Lab Grown Diamond: A Complete Guide for UK Buyers
· Lindzay Creber
Lab-Grown Diamonds: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Choosing a diamond is one of the most considered purchases most people make. In recent years, lab-grown diamonds have become a significant part of the market, and at Petersons Jewellers we want to make sure you can make your choice with confidence and clear information.
This guide explains what lab-grown diamonds are, how they compare to natural diamonds, what certification means, how to care for them, and what to expect in terms of value — all in plain English.
What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond (also called a laboratory-grown diamond or laboratory-created diamond) is a real diamond. It has the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as a diamond formed deep within the earth — it is pure carbon in a cubic crystal form.
The difference is origin. Natural diamonds form over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure beneath the earth's surface. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment using one of two processes:
- High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) — replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds form.
- Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) — grows a diamond layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas.
Both methods produce genuine diamonds. The result is optically, chemically, and physically identical to a mined diamond, and cannot be distinguished by the naked eye.
Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds: The Key Differences
| Feature | Natural Diamond | Lab-Grown Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Pure carbon | Pure carbon |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 10 (hardest known mineral) | 10 (hardest known mineral) |
| Optical properties | Identical | Identical |
| Origin | Earth (billions of years) | Laboratory (weeks to months) |
| Rarity | Finite, naturally scarce | Reproducible in controlled conditions |
| Retail price | Higher | Lower (typically 50–80% less for comparable quality) |
| Resale market | Established secondary market | Smaller, still developing secondary market |
The bottom line: both are real diamonds. The choice comes down to what matters most to you — the geological story and finite nature of a mined stone, or the accessibility and price point of a lab-grown one.
Diamond Grading and Certification
Whether natural or lab-grown, a diamond's quality is assessed using the same internationally recognised framework — the 4Cs:
- Cut — how well the diamond has been shaped and faceted; this has the greatest influence on brilliance.
- Colour — graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The closer to D, the rarer and typically the more valuable.
- Clarity — the presence of internal inclusions or surface blemishes, graded from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3).
- Carat — the weight of the diamond (1 carat = 0.2 grams). Larger stones are rarer, so price increases significantly with carat weight.
Reputable lab-grown diamonds should come with a grading report from a recognised gemological laboratory. The most widely respected are:
- IGI (International Gemological Institute)
- HRD Antwerp
These bodies grade lab-grown diamonds to the same standards as natural diamonds. Always ask for the grading report when purchasing — it gives you an independent, verifiable record of what you are buying. At Petersons Jewellers, our lab-created pieces are sourced with this in mind.
How Petersons Jewellers Labels Its Products
We follow the terminology guidance of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), the UK's leading trade body for the jewellery industry. In line with this guidance:
- All lab-grown diamond pieces in our range are clearly described as "Lab-created" in their product titles and descriptions.
- We do not use terms such as "cultured diamond", "synthetic", or "real diamond" in a way that could mislead about origin.
- The metal, carat weight, and diamond grade (where available) are stated clearly for every piece.
You will find our lab-created diamond jewellery clearly identified throughout our Rings collection. An example of the quality we offer is our Platinum Radiant Cut Diamond Solitaire 2.00ct – Lab-created, set in platinum with a superb radiant cut stone.
Value and Price Expectations
Lab-grown diamonds typically retail at significantly lower prices than natural diamonds of equivalent quality — often 50–80% less, depending on the size, grade, and market conditions at the time of purchase.
It is important to approach resale value with realistic expectations:
- Natural diamonds have a long-established secondary market, though resale prices are always lower than retail. Like most luxury goods, a natural diamond should not be purchased primarily as a financial investment.
- Lab-grown diamonds have a newer, less established resale market. Retail prices for lab-grown stones have fallen significantly in recent years as production has scaled, and resale values reflect this.
If long-term resale potential is a priority for you, discuss this openly with us before purchasing — we are happy to give you an honest picture.
For many customers, the lower entry price of a lab-grown diamond allows them to choose a larger or higher-quality stone than they could otherwise afford, maximising the visual impact and joy of the piece within their budget.
Caring for Your Lab-Grown Diamond
Because a lab-grown diamond is physically identical to a natural diamond, the care guidance is exactly the same:
- Cleaning: Use warm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid and a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the setting contains other gemstones.
- Storage: Store separately from other jewellery to avoid scratching softer stones or metals. A fabric-lined box or individual pouch is ideal.
- Everyday wear: Diamonds are exceptionally hard and durable, but the metal settings are not. Remove rings when doing heavy manual work, gardening, or using harsh cleaning chemicals.
- Professional check: Have your piece checked by a jeweller annually to ensure settings remain secure — this applies to all fine jewellery, regardless of the diamond type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a jeweller tell a lab-grown diamond from a natural one?
Not with the naked eye, and not with a standard loupe. Specialist gemological equipment is required to identify the growth characteristics that distinguish a lab-grown from a natural stone. This is why proper certification and provenance documentation matter.
Do lab-grown diamonds test as real diamonds?
Yes. Standard diamond testers measure thermal conductivity and register lab-grown diamonds as genuine diamonds — because they are.
Are lab-grown diamonds regulated differently in the UK?
In the UK, the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 requires that all material information about a product is disclosed. Selling a lab-grown diamond without clearly stating its origin would be considered a misleading omission. We are committed to full transparency on all our pieces.
Can I insure a lab-grown diamond ring?
Yes. Most UK jewellery insurers will cover lab-grown diamond pieces. You will typically need a valuation and, ideally, a grading certificate. Contact us if you need a valuation certificate for insurance purposes.
Shop Lab-Created Diamonds at Petersons Jewellers
We stock a carefully selected range of lab-created diamond jewellery, from classic solitaires to more contemporary designs. Browse our full Rings collection to find both natural and lab-created options side by side.
If you have questions about any piece — or simply want to talk through which option is right for you — please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team. We are here to help you make the right choice, without pressure.