How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made? A Simple Breakdown

The Rise of Lab Grown Diamonds

Let’s clear something up right away — lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical structure, shine, sparkle, and durability as the ones formed underground for billions of years. The only difference? Their origin story.

Instead of forming beneath the Earth’s crust, these diamonds are created above ground, in laboratories using precise, high-tech methods that imitate nature’s magic. And the result is just as beautiful, sometimes even better. If you've been wondering how lab diamonds are made or what makes them so appealing, read on.

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are diamonds created in a controlled laboratory environment. They're made of pure carbon, just like natural diamonds, and share the same physical, chemical, and visual properties. Basically, they’re identical twins, one’s just a little more modern.

You’ll often hear them referred to as “lab diamonds” or “created diamonds.” But no matter the label, they’re graded and certified the same way natural diamonds are — by independent gemological labs like IGI and GIA. So, the sparkle, the clarity, the cut? It’s all real.

The Two Main Methods Used to Make Them

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)

This method is like science’s version of a pressure cooker. HPHT was one of the first techniques used to create synthetic diamonds and it’s still widely used today — especially for industrial diamonds and larger stones.

Here’s how it works:

• A tiny diamond seed (a sliver of carbon crystal) is placed into a press.
• The seed is subjected to extreme heat (over 1,300°C) and pressure (over 1.5 million pounds per square inch — yes, you read that right).
• Under these high-pressure, high-temperature conditions, carbon melts and forms around the seed, eventually crystallizing into a new diamond.

The result? A gem that’s physically and chemically distinct from something that took the Earth millions of years to create.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

CVD diamonds are the new kids on the block. This method has grown in popularity because it allows for even greater control over the final gem’s clarity and color.

Here’s the breakdown:

• A diamond seed is placed in a sealed chamber.
• The chamber is filled with a carbon-rich gas, usually methane.
• The gas is heated to a high temperature, causing carbon atoms to break down and slowly settle onto the seed, layer by layer.

The growth process takes several weeks, but the result is a stunning diamond with fewer flaws and a high level of consistency. CVD diamonds are known for their excellent visual performance, and they're the go-to for high-quality jewelry like Jennifer Fisher’s lab diamond jewelry.

The Production Timeline

Growing a diamond in a lab doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s a whole lot faster than nature’s timeline. Most lab grown diamonds take between 2 to 4 weeks to fully form, depending on the size, growth method, and desired shape.

Unlike natural diamonds, which require millions of years of pressure and heat deep within the Earth, lab diamonds are manufactured using precision science and controlled environments. But the process still demands patience and artistry.

After the diamond is grown, here’s what happens next:

• Cutting - The rough diamond, whether lab grown or synthetic is cut to maximize brilliance and a uniform shape.
• Polishing - A high-shine finish brings out that unmistakable sparkle.
• Certification - All diamonds produced, including those from the lab, are graded by top gemological labs like GIA and IGI. That means your lab diamond is just as real (and certified) as a natural diamond.

And yes, the result has the same hardness and durability, ranking a solid 10 on the Mohs scale. That’s one of the reasons these gems are such a popular option in today’s jewelry market.

Why Consumers Are Choosing Lab Grown

So, what’s behind the shift? Why are more people leaning into lab grown diamonds instead of traditionally mined diamonds? Here's why:

1. More Accessible Prices

You can get the same size and sparkle as a natural diamond, sometimes even cleaner, for up to *40% less. That’s a major win if you’re all about style and value. It’s part of what’s driving lab diamonds to the leading edge of today’s fine jewelry market.

2. Ethical and Eco-Friendly

The traditional diamond industry has long faced criticism, from environmental disruption to labor concerns. With diamonds grown in a lab, you’re choosing a path that avoids those issues entirely. No mines, no conflict, just beauty that feels good to wear.

3. Wider Variety & Transparency

Because these synthetic diamonds are created under exacting conditions, designers have more freedom to offer high-quality stones across a wide range of styles. And thanks to controlled growth environments, inclusions are minimal, and consistency is high.

As Jen puts it: “I never wanted to be that jewelry designer that makes a piece of jewelry that you’re going to wear once and put in your safe... I want to be on your dish on your nightstand, that piece you throw on without even thinking.” That’s what lab grown designs offer, jewelry you live in, not save for a special occasion.

The Science Behind Lab Grown

Diamonds form deep beneath the Earth, or they grow in a lab, using innovation that captures the exact same brilliance and hardness. No matter how they’re created, the result is the same: a stunning, enduring gem that fits into your everyday life.

Whether you choose natural or lab created, the real question is: what suits your lifestyle? If you're leaning into transparency, sustainability, and modern designs, then lab grown diamonds are the way to go.

Want to see what a science-backed sparkle looks like? Shop Jennifer Fisher's lab grown diamon jewelry — a collection designed for everyday wear, personal expression, and bold, modern style.

Sources

1. Ulrika F. S. D’Haenens-Johansson, James E. Butler, Andrey N. Katrusha; Synthesis of Diamonds and Their Identification. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry 2022;; 88 (1): 689–753. doi: https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2022.88.13
2. Constable, H. (2020). The sparkling rise of the lab grown diamond. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200207-the-sparkling-rise-of-the-lab-grown-diamond