Without question, lab grown diamonds are genuine diamonds. They are produced using the same chemical and physical processes found in nature, but under controlled laboratory conditions, where a diamond crystal seed is gradually expanded with additional carbon atoms. From a scientific standpoint, lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds, and are thus considered authentic diamonds. The leading diamond authorities, IGI and GIA, evaluate lab made diamonds according to the same scale and methodology used to grade mined diamonds, further confirming their legitimacy.

Lab grown diamonds are consistently more affordable than diamonds mined from the earth. The extent of the price difference is influenced by several factors such as the diamond's size, quality, and specific type, but on average, lab made diamonds in New Zealand can cost around 75% less than mined diamonds. This is due to the lower cost of producing rough lab grown diamonds compared to the expense of mining and extracting rough mined diamonds from the earth. However, both lab grown and mined diamonds must undergo the same processes, including cutting, polishing, and certification, to become retail-ready, regardless of their origin. For instance, you can save significantly by opting for a lab grown diamond over a mined diamond. A mined diamond may cost $10,000, while an equivalent lab grown diamond might only cost $2,500.

Lab grown and mined diamonds are indistinguishable from each other. The same testing methods used to examine mined diamonds are also applied to lab grown diamonds. Both diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical, and display the same attributes and features when tested. These characteristics include hardness, refractive index, thermal conductivity, and other distinguishing characteristics of diamonds, regardless of whether they are mined or man made.

Inclusions can be found in both lab grown and mined diamonds. These are mined flaws that are typically present within diamonds. These imperfections come in various forms, including small bubbles or carbon deposits trapped inside the diamond during its formation. In the same way as mined diamonds, most lab grown diamonds have inclusions, and only a few become entirely flawless. For further details on diamond clarity, please refer to our 4Cs guide.

Yes you can, it’s the same as insuring a mined diamond. You can obtain insurance for your lab grown diamond in NZ through almost any insurance as long as they insure jewellery. Typically, your insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing or repairing your ring in the event of loss, theft, or damage. It is important to read the terms of your insurance policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.