Laboratory-Grown Diamonds: Growth, Identification & Disclosure

Laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and optical properties as natural diamonds. Their origin differs: they are manufactured using either high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth. GIA summarizes both processes in its laboratory-grown diamond guide.

Manufactured Supply

Laboratory-grown supply depends on manufacturing capacity, growth time, energy, equipment, and post-growth processing. Those inputs differ from the geological and mining constraints of natural diamonds. A current transaction should therefore be evaluated using current like-for-like quotations rather than an undated universal production-cost figure.

Two Distinct Product Origins

Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds should be managed as separately disclosed product categories:

• Natural diamonds: Formed through geological processes and identified as natural by laboratory testing.
• Laboratory-grown diamonds: Manufactured by HPHT or CVD and identified as laboratory-grown on the relevant report and disclosure.

Disclosure and Inventory Control

Retailers and dealers should keep natural and laboratory-grown inventory clearly separated and preserve the report number and treatment information through listings and invoices. The FTC Jewelry Guides statement explains that laboratory-grown origin disclosures must be clear and prominent in US marketing. S.RONEN DIAMOND LTD trades exclusively in natural fancy color diamonds; browse our wholesale terms to discuss sourcing.