Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. Chemically, physically and optically, they are identical to mined diamonds — the same carbon crystal, the same fire, the same IGI grading. The only difference is that they are grown in a laboratory over six to ten weeks rather than formed in the earth over millions of years.
This guide covers what a lab grown diamond is, how to choose one using the 4Cs, the difference between HPHT and CVD, and what to look for when buying in Hong Kong.
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. This is the most common misconception. A lab grown diamond is not a "simulant" like cubic zirconia or moissanite — those look similar but are different materials. A lab grown diamond is a diamond: identical in chemistry (pure carbon), hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and optics. Telling a lab grown diamond apart from a mined one requires specialist laboratory equipment, which is exactly why every stone should carry an independent IGI certificate.
The 4Cs of a lab grown diamond
Lab grown diamonds are graded on the same 4C scale as natural diamonds.
Cut
The biggest driver of sparkle. Even with high colour and clarity, a poorly cut diamond looks dull. Prioritise Excellent or Ideal cut.
Colour
Graded D (colourless) to Z. D–F is colourless; G–J is near-colourless and hard to distinguish by eye.
Clarity
The presence of inclusions, from FL (flawless) to I. At VS and above, inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.
Carat
Weight. Larger is rarer — but a well-cut smaller stone often outshines a poorly cut larger one.
HPHT vs CVD: two growing methods
- HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) recreates the heat and pressure under which natural diamonds form.
- CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) deposits carbon atoms layer by layer onto a diamond seed inside a vacuum chamber.
Either way, a stone takes about six to ten weeks to grow. Roselle Jewelry offers a large selection of Type IIa lab grown diamonds — the purest category of diamond, brighter and harder than most mined stones.
Why choose a lab grown diamond?
- Ethical & sustainable — conflict-free, with a fraction of mining's environmental impact.
- IGI certified — every loose stone comes with an independent report.
- Type IIa purity — the purest form of diamond.
- Fully custom — design an engagement ring, pendant or earrings around the exact stone you choose.
Buying lab grown diamonds in Hong Kong
- Insist on an IGI certificate for loose stones — not an in-house "guarantee".
- See the stone in person — photos and screens can't show true fire.
- Confirm after-sales — an engagement or wedding ring is worn for life; lifetime warranty and cleaning matter.
Roselle Jewelry has boutiques in Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay where you can try on lab grown diamond jewelry, or shop IGI-certified lab grown diamonds online with free Hong Kong delivery and a lifetime warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Do lab grown diamonds hold their value?
A lab grown diamond's worth lies in being a real diamond — the same beauty, durability and heirloom potential. Choose for wear and meaning rather than resale speculation.
What's the difference between a lab grown diamond and moissanite?
Moissanite is a different mineral (silicon carbide) that looks similar. A lab grown diamond is a true diamond, chemically identical to a natural one.
Can I use a lab grown diamond for an engagement ring?
Yes — it's a popular choice. Lab grown diamonds match natural diamonds in hardness and durability, ideal for daily wear. Roselle Jewelry offers full custom design around your chosen stone.
How can you tell a lab grown diamond from a natural one?
Not by eye or with standard jewellery tools — it requires laboratory testing of growth patterns. This is why the IGI certificate matters.
Do lab grown diamonds come with a certificate?
Yes. Roselle Jewelry's loose lab grown diamonds come with an independent IGI certificate grading the 4Cs.
Explore Roselle Jewelry's full range of IGI-certified lab grown diamonds →
