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Lab-Grown Diamond Guide

The short answer: a lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. It is crystallised carbon with the same structure, hardness and optical properties as a mined diamond, grown above ground by one of two methods, CVD or HPHT. What differs is origin, price and resale value, not how it looks. A grading report from a laboratory such as IGI or GIA is how a diamond's origin and quality are confirmed.

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) explains that laboratory-grown diamonds have the same crystal structure of tightly bonded carbon atoms as natural diamonds, and so essentially the same chemical, optical and physical properties. That is what separates them from simulants such as cubic zirconia or moissanite, which are different materials. A lab-grown diamond is 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the same as a mined diamond.

How are lab-grown diamonds made?

There are two growth methods. HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) recreates the crushing pressure and heat under which diamonds form in the earth, using a metal catalyst. CVD (chemical vapour deposition) builds the crystal layer by layer from carbon-rich gas inside a vacuum chamber. Both produce diamond; neither method makes a better stone on its own. The quality of an individual diamond still comes down to its cut, colour and clarity.

What is the difference between a lab-grown and a natural diamond?

Lab-grown diamond Natural (mined) diamond
Material Carbon, cubic crystal Carbon, cubic crystal
Hardness 10 Mohs 10 Mohs
Appearance Identical to the eye Identical to the eye
Origin Grown in a laboratory in weeks Formed in the earth over millions of years
Price Much lower for the same size and grade Higher
Resale value Little to none Some, though well below retail
Grading IGI, GIA and other labs issue lab-grown reports GIA, IGI and others

Can a jeweller tell a lab-grown diamond from a mined one?

Not by eye. GIA identifies lab-grown diamonds with advanced spectroscopic testing and screening instruments, because growth features such as metallic inclusions (common in HPHT) or strain patterns (common in CVD) are usually only visible with specialist equipment. In practice, the grading report is how you know. Reports from IGI and GIA state that a diamond is laboratory-grown, and many lab-grown diamonds also carry a microscopic laser inscription on the girdle.

How much does a lab-grown diamond engagement ring cost in Australia?

Price depends far more on carat weight, metal and setting than on anything else. As a concrete reference, these are the starting prices across Divara's made-to-order engagement rings on 29 October 2026, in AUD:

Divara range 9K gold 14K gold 18K gold Platinum 950
1-carat designs from A$1,290 from A$1,600 from A$1,850 from A$1,750
1.5-carat designs from A$1,690 from A$2,000 from A$2,250 from A$2,150
2-carat designs from A$2,090 from A$2,400 from A$2,650 from A$2,550

"From" is the lowest-priced design in each range; halos, three-stone settings and pavé bands cost more. Every design is also available with a moissanite centre for less. See the moissanite guide. Current prices are always on each product page.

Do lab-grown diamonds come with a certificate?

At Divara, lab-grown diamond jewellery above 1 carat total weight comes with an IGI certificate. Whoever you buy from, ask for the report number and look it up on the laboratory's own website. The report should match the stone's weight, measurements and any girdle inscription. Our article on IGI certification explains how to read one.

Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value?

No, and it is better to know that before you buy. Lab-grown diamonds have little resale value. Buy one because you love wearing it and value the size and quality the money buys, not as an investment.

Should I choose a lab-grown diamond or moissanite?

Choose a lab-grown diamond if you want a diamond, with diamond hardness, the classic white sparkle and a grading report, at a lower price than mined. Choose moissanite if you want the largest look for the budget and enjoy stronger rainbow fire. Both suit everyday wear. Every Divara made-to-order design lets you choose either stone, so you can compare prices on the same ring.

How do I buy a lab-grown diamond online safely in Australia?

  • Look for the word "lab-grown" (or "laboratory-grown") next to "diamond". A clear qualifier should be stated up front, not only in the fine print.
  • Ask for the grading report number and verify it on the IGI or GIA website.
  • Check the metal is solid gold or platinum and stamped with its purity (for example 375 for 9K, 585 for 14K, 750 for 18K).
  • Read the returns, resizing and warranty terms before ordering. Made-to-order pieces usually can't be returned for a change of mind. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law still apply to faults.
  • Compare the full AUD price including delivery and insurance in transit. At Divara, tracked delivery is free Australia-wide, with a signature on delivery.

Unsure where to start? Book a free video consultation and we'll compare shapes, carats and settings with you side by side.

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