Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Complete Guide
Chemically identical to mined diamonds, grown in weeks not millennia. Here's how lab-grown diamonds work and how to choose one.
Quick answer
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond β the same carbon crystal, hardness and sparkle as a mined stone β created in a laboratory rather than the earth. It's graded on the same 4Cs, costs meaningfully less carat-for-carat, and at Majestic is independently graded by IGI.
How they're grown
Two methods create lab-grown diamonds. CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) builds a diamond layer by layer from carbon-rich gas; HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) mimics the earth's conditions. Both produce genuine diamond β not a simulant like cubic zirconia or moissanite. The result is optically, physically and chemically the same as a natural diamond.
Identical look, different price
Because they share the same crystal structure, a lab-grown and a natural diamond of equal quality look identical to the eye β and even under a loupe, only specialist equipment tells them apart. The difference is price: lab-grown typically costs a good deal less carat-for-carat, so you can choose a larger or higher-quality stone for the same budget. See our lab-grown vs natural comparison.
Grading, durability and care
Lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same 4Cs and, at Majestic, come with an independent IGI report. They're a 10 on the Mohs scale β the hardest material there is β so they wear beautifully every day. Care is the same as any diamond: warm soapy water and a soft brush. Every stone is set in solid 9, 14 or 18ct gold, made to your size.
Choosing a lab-grown diamond
Because every piece is made to order in your size and carat, you can keep the design you love and adjust the details to suit. Message our team on WhatsApp and we'll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. They are genuine diamond β the same carbon crystal, hardness and sparkle as mined diamonds β simply grown in a laboratory rather than the earth. They are not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite.
Can you tell a lab-grown diamond apart?
Not by eye, and not with a standard loupe. Only specialist laboratory equipment can distinguish them, which is why an independent grading report matters.
Are lab-grown diamonds cheaper?
Typically yes β meaningfully less carat-for-carat than a comparable natural diamond, so you can choose a larger or higher-quality stone for the same budget.
How are your lab-grown diamonds graded?
Independently by IGI, on the same 4Cs used for natural diamonds. Natural diamonds we supply are graded by GIA or HRD.