Yes, they are real diamonds. They are created using the same chemical and physical processes that happen naturally inside the Earth but are grown in a controlled laboratory environment where a starter seed of diamond crystal gradually becomes bigger as more and more carbon atoms are deposited on it. Lab made diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds and are scientifically proven to be real diamonds. IGI and GIA, two of the world's foremost authorities on diamonds, coloured stones, and pearls, grade man made diamonds the same way they grade mined diamonds using the same scale.

The price is significantly lower than the price of mined diamonds. The exact price difference will depend on various factors such as the size, quality, and specific type of diamond, but on average, lab created diamonds are around 75% cheaper than natural diamonds. This is because the cost of producing rough is much lower than the cost of mining and extracting rough natural diamonds from the Earth. However, the rest of the process that a rough diamond, whether from a mine or a lab, goes through to be retail ready, like cutting, polishing, certification, shipping, and insurance are all exactly the same.

To give you an idea of how much you can save, if a mined diamond costs £10,000, an equivalent lab diamond will cost £2,500.

Yes, they do. When using a diamond tester, all lab created diamonds will test as diamonds. Chemically, physically, and optically there is no difference to a natural diamonds, so they will exhibit the same properties and characteristics when tested. This includes hardness, refractive index, thermal conductivity, and other properties that are unique to diamonds, both mined and man made.

Yes, most lab diamonds have inclusions, just like natural diamonds. In our lab diamonds guide we cover how inclusions are natural imperfections that are found within diamonds, and they can occur in both natural and lab made. Inclusions can take many different forms, such as tiny bubbles or carbon deposits that were trapped inside the diamond as it was forming. Just like natural diamonds, most diamonds created in labs have flaws, and only very few become flawless. Check our 4Cs guide to learn more about colour, clarity, cut and carat of diamonds.

Yes, all lab grown diamond rings in UK and jewellery can be insured. All lab created diamonds are considered to be real diamonds, so they can be insured just like mined diamonds. You can purchase insurance from any company that accepts jewellery insurance. Insurance policies vary but usually they cover the cost of replacing or repairing your item if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. It is important to read the terms of your insurance policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not. visit our lab diamond rings guide for more info.