Diamond fundamentals
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
A precise answer to the most common question about laboratory-grown diamonds—and the evidence worth checking.
· 2 min read
Yes. A lab-grown diamond is diamond material formed in a controlled laboratory setting. It has the carbon crystal structure and hardness associated with diamond.
That does not make every transparent stone a diamond. Moissanite and cubic zirconia are simulants: different materials that can resemble diamond but have different physical and optical properties.
What is different?
The origin is different. Natural diamonds form through geological processes; lab-grown diamonds are produced using controlled growth methods. Laboratories can examine growth structure, trace features, fluorescence, and spectroscopy to determine origin.
Origin is only one part of the description. Lab-grown diamonds still vary in:
- Cut and proportions
- Colour
- Clarity
- Carat weight and dimensions
- Grading evidence
Does lab-grown automatically mean sustainable?
No single origin label proves energy source, labour conditions, emissions, or complete supply-chain performance. Those claims require separate, specific evidence. We use neutral origin language unless documentation supports a narrower claim.
What does “certified” mean?
A report applies to the specific diamond submitted to the issuing laboratory. At Ichor Jewels, IGI reports apply only to qualifying centre or selected stones when the product or order documentation says a report is included. It does not mean every accent stone—or the complete jewellery piece—has an individual report.
Before choosing, compare the actual stone details and read our certification guide.