What is the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?
The only real difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is origin: lab grown diamonds are created in a laboratory over weeks, while natural diamonds form in the earth over billions of years. They are otherwise identical in chemical composition, hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), brilliance, and appearance — indistinguishable to the naked eye and even to most jewellers without specialised equipment. Lab grown diamonds cost 60–90% less and carry no mining-related ethical or environmental concerns.
Are lab grown diamonds the same as moissanite or cubic zirconia?
No. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds; moissanite and cubic zirconia are diamond simulants — different materials that only look similar. Moissanite is silicon carbide and cubic zirconia is zirconium dioxide, and both have different hardness, brilliance, and chemical structure from a diamond. A lab grown diamond from Ivana Jewels is pure carbon with the same 10-on-the-Mohs-scale hardness as a mined diamond, which simulants cannot match.
How much cheaper are lab grown diamonds than natural?
Lab grown diamonds are typically 60–90% more affordable than natural diamonds of the same size and quality. Because they are produced in a controlled, efficient process rather than mined, the price reflects the product itself rather than scarcity. This means a buyer can choose a larger or higher-quality stone for the same budget — for example, a 1-carat lab grown solitaire that would cost a fraction of its mined equivalent at comparable cut, colour, and clarity.
Do lab grown diamonds pass a diamond tester?
Yes. Because lab grown diamonds are made of pure carbon, they conduct heat exactly like mined diamonds and pass a standard thermal diamond tester as genuine diamonds. Only specialised equipment used by gemological laboratories can distinguish a lab grown diamond from a mined one, and that distinction is recorded on the IGI or SGL certificate that accompanies every Ivana Jewels diamond. Simulants like cubic zirconia, by contrast, fail a diamond tester.
Do lab grown diamonds hold resale value?
Lab grown diamonds do have resale value, but it is lower than that of natural diamonds, because lab grown supply is steady rather than scarcity-driven. They are best viewed as wearable luxury rather than a financial investment — you pay for the diamond itself, not for artificial scarcity. Ivana Jewels backs every purchase with an 80% buyback and lifetime exchange policy, which gives a clear, guaranteed value path regardless of the open resale market.
Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds
Chemically identical. Visually identical. More affordable.
| Aspect | Lab Grown | Natural |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Grown in a lab (weeks) | Mined from earth (billions of years) |
| Chemical composition | Pure carbon | Pure carbon |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 | 10 |
| Appearance | Identical | Identical |
| Price | 60–90% Lower | Premium |
| Certification | IGI / SGL / GIA | IGI / SGL / GIA |
| Environmental impact | Significantly lower | Higher (mining) |
60–90%
More affordable than natural diamonds of the same size and quality.
4 C’s of Lab Grown Diamond
You have the privilege to select the finest option! Familiarizing yourself with the 4C’s of Lab-Grown Diamonds empowers you to select the ideal diamond, ensuring exceptional brilliance and shine. Explore our Lab-Grown Diamond guide:
1.) Cut:-
The first C in evaluating a diamond, whether natural or lab-grown, is cut. This refers to the way the diamond is fashioned, impacting its brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut diamond maximizes light return, resulting in a dazzling play of light and fire. Round brilliant cuts are the most popular choice for their exceptional sparkle, but there are many other beautiful shapes available, such as oval, cushion, and radiant. Regardless of the chosen shape, a well-cut diamond will showcase its brilliance and beauty to the fullest.
2.) Clarity:
Clarity is the second C, and it refers to the purity of the diamond. Natural microscopic characteristics can be trapped within or on the diamond during its formation, and these are called blemishes and inclusions. The fewer imperfections a diamond has, the higher its clarity grade and generally the higher its value. It's important to remember that no diamond is absolutely perfect. However, inclusions that are very small and faint will have minimal impact on the diamond's beauty.
3.) Color:
Color is the third C, and while diamonds are often thought of as colorless, they can possess subtle hues due to trace elements. Colorless diamonds are the rarest and most valuable, while colored diamonds like pink or blue can be valuable depending on the intensity and shade of the color. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses a D-to-Z color scale to grade diamonds based on hue, tone, and saturation. D represents a virtually colorless diamond, while Z indicates a noticeable yellow tint.
4.) Carat:
The final C is carat, which is the unit of measurement used specifically for diamonds and gemstones. Carat weight refers to the mass of the diamond, not its physical size. This can be a surprising fact, as different diamond shapes can appear larger or smaller at the same carat weight due to variations in density and cut. For instance, an oval diamond might appear larger than a round brilliant diamond of the same carat weight. When considering jewelry with multiple diamonds, the total carat weight (TCW) refers to the combined weight of all the diamonds in the piece.
Prominent Shapes of our Lab-Grown Diamonds:
Round Brilliant
The timeless classic, renowned for its unmatched fire and sparkle. Its 58 facets maximize light refraction, creating a breathtaking display of brilliance from all angles.
Oval
Offering a modern take on elegance, the oval cut combines elongated grace with a captivating fire. Its elongated shape can create the illusion of a larger diamond, making it a popular choice for those seeking a statement piece.
Pear
Exuding a sense of romance and individuality, the pear cut resembles a teardrop, showcasing a pointed tip and a rounded end. Its unique silhouette adds a touch of sophistication and complements various finger shapes.
Cushion
Offering a vintage charm with a contemporary twist, the cushion cut features rounded corners and a slightly elongated shape. Its soft lines evoke a sense of elegance and create a warm and inviting sparkle.
Princess
Embracing a bold and sophisticated aesthetic, the princess cut boasts a square shape with sharp corners and geometric brilliance. Its clean lines make it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a modern and confident style.
Radiant
Offering a captivating blend of brilliance and geometric beauty, the radiant cut combines the elongated silhouette of an emerald cut with the brilliant faceting of a round diamond.
Emerald
Exuding timeless elegance, the emerald cut features a rectangular shape with elongated facets and cropped corners. This cut is perfect for those who appreciate a classic and understated look, highlighting the natural beauty of the diamond.
Marquise
A marquise diamond is an elongated, boat-shaped gem with pointed ends. It appears larger per carat when worn. Known for its brilliance, it has a regal history dating back to King Louis XV. This shape is ideal for vintage and elegant jewelry designs.
Trusted Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery Brand
Own manufacturing, IGI/SGL certified diamonds, 14kt & 18kt hallmarked gold...
Find Your Perfect Lab Grown Diamond
Explore certified rings, earrings, pendants, and necklaces crafted in 14kt & 18kt gold.
FAQ
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes — lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They are made of pure crystallised carbon, exactly like mined diamonds, and share the same hardness, brilliance, fire, and durability. The Federal Trade Commission and leading gemological labs (IGI, GIA, SGL) classify them as genuine diamonds, not imitations. The only difference from a mined diamond is that a lab grown diamond is created in a laboratory rather than formed in the earth.
Are lab grown diamonds the same as moissanite or cubic zirconia?
No. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds; moissanite and cubic zirconia are diamond simulants — different materials that only look similar. Moissanite is silicon carbide and cubic zirconia is zirconium dioxide, and both have different hardness, brilliance, and chemical structure from a diamond. A lab grown diamond from Ivana Jewels is pure carbon with the same 10-on-the-Mohs-scale hardness as a mined diamond, which simulants cannot match.
How much cheaper are lab grown diamonds than natural?
Lab grown diamonds are typically 60–90% more affordable than natural diamonds of the same size and quality. Because they are produced in a controlled, efficient process rather than mined, the price reflects the product itself rather than scarcity. This means a buyer can choose a larger or higher-quality stone for the same budget — for example, a 1-carat lab grown solitaire that would cost a fraction of its mined equivalent at comparable cut, colour, and clarity.
Why buy from Ivana Jewels?
Ivana Jewels is a lab grown diamond jewellery brand that owns and operates its own manufacturing facility, which means tighter quality control and competitive pricing without middlemen. Every diamond is IGI or SGL certified and set in 14kt or 18kt hallmarked gold, backed by an 80% buyback, lifetime exchange, and lifetime warranty. With showrooms across Surat, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Noida, Hyderabad, Pune, Thane, Bangalore, Chandigarh and Nagpur — plus home trials and 48-hour ready-to-ship pieces — buyers can shop online or in person with confidence.
Are lab grown diamonds certified?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are certified, real diamonds with the same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds.
Do lab grown diamonds hold resale value?
Lab grown diamonds do have resale value, but it is lower than that of natural diamonds, because lab grown supply is steady rather than scarcity-driven. They are best viewed as wearable luxury rather than a financial investment — you pay for the diamond itself, not for artificial scarcity. Ivana Jewels backs every purchase with an 80% buyback and lifetime exchange policy, which gives a clear, guaranteed value path regardless of the open resale market.
