Diamond, not a simulant
Lab-grown diamonds have the carbon crystal structure associated with diamond and measure 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Cubic zirconia and moissanite are different materials. They can look similar at a glance, but their composition and optical behaviour are not the same.
Carbon seed
Controlled heat, pressure, or plasma allows carbon to form a diamond crystal.
Finished diamond
The result has the carbon crystal structure and hardness associated with diamond.
How laboratories identify origin
Growth structure, trace features, fluorescence, and spectroscopy can help a gemological laboratory determine whether a diamond formed naturally or in a laboratory. A visual inspection alone is not a reliable origin test.
What origin does—and does not—tell you
Origin does not replace grading. Two lab-grown diamonds can differ substantially in cut, colour, clarity, carat weight, and price. Environmental or ethical performance also cannot be inferred from the words “lab-grown” alone; those claims need separate evidence.
Choosing with confidence
Compare the visible qualities that matter to you, confirm exactly what the product description covers, and keep any grading report with the order records. Our Four Cs guide explains the common grading language.