Lab-Grown Diamond Guide
ZGems education · Updated
A lab-grown diamond is diamond created through a manufactured growth process. It has essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamond, while its growth origin and identifying features differ. Choose by the individual stone’s appearance, specifications and report, as well as the jewellery you want to make.
The 4Cs: compare them together
Illustrations are educational, not grading examples. Confirm the individual diamond’s details and report.
Lab-grown, natural and diamond simulants
Natural diamonds formed geologically; lab-grown diamonds are produced using processes including high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Specialised testing can distinguish their origin. See GIA: Natural and Laboratory-Grown Diamonds.
A diamond simulant is a different material chosen to resemble diamond. Check the named material and creation disclosure instead of relying on sparkle, a photograph or the word “stone”.
Compare the 4Cs together
| Factor | What to compare |
|---|---|
| Carat weight | Weight, alongside length, width and depth in millimetres. |
| Colour | The stated assessment on the actual report, viewed with the stone’s appearance. |
| Clarity | The assessment of inclusions and blemishes, plus their visibility in your chosen stone. |
| Cut | Cutting style, proportions, polish, symmetry and any applicable cut assessment. |
Carat measures weight: 1 ct is 0.2 g. It is not a fixed diameter. See GIA: Diamond Quality Factors. Use our clarity and colour guide for common colour and clarity terms and the gemstone cuts guide for outlines.
Two stones can share a carat weight or headline grades without looking identical. Request a representative video and compare dimensions, not just a grade list.
How to use a laboratory report
An independent report can document the stone’s identity, measurements and quality assessments. IGI: Laboratory Grown Diamond Report explains IGI’s laboratory-grown reporting, including information that may be available about growth method and treatments.
- Confirm that the report identifies the stone as laboratory-grown.
- Match its report number and measurements to the selected stone; ask about an inscription where applicable.
- Read the actual colour, clarity and cutting information, not just an abbreviated sales summary.
- Read comments about growth and treatments when provided, and ask about anything unclear.
Report formats differ by laboratory and may change over time. A report documents the submitted item; it is not a guarantee of a future resale price or a blanket endorsement of a retailer.
Compare loose diamonds and finished jewellery at ZGems
Our loose lab-grown diamond collection has shape and carat options, with colour and clarity details shown in each listing. Confirm the selected stone’s dimensions and individual report details before planning a mount.
For a jewellery item, check the metal, ring size, setting details and whether a carat figure refers to the centre or total stone weight. A loose-diamond price does not include a setting unless the listing expressly says so.
To plan a personal piece, send the product link, preferred design and overall budget through custom jewellery design.
Care for the stone and its setting
Diamond resists scratching well, but it can chip and its setting also needs attention. Avoid knocks, inspect loose fittings and request cleaning instructions for the whole piece, especially where other gems or treatments are present. See GIA: Diamond Care and Cleaning.
Common lab-grown diamond questions
Are lab-grown diamonds diamond?
Yes. Laboratory-grown diamond is diamond, with a manufactured origin. It should be clearly disclosed as lab-grown; see GIA: Natural and Laboratory-Grown Diamonds.
Does the largest carat option always look best?
No. Compare dimensions, proportions, appearance and how the stone fits your planned jewellery. Carat alone does not describe the finished look.
Will every ZGems diamond have the same report?
Confirm what is supplied for the selected stone. Do not assume a laboratory name mentioned in a guide or catalogue applies to every jewellery item or every stone in a piece.
Sources and further learning
gemstone education hub · clarity and colour guide · gemstone cuts guide