The world of fine jewellery has never been more exciting. For centuries, the diamond story was singular: a treasure born deep within the Earth over billions of years. While that story is beautiful, today, a new, equally dazzling chapter has begun. This is the story of the lab grown diamond, and it is changing how people in India and across the globe choose their forever pieces.

If you’re searching for a diamond for an engagement, a special occasion, or simply as a mark of personal success, you’ve likely heard the terms “lab created diamonds,” “man made diamonds,” or “cultured diamonds.” All these terms refer to the same amazing thing: a real diamond, grown in a controlled, high-tech laboratory.

But what exactly are they? And why are they the smartest choice for modern luxury? We believe that understanding the science behind them is the key to appreciating their brilliance and value.

The Clear Answer: Lab Grown Diamonds Are 100% Real

The most important fact to remember is this: Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds.

• Identical Composition: Just like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are made of pure carbon crystallized in a perfect, three-dimensional structure. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds.
• Identical Properties: This means they have the same breathtaking sparkle (fire and brilliance), the same ability to reflect light, and the same incredible durability—they score a perfect 10 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest substance on Earth, just like natural diamonds.
• Not a Simulant: It is vital not to confuse a lab grown diamond with a diamond "simulant" or "look-alike" like Cubic Zirconia (CZ) or Moissanite. CZ and Moissanite are made of different materials and do not have the same hardness or chemical structure as a diamond. A lab grown diamond is the real thing, verified by science.

The only true difference between a lab created diamond and a natural diamond is its origin—one came from the Earth’s mantle, and the other came from a controlled laboratory environment.

The Science in the Lab: How We Create Real Diamonds

To grow a real diamond in a lab, scientists use cutting-edge technology to copy the exact conditions that form diamonds deep within the Earth. This process takes a few weeks, rather than billions of years. There are two primary, high-tech methods used to create these gems:

1. HPHT (High-Pressure, High-Temperature)

This is the original method, first developed in the 1950s. It closely copies the Earth's natural diamond formation process:

• The Process: A tiny slice of an existing diamond (called the "seed") is placed into a large, powerful machine. This seed is surrounded by pure carbon material and a metal catalyst. The machine then applies intense heat (up to 1,500°C) and extreme pressure (about 55,000 times the air pressure at sea level).
• The Result: The carbon melts and crystallizes onto the seed, growing a diamond layer by layer in a matter of weeks.

 

2. CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)

This is a newer, often more energy-efficient method developed in the 1980s:

• The Process: A diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber. The chamber is heated and filled with carbon-rich gases (like methane). Using energy (microwaves or lasers), the gases are broken down into plasma. The pure carbon atoms from the gas then rain down and slowly bond to the diamond seed, growing the diamond crystal, layer by layer.
• The Result: This method is known for producing diamonds with very high purity and is often favored for its control over the growth process.

Both the HPHT and CVD processes result in a rough diamond crystal that is then sent to expert cutters and polishers—often right here in India—to be shaped into the brilliant gems we see in lab diamond jewellery.

 

The Reasons Behind the Revolution: Why Buyers are Switching

The rapid growth of lab grown diamonds in India is driven by the modern consumer's desire to find a diamond that matches both their heart and their values:

• Amazing Value and Affordability: For the exact same size, brilliance, and quality, a lab grown diamond is significantly less expensive than a mined diamond (often 60% to 80% less). This allows buyers to choose a much larger or higher-quality stone for their budget, offering unparalleled value.
• Ethical and Sustainable: Lab created diamonds offer guaranteed peace of mind. Their origin is 100% traceable, confirming they are conflict-free. Furthermore, growing a diamond in a lab uses significantly less water and disturbs no land or ecosystems, making them a clear choice for those seeking sustainable jewellery.
• Uncompromised Quality: Because the growth environment is meticulously controlled, lab grown diamonds often have fewer impurities and can achieve exceptionally high color and clarity grades (like D-E-F color and VVS/VS clarity). This ensures a truly brilliant and beautiful diamond.

Trust and Transparency: Certification 

To ensure you are buying a true, high-quality lab diamond, certification is key. Both lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds are graded using the same universal 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight).

Lab grown diamonds are primarily certified by global leaders like the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

• The Proof: Every certified lab diamond comes with a detailed report confirming its 4Cs. Importantly, the report and the diamond itself (often inscribed on the edge) are laser-marked as "LAB GROWN" to ensure total transparency.
• The Benefit: This clear, third-party grading gives you complete confidence in the quality and value of your lab diamond jewellery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lab Grown Diamonds

Here are answers to the most common questions people ask about lab grown diamonds:

Q1: Are lab grown diamonds real, or are they fake?

A: They are 100% real diamonds. They are not fake. They share the same chemical makeup (pure carbon), crystal structure, hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and optical properties (sparkle and fire) as mined diamonds.

Q2: Can you tell the difference between a lab diamond and a mined diamond?

A: No. You cannot tell the difference just by looking at them with the naked eye. Even experienced jewelers cannot distinguish between them without specialized, high-tech equipment (like advanced microscopes) that can detect unique growth patterns or trace elements.

Q3: Do lab grown diamonds last forever?

A: Yes, absolutely. Since lab grown diamonds have the same hardness and durability as natural diamonds, they are incredibly tough and will last forever. They are suitable for daily wear and can be passed down as cherished heirlooms.

Q4: Why are lab grown diamonds so much cheaper?

A: They are cheaper because they are not rare. They do not involve the billions of years of formation or the massive costs associated with mining, moving tons of earth, and complex global supply chains. They can be created on demand in a matter of weeks, which significantly lowers the cost while maintaining perfect quality.

Q5: Can lab grown diamonds be used in any type of jewelry?

A: Yes. Because they are physically and chemically identical to natural diamonds, they are perfect for all types of lab diamond jewellery, including engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Q6: Are lab grown diamonds better for the environment?

A: Yes. Lab grown diamonds are widely considered the more sustainable choice. They eliminate the need for extensive mining, which reduces land disruption, water usage, and carbon emissions associated with moving tons of earth.

Discover the Future of Sparkle at Shambh Jewels

Understanding what lab grown diamonds are is the first step toward making a smarter, more responsible jewellery choice. They are real diamonds, born of science, that offer superior value, unwavering ethical integrity, and stunning, identical brilliance.

Ready to explore the future of luxury? At Shambh Jewels, we specialize in exquisite lab diamond jewellery designed for the modern, conscious consumer. Our collections feature high-quality lab created diamonds, all fully certified by recognized global institutions, guaranteeing you the finest brilliance and value. Whether you’re searching for a breathtaking engagement ring or a timeless pendant, discover the perfect piece that aligns with your values and your budget. Let Shambh Jewels help you shine brighter and smarter.