What is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab Grown Diamond in a modern laboratory environment
ROSY DIAMOND KNOWLEDGE

Lab Grown Diamonds Explained Clearly

Lab Grown Diamonds combine the properties of a Diamond with a modern, technologically controlled formation process.

But what exactly is a Lab Grown Diamond, how is it created, and how does it differ from natural Diamonds, Cubic Zirconia, or Moissanite?

FUNDAMENTALS

What is a Lab Grown Diamond?

A Lab Grown Diamond is a Diamond whose crystal did not grow through natural geological processes deep within the Earth, but under controlled technical conditions.

It consists of crystalline carbon and has the fundamental crystal structure as well as the characteristic chemical, physical, and optical properties of a Diamond.

The decisive difference is its origin. A Lab Grown Diamond is not a Diamond imitation. The term describes how the Diamond was formed.
Lab Grown Diamond and schematic illustration of its carbon crystal structure
STRUCTURE & PROPERTIES

A Diamond remains a Diamond

A Diamond's special properties arise from its crystal structure: carbon atoms are connected in a highly stable three-dimensional network.

  • Crystalline carbon
  • Exceptionally high hardness
  • Characteristic light refraction
  • Brilliance and fire after cutting
  • Evaluation according to gemmological quality characteristics

A Lab Grown Diamond also possesses these properties. However, its formation history fundamentally differs from that of a natural Diamond.

FORMATION

How are Lab Grown Diamonds created?

Two technical growth methods are primarily used for jewelry Diamonds: CVD and HPHT.

CVD

Chemical Vapor Deposition

With CVD, the Diamond grows layer by layer on a Diamond seed. Carbon is released from a controlled gas environment and incorporated into the growing crystal structure.

HPHT

High Pressure High Temperature

The HPHT method uses very high pressure and high temperatures to create conditions under which a Diamond crystal can grow.

Is CVD or HPHT better? The growth method alone does not determine the quality or beauty of a finished Diamond. The properties of the individual stone are decisive.
IMPORTANT DISTINCTION

Lab Grown Diamond, Cubic Zirconia, or Moissanite?

Comparison of Lab Grown Diamond, Cubic Zirconia, and Moissanite

Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite may look like a Diamond. Gemmologically, however, they are different materials.

Lab Grown Diamond Crystalline carbon with a diamond structure and a laboratory origin.
Cubic Zirconia A synthetically produced material with a different chemical composition and different physical properties.
Moissanite A different crystalline material, primarily silicon carbide, with its own optical properties.
Similar appearance does not mean the same material. The terms Lab Grown Diamond, Cubic Zirconia, and moissanite should therefore not be used synonymously.
IDENTIFICATION

Can you identify a Lab Grown Diamond?

A high-quality cut Lab Grown Diamond can appear very similar to a natural Diamond to the naked eye.

To reliably determine origin, gemological laboratories use specialized instruments and analytical methods. These may include examining growth features and other gemological characteristics.

Its origin should therefore not be assessed solely based on its outward appearance.

QUALITY

How is a Lab Grown Diamond evaluated?

The familiar quality characteristics also play a central role for Lab Grown Diamonds.

Carat

The Diamond's weight.

Cut

Cut and light performance.

Color

Color or color grade.

Clarity

Clarity and visible characteristics.

ROSY Tip Do not evaluate a Diamond based on a single value alone. Cut, measurements, carat weight, color, and clarity should be considered together.
CERTIFICATES

Why is an independent laboratory report important?

A gemological laboratory report can confirm the laboratory origin and document the key characteristics of the examined Diamond.

Depending on the report, it may include details such as carat weight, measurements, color, clarity, cut characteristics, polish, symmetry, laser inscription, and other notes.

ROSY Certificate Standard For a single Lab Grown Diamond of 0.50 ct or more, ROSY Lab Diamonds provides an independent IGI Grading Report along with the ROSY Product Certificate. The ROSY Product Certificate documents the jewelry piece and does not replace an independent gemological laboratory report.
BUYING GUIDE

What should I look for when buying?

1. CutA balanced cut is essential for visible light performance.
2. Measurements & CaratAlways consider weight and visible size together.
3. ColorSelect the desired color grade to match the jewelry and metal.
4. ClarityNot every feature visible under magnification is visible to the naked eye.
5. ShapeRound, Oval, Pear, Emerald, or Fancy Shapes can significantly change the overall appearance.
6. DocumentationCarefully review the available laboratory and product information.
IN BRIEF

Lab Grown Diamonds at a Glance

  • They have a diamond crystal structure.
  • Their origin lies in a controlled technical growth process.
  • CVD and HPHT are the most important growth methods.
  • They should not be equated with Cubic Zirconia or moissanite.
  • Their quality is assessed based on gemological characteristics.
  • An independent laboratory report provides additional transparency.
MORE DIAMOND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge creates confidence when making a selection.

Discover more topics on lab grown diamonds, 4Cs, cuts, Fancy Colors, and certificates in our ROSY knowledge library.

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