Shopping for a diamond is exciting and there are lots of questions. Do you prefer natural diamonds or lab grown diamonds? Are they the same? How long does a lab grown diamond last? There is so much information available online that it is easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re shopping for an engagement ring or celebrating a milestone that deserves something truly special.
The good news is that today’s buyers have more choices than ever. Heer by GIVA is making fine jewellery more accessible with beautiful 9K, 14K and 18K gold jewellery with certified lab grown diamonds. Whether you’re planning a proposal, shopping for an anniversary gift for your wife or investing in your first diamond, knowing the differences between lab grown and natural diamonds will help you make a wise choice.
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond, but it is made in a controlled laboratory instead of being mined from the earth. It is made entirely of pure carbon in a crystal structure just like a natural diamond. This gives it the same remarkable hardness , brilliance and sparkle .
So how do they make a lab grown diamond? It all begins with a diamond seed. Using advanced technologies such as High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), scientists recreate the natural conditions under which diamonds form deep within the earth. Over weeks, carbon atoms slowly accumulate around the seed, creating a rough diamond. Then it is cut, polished and graded and made into a beautiful piece of jewellery.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Genuine?
Yes, certainly. Lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition, physical properties and optical brilliance of natural diamonds. They are in fact identical in appearance and behaviour, and even professional gemologists need special equipment to tell them apart.
The only difference is the way they are formed. Natural diamonds take billions of years to form, below the surface of the earth Lab grown diamonds are created in a laboratory with the help of advanced technology which mimics the same natural process.
Simply put, a lab grown diamond is not an imitation or a substitute. It is a genuine diamond. The only thing that has changed is the source.
Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamond: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is how a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond compare across key characteristics.
|
Characteristic |
Lab Grown Diamond |
Natural Diamond |
|
Composition |
Made of pure crystalline carbon |
Made of pure crystalline carbon |
|
Durability |
10 on the Mohs hardness scale |
10 on the Mohs hardness scale |
|
Brilliance |
Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 |
Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 |
|
Colour |
Available in colourless, near colourless, and fancy colours like pink, yellow, and blue |
Available in colourless, near colourless, and naturally occurring fancy colours |
|
Grading |
Evaluated using the 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat |
Evaluated using the 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat |
|
Certification |
Certified by leading gemological laboratories such as IGI and GIA |
Certified by leading gemological laboratories such as IGI and GIA |
|
Origin |
Created in a controlled laboratory using advanced technology over several weeks |
Formed naturally beneath the earth over billions of years before being mined |
|
Rarity |
Can be produced in increasing quantities as technology advances |
Limited quantities based on geological conditions |
|
Price |
Generally more affordable than a comparable natural diamond |
Typically more expensive due to rarity and mining costs |
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Graded and Certified?
Lab grown diamonds are graded in the same way as mined diamonds with the internationally recognised 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat. These standards are used throughout the diamond industry to judge a diamond's beauty, brilliance and overall quality. After the diamond is graded, a trusted lab, such as IGI or GIA, will issue a certificate to attest to the diamond’s characteristics and that the diamond is lab grown.
Shop all lab grown diamonds at Heer by GIVA with total confidence, as all are IGI certified, meaning your diamond has been independently verified for quality and authenticity.
Why Choose a Lab Grown Diamond?
Lab grown diamonds are becoming a favourite among modern jewellery lovers, and for good reason. They are a more affordable alternative that provides the same brilliance, beauty and durability as natural diamonds, so you can choose a larger or higher quality diamond without stretching your budget. For many people they are also a more conscious choice, as they are made in a controlled environment rather than mined from the earth. The other benefit is the huge range of choices.
Lab grown diamonds come in a wide variety of classic round cut, pear cut and princess cuts, as well as fancy shapes and beautiful colours including pink, yellow and blue. The possibilities are endless in terms of creating designs to reflect your personal style and the occasion you’re celebrating.
Do Lab Grown Diamonds Last Forever?
Of course! One of the biggest myths about lab grown diamonds is that they lose their sparkle over time. That is not true at all, in fact. Lab grown diamonds have the same hardness and durability as natural diamonds, so they won’t become cloudy, fade or lose their shine with wear.
Whether you wear your wedding ring every day or pull out your favourite diamond earrings for special occasions, your lab grown diamond is designed to last a lifetime. It will shine beautifully for years and years with basic upkeep and periodic cleaning and may even become a cherished heirloom passed down through generations.
Why More Buyers Are Choosing Lab Grown Diamonds
An increasing number of buyers are opting for lab grown diamonds and the reasons go beyond the beautiful appearance. People buy them because they are great value and mean you can get a bigger carat size or a higher quality diamond for your money. They are also viewed as a more ethical and sustainable alternative to mined diamonds as they are produced in a controlled environment with a smaller environmental footprint. This means that couples and lovers of modern jewellery can celebrate life’s biggest milestones, while making a more conscious choice. Whether it is an engagement, wedding, anniversary or a meaningful gift to yourself, lab grown diamonds combine affordability, responsible sourcing and timeless elegance, making them an increasingly popular choice today.
Discover Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery at Heer by GIVA
Every special moment requires jewellery that is just as meaningful. Heer by GIVA offers beautifully crafted 9K, 14K and 18K gold jewellery with IGI certified lab grown diamonds. Every piece is created with thoughtful design to celebrate life’s sweetest moments, from beautiful engagement rings and shimmering earrings to classic necklaces and everyday fine jewellery.
Looking for something that is all yours? With Heer by You, you can customise your jewellery by selecting your desired gold purity, diamond carat weight and lab grown diamond size to make a piece that truly reflects your style and story. If you are creating the perfect engagement ring or a special gift, made-to-order jewellery can help bring your vision to life.
If you’re planning a proposal, celebrating an anniversary, or just investing in your first diamond, browse the collection from Heer by GIVA to find fine jewellery that is timeless, personal, and crafted to be treasured for a lifetime.
