Lab-grown. Not a look-alike.
Understand what you are choosing, without the confusing labels.
Start with the material
A laboratory-grown diamond is diamond grown by a technological process rather than formed naturally in the earth. It shares essentially the chemical, physical and optical properties of natural diamond. Moissanite and cubic zirconia are different materials, even when they look similar.
Origin still matters. A responsible description should plainly say laboratory-grown, not leave you to infer it from a price or a photograph. Ask for the documentation of the actual stone you are considering.
The report is part of the selection
Compare the identifying number, weight and measurements with the actual proposed stone. Read the issuing laboratory’s wording about growth origin and any disclosed treatment. Report formats and assessment terminology can differ between laboratories and change over time.
A label alone is not a complete visual assessment. Ask for clear face-up video and an image in neutral light, and review the outline, visible clarity and appearance with your jewellery professional.
A brief makes the choice easier
Begin with the jewellery design and proportions you want, then set the preferred shape and approximate dimensions. A fixed carat target can be less useful than a realistic view of the stone in the setting.
Tell us your budget and destination. We can discuss the trade-offs in the actual available selection, before agreeing a complete quote. This is a choice of jewellery material, not a promise of resale value or investment return.
Questions worth asking
Is the stone laboratory-grown? Which laboratory issued its documentation? Are growth method and any treatment disclosed? Can I see the exact stone? What are its measurements? What does the final quote include? Keep the answers with your written order record.
Further reading
General selection guidance. The details of an actual stone and the terms of any order must be confirmed separately.
Discuss your selection