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Lab-grown and mined diamonds
Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds: origin, identification and questions worth asking.
Two routes to diamond
Natural diamonds form within the Earth. Laboratory-grown diamonds are produced in controlled conditions, commonly by high-pressure, high-temperature growth (HPHT) or chemical vapour deposition (CVD).
Origin is different from imitation
Laboratory-grown and natural diamonds have essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties. A diamond simulant is a different material that resembles diamond; the terms are not interchangeable.
A photograph is not an origin test
Appearance alone does not reliably separate the two origins. Specialist laboratory testing can identify growth characteristics. Request the origin disclosure and any report for the particular diamond you are considering.
Bring the question back to the piece
Keep the product code and selected option with your questions. This educational guide does not identify the origin of a catalogue item, confirm inventory or promise a particular report.
Before you decide
Questions to ask before you buy
- Is this diamond natural or laboratory-grown?
- Does the disclosure cover the centre stone and smaller stones?
- Which report and treatment details are available for this exact piece?
Sources & further reading
Check each product page for exact specifications, or ask us if anything is unclear.
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