Posted on July 18th, 2024.

Lab grown diamonds are more than just a beautiful addition to your jewellery collection. They represent the perfect fusion of nature and technology, creating a truly unique and ethically sourced gemstone. 

That's why in this article, we will delve into the quality and differences of lab grown diamonds, and how they are changing the diamond industry. 

Discover the fascinating origin story behind these exquisite gems and why they are becoming a popular choice for socially and environmentally conscious consumers.  

Understanding Lab Grown Diamond Quality 

As we dive into the fascinating world of lab grown diamonds, you'll discover that these gems are anything but artificial. They are real diamonds, possessing the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. These beautiful stones are created in controlled environments using state-of-the-art technology, replicating the natural diamond growth process. There are two primary methods of production: Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT). Each technique brings its unique advantages, resulting in stunning diamonds that can grace any piece of fine jewellery, whether it's a diamond pendant, a bracelet, or our exclusive dancing diamond pendants. 

The CVD method involves placing a diamond 'seed' into a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases, such as methane. The gases are ionised into plasma using microwaves or lasers, causing carbon atoms to precipitate onto the seed, layer by layer, eventually forming a diamond. This process allows for high precision and control over the diamond's quality and characteristics. 

On the other hand, HPHT diamonds are created by mimicking the extremely high pressure and temperature conditions found deep within the Earth. A small diamond seed is placed in carbon and subjected to pressures of around 5 GPa and temperatures up to 1,500°C. The carbon melts and forms a diamond crystal around the seed. Each method produces diamonds with remarkable clarity and brilliance, often making it nearly impossible to distinguish between lab grown diamonds and their natural counterparts without specialised equipment. 

Lab Diamond Clarity and Color 

When assessing lab diamond quality, it's crucial to understand how lab diamond clarity and colour impact both their appearance and their value. Clarity, as the name suggests, refers to the presence or absence of internal imperfections called inclusions, and surface irregularities known as blemishes. 

For both lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has established a clarity grading scale that ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). Flawless diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification, making them exceptionally rare and highly priced. 

On the other end of the scale, Included diamonds have inclusions and/or blemishes that are visible without magnification, thus affecting their brilliance and lowering their value. The meticulous environments in which lab-grown diamonds are created often result in fewer inclusions, offering you a good selection of gems with higher clarity grades. When you’re choosing fine jewellery such as diamond pendants or earrings, opting for a higher clarity grade can make your pieces truly stand out. 

Now, let’s delve into lab-grown diamond colour, another significant factor in determining lab diamond quality. The GIA colour grading scale measures how colourless a diamond is and ranges from D (completely colourless) to Z (noticeable colour). Colourless diamonds (D-F grades) are very rare and, therefore, more valuable. A lab-grown diamond with a slight hint of colour falls in the near colourless range (G-J grades), while diamonds with noticeable colour are less costly but still beautiful. Interestingly, the controlled creation processes of CVD and HPHT allow producers to manage the colour outcomes with incredible accuracy. For example, diamonds crafted using the HPHT method often possess fewer colour tints, making them nearly colourless.  

Comparing Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds 

Comparing lab grown diamonds with natural diamonds reveals that both types share a remarkable number of similarities, while also having distinct differences that are crucial for potential buyers to understand. Both lab grown and natural diamonds possess an identical crystalline structure, typically composed of carbon atoms in a tetrahedral configuration, which contributes to their extraordinary hardness and stunning brilliance. This fundamental similarity is why even professional gemologists require specialised equipment to distinguish between the two. Moreover, both types of diamonds can achieve an array of colour grades and clarity levels, from completely colourless to slightly tinted and flawless to included. This means that whether you're adorning yourself with a lab grown diamond pendant or a natural diamond bracelet, the gem's sparkle and allure are inherently comparable.


However, the differences lie mainly in their origin and creation process. Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years under the Earth’s crust through immense heat and pressure. They are extracted through mining, which has significant environmental and ethical implications. Conversely, lab grown diamonds are created over weeks or months in a highly controlled lab environment using either CVD or HPHT methods. This controlled process allows for an ethical, eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds, with minimal impact on the environment. So, if you are environmentally conscious and stand for ethical sourcing, lab grown diamonds present a compelling choice. Furthermore, because of the precision involved in their production, lab diamonds often have fewer inclusions and a more consistent quality, providing you with a diamond that is both aesthetically pleasing and ethically sound.


Now, let's address some common misconceptions regarding lab vs natural diamonds, especially around diamond price and value. One major misconception is that lab grown diamonds are ‘fake’ or ‘less real’ than their natural counterparts. In fact, lab diamonds are just as real, sharing the same physical and chemical properties due to their similar atomic structure. 

Another misconception is that lab grown diamonds do not hold their value over time. While it’s true that the secondary market for lab diamonds is still developing, they are generally more affordable upfront—by 20-40% less than natural diamonds. This makes fine jewellery, such as diamond earrings or our new unique dancing diamond pendants, more accessible to a wider audience. Over time, as consumer awareness and acceptance grow, the resale market for lab diamonds is likely to become more robust. In any case, lab diamonds offer tremendous value, especially for those prioritising ethical sourcing and sustainability without sacrificing beauty or quality.
  

Related - What is the Difference Between VS and VVS Diamond Clarity? 

Wrapping Up 

When you choose jewellery crafted from lab grown diamonds, you’re not just selecting a stunning piece; you’re making a thoughtful choice for both style and sustainability. Lab grown diamonds empower you to wear the brilliance and charm of natural diamonds while championing an eco-friendlier and ethically sound option. Imagine gracing your neck with a splendid diamond pendant or adorning your ears with exquisite earrings that not only capture light but also tell a story of technological prowess and environmental stewardship. 

Whether it’s an eye-catching necklace or our unique dancing diamond pendants, each piece is designed to reflect the same exceptional quality and radiance you would expect from mined diamonds, without the significant ethical and environmental costs. Furthermore, with advancements in creating these gems, the quality control extends beyond aesthetics, ensuring that each diamond meets high standards of durability and beauty. 

 At LILYiCE, our commitment to providing only high-quality lab-grown diamonds ensures that every piece, from our pendants and necklaces to our bracelets and earrings, is a testament to refined craftsmanship and ethical innovation. 

By opting for lab-grown diamonds, you’re not only appreciating the exemplary physical and optical properties of these timeless gems but also supporting a movement towards more responsible luxury. Each diamond from LILYiCE is a product of meticulous engineering and a dedication to ethical practices, factors that resonate deeply with today’s conscientious consumers. Discover the unparalleled brilliance and ethical allure of our Exceptional Lab Grown Diamonds today! 

If you’re curious to learn more or wish to see our stunning collection, feel free to reach out to us via email at [email protected] or give us a call at 7897 454383.