Lab grown diamonds (also known as lab created diamonds, man made diamonds, engineered diamonds, and cultured diamonds) are cultivated within highly controlled laboratory environments using advanced technological processes that replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds naturally develop.

These conditions comprise of a process that uses actual carbon atoms arranged in the characteristic diamond crystal structure to form the gemstone we know as a diamond.

Due to this structure and chemical characteristics, lab-grown diamonds replicate naturally minded diamonds as they exhibit the same optical and chemical properties.

Natural diamonds are among the most coveted and cherished gemstones in the world. Formed deep within the Earth's mantle over billions of years, these precious gems possess remarkable qualities that have captivated human fascination for centuries.

Originating approximately 160 kilometres beneath the Earth's surface, where extreme heat and pressure cause carbon atoms to crystallize into the diamond structure. They are brought to the Earth's surface through volcanic eruptions or deep-seated geological processes.

Comprising solely of carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline lattice structure diamonds formed with this structure are subsequently possess exceptional hardness, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale.

Meaning diamonds are significantly harder than any other naturally occurring substance on Earth, making them highly resistant to scratching and wear.

The clarity of a diamond refers to the presence of internal and external flaws or inclusions. Diamonds with fewer or no inclusions are considered more valuable. Gemmologists assess clarity using a grading scale that ranges from "flawless" (no inclusions) to "included" (visible inclusions).

The colour of a diamond is another critical factor in determining its value. Most diamonds appear colourless, but they can also come in various shades, from light yellow to deep brown. Colourless diamonds are the most valuable, with a grading scale that ranges from "D" (colourless) to "Z" (light yellow or brown).

The cut of a diamond refers to how well it has been shaped and faceted. A well-cut diamond will exhibit exceptional brilliance and sparkle. The cut is typically evaluated based on parameters like proportions, symmetry, and polish. The most common cut for diamonds is the round brilliant cut, but there are various other shapes as well, such as princess, emerald, and pear.

Diamonds are weighed in carats, with one carat equivalent to approximately 0.2 grams. The carat weight significantly influences a diamond's value, with larger diamonds being rarer and more valuable.

Natural diamonds are celebrated for their ability to refract light and create dazzling displays of brilliance and fire. This optical quality is a result of the diamond's exceptional dispersion and high refractive index.

It's crucial to recognize the significant difference between lab-grown diamonds and diamond simulants. Lab diamonds are crafted from carbon, just like genuine diamonds, while diamond simulants may look similar but lack authentic carbon crystals.

Two of the most prevalent diamond simulants are moissanite and cubic zirconia.

Moissanite: Natural moissanite is exceptionally rare because it originates from space in meteorites rather than from Earth. Consequently, the moissanite available for purchase is also synthesized in a laboratory. Although moissanites can closely resemble diamonds, they often exhibit a rainbow glint rather than the brilliant sparkle of traditional diamonds.

Cubic Zirconia: Cubic zirconia (CZ) is another synthetic crystal occasionally used as a diamond substitute. While it offers reasonable durability and sparkle, it falls short of matching the brilliance of diamonds and tends to show wear and tear over time. It is sometimes employed as a temporary placeholder in jewellery until a more resilient stone can be added.

Therefore, cubic zirconia and moissanite should not be mistaken for any type of diamonds, despite their similar appearance.

Simulants lack the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, which is why they are priced significantly lower than lab-grown diamonds. Distinguishing simulants from natural or lab-grown diamonds can often be done with the naked eye alone.

Natural and lab-grown diamonds possess unique thermal conductivity properties that set them apart from cubic zirconia, detectable with a handheld diamond tester. While some lab-grown diamonds and certain natural coloured diamonds may be mistakenly identified as moissanite using specific diamond testers due to their similar electrical conductivity, gemmologists typically distinguish between the two based on their differing refractive properties. Moissanites are double refractive, whereas diamonds are single refractive.