Yes! Lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. Lab-created diamonds are indistinguishable from natural, earth-mined diamonds in terms of their chemical, molecular, and visual properties. They are produced in a laboratory environment, utilizing the same processes of heat and pressure that occur naturally in the earth's crust to create mined diamonds. Therefore, lab-grown diamonds are authentic diamonds, identical to their natural counterparts in every way.

Diamonds created in a laboratory are known by various names, including man-made diamonds, artisan-created artificial diamonds, synthetic diamonds, or cultured diamonds. When you come across any of these terms, you can be sure they refer to lab-grown diamonds. It's crucial to distinguish lab-grown diamonds from other gemstones that may resemble them, like Moissanite. While Moissanite is also often artificially produced, it has a distinct chemical composition from that of a diamond and is considered a diamond simulant, not a genuine diamond. Therefore, it's important to clarify the difference between these two types of gemstones.

Diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia, are alternatives to diamonds that lack the chemical and visual characteristics of natural or lab-grown diamonds. They also fall short in terms of durability and brilliance.

Yes, a lab-grown diamond will register as a genuine diamond when tested since it has the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. However, specialized equipment can differentiate between a lab-grown diamond and a naturally occurring diamond, and the diamond's certificate will specify its origin.

Certainly, a lab-grown diamond has the same longevity as a natural diamond. The composition of a lab-grown diamond is identical to that of a natural diamond, both of which score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, rendering them the toughest naturally occurring substances on earth. Therefore, they are highly resistant to scratching, abrasion, or breakage.

The duration for creating a lab-grown diamond primarily depends on its carat weight and the manufacturing process employed. Typically, a 1-carat white diamond takes approximately two weeks to produce, whereas larger diamonds may require up to a month.

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds retain their sparkle and clarity over time. After a lab-grown diamond is created and cut, it is typically evaluated by professionals who assess its colour, cut, clarity and carat size. These characteristics will remain unchanged unless the diamond is significantly damaged. However, it's important to keep in mind that regular cleaning of lab-grown diamond jewellery is necessary since accumulated dirt can occasionally diminish their shine.

In the UK engagement ring market, the concept of lab-grown diamonds is still emerging, and there are limited retailers selling lab-grown diamond engagement rings and jewellery. At our store, we provide lab-grown diamonds as part of our bespoke engagement ring and jewellery services.

Once we have an understanding of your budget and preferences, our gemologists will curate a carefully chosen collection of top-quality lab-grown diamonds that fit your unique budget. We will then schedule a meeting with you to discuss your engagement ring or jewellery design.

Book an appointment online or in-store to meet with our diamond & design experts.

The decision ultimately rests with you. Certain individuals cherish the romantic history associated with naturally occurring diamonds, which took billions of years to form, and are regarded as rare, precious, and possibly the most exquisite and captivating creation of nature. On the other hand, some prioritize the ethical value of lab-grown diamonds and admire the remarkable feat of science in creating something that took the earth billions of years to achieve. It ultimately boils down to the contrast between the powerful influence of nature and the wonders of science.

Compared to lab-grown diamonds, finding natural diamonds with the same level of purity can be difficult. Only 2% of natural diamonds have the equivalent level of purity as lab-grown diamonds (Type-IIa) composition.

All lab-grown diamonds are considered conflict-free since they are created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology, without any involvement from mining in conflict zones. Conversely, natural diamonds need to be carefully vetted to ensure they are conflict-free before being considered ethically sourced.

Selecting the finest lab-grown diamonds for your engagement ring is no different from selecting a natural diamond. If you've decided that a lab-grown diamond engagement ring is the way to go, adhere to these guidelines:

1. Determine your total budget for the engagement ring.
2. Select the ring style you prefer, customise the metal as per your choice and subtract the cost of the ring to determine how much you can devote to the diamond.
3. Choose the shape of the lab diamond you want and select from our curated feed.

You can learn more about selecting the ideal diamond for your engagement ring, but the key characteristics to prioritize are excellent cut quality, followed by high colour grade. Consider diamonds graded with an Excellent cut (for round diamonds) or Excellent polish and symmetry (for other shapes), D to G colour, and VS2 to SI1 clarity. This ensures that the diamond appears bright, white, and exceptionally sparkling. When narrowing down the options for your lab-grown diamond engagement ring, it's crucial to consult with knowledgeable gemmological specialists who can help you comprehend the intricacies and features of each diamond, highlight any flaws, and find the best value diamonds for your unique budget. To receive tailored advice or a quote, please contact us or book an appointment.

Similar to natural diamonds, the market value of lab-grown diamonds may fluctuate over time. However, since lab-grown diamonds are a relatively new introduction to the market, there is more uncertainty regarding their future pricing compared to natural diamonds. Unlike mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds have a transparent supply chain and undergo fewer exchanges. They can be easily replaced or modified as required.

Lab diamonds are typically 40% to 70% cheaper than natural diamonds. This is because the process of creating a lab diamond is more efficient and cost effective than the process to mine a diamond.

Sure, you can discover more about lab diamonds here.