What Is a Lab Grown Diamond? A Simple Guide for First-Time Buyers

Buying diamond jewellery for the first time is exciting—but it can also feel confusing. Natural, lab grown, certified, solitaire, 4Cs… there’s a lot of jargon for something that’s supposed to feel special.

If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram, seeing “lab grown diamonds” and wondering what is a lab grown diamond, really?—this guide is for you.

In simple language, we’ll break down what lab grown diamonds are, how they’re made, how they’re different from mined diamonds, and why so many modern buyers in India are choosing them. In the end, we’ll share how Joara works with lab grown diamonds for its jewellery.

So, What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Let’s start with the basics:

A lab grown diamond is a real diamond that is created in a laboratory instead of being mined from the earth.

Lab grown diamonds meaning in simple words:
Take the same carbon, the same crystal structure, the same sparkle—but grow it in a controlled, high-tech environment instead of deep under the earth’s surface.

Chemically, physically, and optically, lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds are the same. A jeweller’s diamond tester, a grading lab, or your eyes under good light – all will see a diamond, not “fake” stone.

• Cubic zirconia? Moissanite? Those are diamond substitutes, not diamonds.
  
  

• Lab diamonds? Those are actual diamonds, just with a different origin story.
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How Are Lab Diamonds Made in a Lab?

To understand lab grown diamonds, imagine nature… but fast-forwarded and precisely controlled.

There are two main methods used in labs across the world (including for lab grown diamonds India buyers see today):

1. HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature)

• A tiny diamond “seed” is placed inside a machine.
  
  

• It is exposed to very high pressure and very high temperature, similar to what exists under the earth’s surface.
  
  

• Carbon forms around the seed, slowly growing into a full diamond crystal.
  
  

Think of it as recreating the earth’s natural process—but in a clean, modern lab.

2. CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition)

• A thin diamond seed is placed inside a special chamber.
  
  

• Carbon-rich gas is passed into the chamber and heated.
  
  

• The carbon atoms slowly settle onto the seed layer by layer, forming a diamond over time.
  
  

This is a bit like building a diamond atom by atom, the way frost grows slowly on glass.

In both cases, the result is the same: a real diamond crystal, ready to be cut, polished and set into jewellery.

Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds

If both are real diamonds, what’s different?

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Origin
  
  

• Natural: Formed over billions of years deep under the earth.
  
  

• Lab Grown: Formed in a lab over a few weeks using advanced technology.
  
  

• Look & Feel
  Both have the same sparkle, fire, and brilliance. On the finger or neckline, no one can tell just by looking whether it’s lab grown or mined.
  
  

• Strength & Durability
  Both score 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness—the highest. That means lab grown diamonds are just as suitable for daily wear rings, bracelets, and studs.
  
  

• Price
  Lab grown diamonds usually cost significantly less than mined diamonds of the same size and quality.
  For first-time buyers in India, this often means:
  
  

• A bigger diamond for the same budget, or
  
  

• Similar size and quality at a more comfortable price.
  
  

• Impact
  Lab grown diamonds avoid large-scale mining, making them a more modern, conscious choice for many buyers.
  
  

So if you’ve ever searched “lab grown diamonds India” and wondered if they are “real enough” for a proposal ring or a big milestone—yes, they are. They’re real diamonds, backed by grading reports, just like mined ones.

Why Modern Buyers in India Are Choosing Lab Grown Diamonds

Especially in cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and beyond, more couples and young professionals are moving towards lab grown diamonds. Here’s why:

1. More Diamond for Your Budget

When you’re buying your first diamond—whether as a gift, engagement ring, or a “for myself” piece—budget matters.

Since lab grown diamonds are priced lower than mined diamonds of similar quality, you get:

• A larger carat size
  
  

• Better colour and clarity
  
  

• Or a more thoughtful, modern design
  
  

—all without stretching your finances.

2. Values That Match Your Lifestyle

Today’s buyers care not just about what they’re buying, but how it was made.

Lab grown diamonds appeal to people who:

• Prefer conscious, less resource-heavy options
  
  

• Like knowing their jewellery aligns with their values
  
  

• Are mindful about sustainability in fashion, food, and now fine jewellery too
  
  

It’s a choice that feels good on the outside and inside.

3. Freedom to Actually Wear Your Diamonds

When you know your diamond is smartly priced and responsibly made, you’re more likely to wear it often, not just lock it away.

That means:

• Daily wear rings for work
  
  

• Studs and pendants for brunches, functions, and holidays
  
  

• Statement pieces for weddings and celebrations
  
  

Lab grown diamonds make it easier to build a jewellery collection you actually enjoy—without waiting for “one big purchase” someday.

Where to Start: Simple Ideas for First-Time Buyers

If this is your first time exploring lab grown diamonds, here are easy, timeless starting points:

• Diamond Stud Earrings
  Clean, classic, and universally flattering. Perfect if you want one piece that works with Indian wear, Western outfits, and everything in between.
  
  

• Solitaire Pendant
  A single lab diamond on a light chain sits beautifully on kurtas, shirts, and dresses. Ideal for office and everyday wear.
  
  

• Delicate Rings
  Thin bands with a solitaire or small diamonds are a great entry into fine jewellery—whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift.
  
  

• Tennis Bracelet
  Refined yet noticeable, a lab grown diamond tennis bracelet makes sense as a milestone gift—promotion, anniversary, or special birthday.
  
  

• Engagement or Promise Ring
  For couples choosing lab grown diamonds in India, engagement rings are often the first big lab diamond purchase—offering more size and quality within a set budget..

Clarity That Makes Buying Easy

If you’re a first-time buyer, here are a few simple things to keep in mind when you explore lab grown diamonds:

• Check Certification
  Look for diamonds certified by reputed labs (like IGI, GIA for lab grown, etc.). This report explains the diamond’s quality clearly.
  
  

• Know the 4Cs (Simply)
  
  

• Cut: How well the diamond is shaped—affects sparkle.
  
  

• Colour: Less tint = whiter look.
  
  

• Clarity: Fewer marks or inclusions.
  
  

• Carat: The diamond’s weight/size.
  
  

• Expect Transparency in Pricing
  A good brand will help you understand why a piece is priced the way it is—design, metal, diamond quality, and craftsmanship.
  
  

• Prioritise Design You’ll Actually Wear
  Choose designs that suit your lifestyle. The most “valuable” diamond is the one you truly love and wear often..
  
  

How Joara Uses Lab Grown Diamonds

At Joara Diamonds, lab grown diamonds are not an afterthought - they’re at the heart of what we do.

• We work only with certified lab grown diamonds, chosen for their cut, quality, and sparkle.
  
  

• Our designs are created for modern Indian women—clean, wearable, and elevated enough to feel luxurious.
  
  

• We focus on clear information and honest pricing, so you feel confident about what you’re buying, not overwhelmed.
  
  

Whether you’re buying your very first diamond or adding a new piece to your collection, we want the experience to feel simple, informed, and joyful—not technical or intimidating.

So the next time you wonder, “What is a lab grown diamond and is it right for me?”—remember this: it’s a real diamond, made with modern technology, designed to match your values, your lifestyle, and your budget.

👉 Explore Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery at Joara Diamonds