Laboratory-grown diamonds, also known as cultured, man-made or engineered diamonds, are diamonds grown in highly controlled, state-of-the-art, specialised laboratories. Lab-diamonds are physically, optically, and chemically identical to mined natural diamonds – their difference lies in their origin. As they have the same carbon crystalline structure as natural diamonds, each lab-grown diamond is completely unique – from its colour and clarity, to its perfectly imperfect inclusions. 

Trained gemologists can easily identify the difference between imitations and stimulants and natural diamonds. However, the difference between a lab-grown diamond and natural diamond is much more difficult to detect. Trained gemologists can usually differentiate between the two using standard gem-testing equipment. However, in some cases, a keener eye and more advanced specialised equipment is required – these can detect the fluorescence and growth patterns of diamonds which differ between labs and natural. To the untrained, naked eye, a lab-grown diamond and natural diamond will appear identical. 

Laboratory-grown diamonds are often considered the more sustainable and ethical alternative to natural mined diamonds. However, it is important to note that there are positive and negative aspects to both. Understanding the different environmental impacts and ethical considerations both options present will allow you to make the right choice for you. 

When purchasing a natural diamond as a conscientious consumer, the key thing to consider is whether it is conflict-free. Non-conflict-free diamonds, are entangled in violent civil wars, labour exploitation, and environmental disruption. Ethically sourced diamonds must be obtained through responsible mining and labour practices, and strict environmental guidelines. The Kimberley Process (KP), the world’s preeminent mined-diamond regulator, aims to remove conflict diamonds from the global supply chain. To guarantee that your diamond is not a ‘blood diamond’, ensure it has been sourced via the Kimberley Process (all natural diamonds at by charlotte are sourced via the KP). 

Lab-grown diamonds are perceived as the more ethical alternative to natural diamonds as they do not require mining. While most natural diamonds are not traceable to their origins, the man-made nature of a lab-grown diamond can facilitate this traceability. Lab-grown diamonds are grown in highly controlled, state-of-the-art laboratories using innovative technologies and processes – their creation removes the extensive human resources, unethical labour and environmental disruption potentially required in acquiring a natural diamond.  

However, the production of lab-grown diamonds doesn’t necessarily present a completely impact-free alternative. While they don’t require the same disruptive mining techniques, creating lab-grown diamonds requires highly advanced equipment to emulate the natural conditions that produce a natural diamond. The resulting power consumption and energy output still contributes to carbon emissions, though arguably less than the extraction of natural diamonds through mining.