FAQs

A diamond is a crystalline form of pure carbon. It is the hardest known natural material, and its atomic structure gives it the optical properties that produce brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond, grown in a controlled laboratory environment using one of two methods: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both replicate the conditions that form diamonds in nature. The result is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond.

Origin. A lab-grown diamond is created in a laboratory. A mined diamond is extracted from the earth. Both are real diamonds with the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and optical properties. Even gemologists cannot tell them apart without specialist equipment.

Read more about lab-grown vs mined diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds are created using one of two methods:

- High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) replicates the extreme pressure and heat found deep within the earth to crystallise carbon into diamond.
- Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) introduces a carbon-rich gas into a chamber, where carbon atoms gradually deposit onto a diamond seed, building the crystal layer by layer.

Yes.

A lab-grown diamond has the same chemical composition (pure carbon), the same crystal structure, and the same physical and optical properties as a mined diamond. It is a real diamond in every measurable sense.

Yes.

Lab-grown diamonds are graded and certified by the same independent gemological laboratories that certify mined diamonds, including IGI and GIA. Every diamond we sell comes with an IGI certificate.

Learn more about diamond certification.

Typically, yes.

Based on like-for-like comparisons we monitor, lab-grown diamonds are often lower in price than comparable mined diamonds. Exact differences vary by specification and market timing.

You can view current averages on our price table or see how prices have moved over time on our price history chart.

* Example comparison criteria: 1.5 carat, colourless, VVS1, Excellent Cut, Polish and Symmetry, with no fluorescence or colour shades.

Most diamonds, whether lab-grown or mined, do not retain their full purchase price on the secondary market.

The difference is the starting cost. A 1.5 carat mined diamond purchased at retail for around £7,500 might resell for roughly £3,675, a loss of nearly £4,000. A comparable lab-grown diamond might cost around £320, so even if the resale value were zero, the financial exposure is far lower.

Neither is a reliable investment. But lab-grown means less money at risk from the moment you buy.

Read our full breakdown of lab diamond resale value.

Lab-grown diamonds require significantly less land disturbance and water than mined diamonds, though they do consume considerable electricity. Here is what the published research shows:

Water usage:
Mining requires around 96 litres of water per carat. Lab-grown production generally uses fewer than 2 litres per carat.

Land disruption and waste:
Mining one carat of diamond can disturb approximately 9m² of land and generate up to 2,600kg of mineral waste. Lab-grown diamonds typically require just 0.0065m² of land and produce minimal waste.

Energy consumption:
HPHT lab-grown diamonds require between 28kWh and 36kWh per carat. CVD diamonds require between 75kWh and 220kWh per carat, depending on equipment and laboratory setup. Mined diamonds consume between 96kWh and 150kWh per carat, based on industry reports.

Energy consumption alone does not determine environmental impact. The energy source matters. Around 73% of the energy used by De Beers for diamond mining comes directly from fossil fuels, producing CO₂ emissions between 200g CO₂e/kWh and 800g CO₂e/kWh. Lab-grown diamonds can be produced using renewable energy, which significantly reduces or eliminates greenhouse gas emissions.


Sources:
- A Comparative Analysis of Energy and Water Consumption of Mined versus Synthetic Diamonds. Zhdanov, V., Sokolova, M., Smirnov, P., Andrzejewski, L., Bondareva, J., & Evlashin, S. (2021). Energies, 14(21), 7062.

- The environmental impacts and sustainable pathways of the global diamond industry. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11, 671. Sun, Y., Jiang, S., & Wang, S. (2024).

Yes.

Lab-grown diamonds are produced in controlled laboratory environments, avoiding the social and environmental concerns associated with diamond mining, including land displacement, hazardous working conditions, and conflict financing.

We sell loose lab-grown diamonds only, each one IGI certified. Our pricing is straightforward, with no inflated RRPs and no sales events. Every diamond listing shows the IGI certificate number, so you can verify the grading independently before you buy.

We work directly with suppliers and operate online only, which removes the overheads associated with physical retail. We apply a consistent, modest margin rather than marking up and then discounting.

No.

Our prices reflect what we believe is fair, all the time. We do not inflate prices to run sales, and we do not use discount codes. The price you see is the price you pay.

No.

Diamond Labs is online only. This keeps our operating costs low, which is reflected in our pricing.

Our inventory is updated regularly, with updates targeted every four hours. Availability can still change quickly between refresh cycles.

No.

We specialise in loose diamonds only. Most of our customers take their diamond to a local jeweller to have it set in a ring or piece of jewellery of their choosing.

We plant one tree sapling through the National Trust for every diamond sold, and we use recyclable packaging. Lab-grown diamonds also require significantly less land disturbance and water than mined diamonds. We are straightforward about what we do and do not claim to be carbon neutral.

Browse our selection, choose a diamond, and add it to your cart. After checkout, we'll process your order and keep you updated until it's delivered to you.

Yes.

Returns are available within 30 days of purchase. Please review our return policy for details.