Knowledge & Advice
Your Guide to Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
A marvel of human ingenuity and modern brilliance, you can find a range of premium and certified sustainable laboratory-grown diamonds at Michael Hill. Laboratory-grown diamonds are grown by emulating the forces and conditions of Earth that produce natural diamonds, and each one forms with its own unique blend of characteristics – no two are exactly the same.
Our laboratory-grown diamond rings and jewellery offer an alternative choice to help you find your perfect piece. Read on to learn more about the newest step in the evolution of diamond jewellery.
What is a laboratory-grown diamond?
Laboratory-grown diamonds (also known as laboratory-created diamonds) are just what their name suggests: diamonds which are grown in state-of-the-art laboratories, rather than extracted from the Earth. They’re created by mimicking the forces and conditions that cause natural diamonds to form below the Earth’s surface. It is only due to modern technological advancements and incredible innovation that humans have been able to successfully recreate this wonder of nature.
Laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical, physical (including optical) properties and crystal structure as natural diamonds. This means laboratory-grown diamonds display the same level of hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and beautiful sparkle that people love about natural diamonds. They are also made of pure carbon – the same chemical element that forms natural diamonds.
Laboratory-grown diamonds are not to be confused with diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia, which are made of an entirely different material.
Are laboratory-grown diamonds real?
Laboratory-grown diamonds are classified as diamonds. It’s important to note that they are recognised this way, and that they are distinct from diamond simulants and imitation diamonds like cubic zirconia or moissanite, which have different chemical and physical properties.
Laboratory-grown diamonds are made of pure carbon, and possess essentially the same chemical, physical (including optical) properties and crystal structure as natural diamonds. You can wear your laboratory-grown diamonds as you would natural diamonds, as they share the same level of hardness and durability.
The main difference between laboratory-grown and natural diamonds is their origin: laboratory-grown stones are grown in modern laboratories with innovative methods, and natural diamonds are formed by the Earth over millions of years.
How are laboratory-grown diamonds made?
Laboratory-grown diamonds are formed using highly advanced, modern techniques and equipment that emulate the forces and conditions which cause natural diamonds to form deep below the Earth’s surface. The growth process begins with a diamond seed, which is pure carbon.
While each grower has its own proprietary formulas and technology, they fall under two key methods: HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) and CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition). The resulting laboratory-grown diamonds emerge as a ‘rough’ – similar to the way natural diamonds are discovered - and are then expertly cut and polished, ready to be set in your fine jewellery piece, engagement ring, or wedding band.
Are there different grades of laboratory-grown diamonds?
Just like natural diamonds, laboratory-grown diamonds form with their own unique blend of colour and inclusions and no two stones are exactly the same. A flawless laboratory-grown diamond is rare.
A laboratory-grown diamond is graded on the same characteristics as natural diamonds: the Four Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight). At Michael Hill, we offer laboratory-grown diamonds that exhibit premium colour and clarity grades.
Are all of Michael Hill’s diamonds laboratory-grown?
No. At Michael Hill the majority of our diamond jewellery, engagement rings and wedding bands are crafted with natural diamonds. We are proud to offer our customers their perfect choice of stone, including a range of beautiful laboratory-grown diamond pieces which can be found within our LAB. Collection. All laboratory-grown diamond rings and jewellery are clearly named and described as such.
Are laboratory-grown diamonds sustainable?
We are proud to be an accredited retailer of Certified Sustainability Rated Laboratory-Grown Diamonds; in accordance with the SCS-007 Jewelry Sustainability Standard Series – Sustainability Rated Diamond from SCS Global Services.
Sustainability Rated laboratory-grown diamonds are assessed against five key pillars: Origin Traceability, Ethical Stewardship, Climate Neutrality, Sustainable Production, and Sustainable Investments. This means a laboratory-grown diamond which is certified under SCS-007 is sustainably grown; ensures the fair and ethical treatment of workers and communities involved in its chain of custody; and contributes to the protection of the environment and climate.
While we are an accredited retailer of certified sustainable laboratory-grown diamonds at Michael Hill, not all laboratory-grown diamonds available from other retailers are necessarily sustainable or would meet the certification requirements of the SCS-007 Jewelry Sustainability Standard – Sustainability Rated Diamonds.
Why choose a laboratory-grown diamond?
When it comes to the perfect engagement ring or special piece of jewellery for you, it’s all about personal choice – which we call the Fifth C of diamonds. Sharing essentially the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics, the same level of hardness, and incredible brilliance – there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ choice between natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds, except for what you prefer.
If you have your heart set on a stone with a premium colour and clarity grade or luxurious carat weight, laboratory-grown diamonds allow you to choose a spectacular stone at a more affordable price than a natural diamond of comparable qualities.
Some people prefer the mystique and magic of natural diamonds, that formed deep below the Earth millions of years ago; while others marvel at the innovative technology or are drawn to the potential sustainability credentials of laboratory-grown diamonds.
Both diamond types are beautiful and durable choices for your most treasured jewellery. Keep an open mind when searching for your new forever-piece, and allow yourself to fall in love with whichever piece is perfect for you.
