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A client’s 1.04ct lab-grown brilliant-cut diamond
Natural diamonds are forged deep under immense pressure and heat over 1–3 billion years, then carried to the surface by volcanic eruptions.Each stone is a product of geology, Mother Nature’spatience, and Planet Earth's deep time.
By contrast, lab‑grown diamonds are created through industrial processes like Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) or High‑Pressure High‑Temperature (HPHT).These mimic natural conditions - but in sterilised, repeatable factory settings, producingdiamonds in as few as 3-4 weeks.
Our client’s bespoke solitaire engagement ring, repurposing their natural 1.5ct heirloom diamonds
Contrary to what one mightexpect when they hear the words ‘lab’ and ‘grown,’ lab-grown diamonds are in factrealdiamonds, sharing identical chemical and physical properties with natural diamonds. In other words, both are pure carbon, score a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, andexhibit brilliant light dispersion. Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds scratch glass, sparkle intensely, and feel equally as substantial in your hand.
However, under professional scrutiny, some subtle structural differencesemerge. Crystal‑growth patterns in natural diamonds slightly differ from those in lab‑grown ones –like the natural grain in wood vs. engineered laminate.DiamondView is a hand-heldinstrumentby DeBeers, now available to retail staff,that reveals growth patterns such as concentric patterns (characteristic of natural diamonds), cross-shaped (HPHT) andstriations (CVD).Meanwhile, spectroscopic tools help toidentify trace elements like nitrogen, which aregenerally trapped within natural diamonds during formation.
Gemological laboratories likethe Gemmological Institute of America (GIA), the International Gemmological Institute(IGI) and others can reliably distinguish natural from lab‑grown using:
Growth‑pattern analysis:Reveals tell‑tale signatures in crystal structure
Spectroscopy:Identifiesinclusions and ‘defects’ (nitrogen, boron, growth striations)that arecharacteristicof both natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds
Thermal conductivity probes:Fast, non‑destructive tests exploiting diamond's highthermalconductivity to analyse the rate at which it down
Diamond grading reports must specify origin, withnatural‑diamond certificatesindicatingearth‑mined origin and lab‑grown certificates (e.g.fromtheGIA or IGI) printed onblue paper, explicitlystating ‘laboratory-grown’ or ‘LGD.’
Any reputable lab willdisclose origin clearly; legally,marketing a natural diamondsimply as ‘diamond’ implies thatit’s from the Earth.
George’s bespoke cluster engagement ring, with a 1.44ct lab-grown central diamond
Natural and lab‑grown diamonds must be kept strictly separate throughout their journeys – from mining to cutting,grading and setting – by using:
Tamper‑proof packaging
Dedicated facilities or workflows
Independent verification testing
These measures prevent mislabelling and protect consumer trust.
Lab‑grown diamonds cost far lessthan their natural counterparts,andtheir pricesfluctuate significantly.For example, a 1.5ct lab-grown diamond dropped ~83% in price from 2015 ($10,750) to2024 ($1,770). By 2025,however,retail mark-up has soared -with margins rising from ~46% to ~84%
Natural diamond prices, by contrast, have appreciated at ~3% annually over the past 50 years. Natural diamonds are finite and increasingly rare. Global diamond recovery today is 37% lower than 2005 levels, and the annual 1ct diamond output couldfit inside one exercise ball.It’s the natural diamond’sraritythatcontributes to long‑term value retention and prestige.
On the other hand, lab‑grown stonescan be produced at scale.Whilst initial affordability is of course a plus, resale markets forlab-grown diamonds are undeveloped -potential resale value can plummetby as much as 80% - or more.
Alex’s bespoke engagement ring with 0.96ct natural old-cut diamond
If – after covering all these bases – youremain uncertain about the provenance of a diamond,it’s best to trust your instincts. Transparency is not only a legal requirement, but the least that any reputable jeweller would like tooffer.
This being said, here are some questions you may wish to ask your jeweller for added peace of mind:
Does this diamond come with a grading report?
If so, which lab performed thegrading, and does it clearlystate its origin?
Do you know how the diamond was transported and stored to avoid confusion?
To summarise:
|
Aspect |
Natural Diamond |
Lab-grown diamond |
|
|
|
|
|
Origin |
Earthborn (1–3 billion years) |
Factory-made (a few weeks) |
|
Detectability |
Confirmed by lab tests and grading |
Easily flagged as synthetic via instruments |
|
Price |
Higher upfront, stable/growing market value |
Lower cost, steep depreciation |
|
Supply |
Finite, rare |
Scalable,mass-produced |
|
Environmental Impact |
Varies (mined responsibly may be positive) |
Largely energy-intensive (grid dependent) - though there are some more environmentally conscious options available |
|
Certification |
Industry norms (GIA, IGI, grading papers) |
Separate LGD certificates, blue forms |
Ifyou’re charmed by the internal magic,rarity and long-term value of the natural diamond, thenyou’re in the right place. We atLebrusan Studio are committed to cherishing Mother Nature’s gifts in ways that are sustainable for people and planet – whether that be vintage old-cut diamonds or responsibly sourced artisanal Ocean Diamonds.
If, however,you’re seeking affordability, aestheticflawlessness and the futuristic thrill of a lab-grown diamond, please take a little time to educate yourself on the differences between truly sustainable lab-grown diamond producers and those who are greenwashing.It’s easy to misconceive all lab-grown diamonds as more environmentally sustainable than their mined counterparts, butit’s important to remember that the producers committed to truly reducing their carbon footprint are still a minority. When you source a lab-grown diamond,don’t be afraid to probe the manufacturer’s environmental claims and the diamond’s grading details.
Whichever path you choose, remember: A diamond is morethan just a sparkly object -it’sa story. Make sure yours is one you can feel proud of!
It's possible to embrace the beautiful materials that Mother Nature offers us without harming our beautiful planet. By asking questions, simplifying supply chains and sharing our knowledge with the world, we can achieve this balance.
