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[CVD Diamond Knowledge] 6 factors to consider when buying lab-grown diamonds in HK
What are the differences between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds? Many customers in HK cannot discern their respective unique properties. So, when they purchase the diamonds, they often struggle to choose between them. We think it is unfair to make one-sided assertions about which diamond is superior. The most important thing is to cater to the needs of different customers and let them know how to choose the diamond that best suits them. Let Diamania's diamond experts analyze it in detail from various angles with an objective and balanced attitude.
What are lab-grown diamonds?
Laboratory-grown diamonds, also known as CVD diamonds, man-made diamonds, synthetic diamonds, or lab-grown diamonds, refer to diamonds produced in laboratories using advanced technology. Lab-grown diamonds are exactly the same as natural diamonds in terms of chemical composition and physical properties (including refractive index and hardness). The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has also updated the definition of "diamond" from the past to only refer to pure natural diamonds to include experimental ones. Laboratory-grown diamonds.
How are man-made diamonds made?
Lab-grown or man-made diamonds are artificially created in laboratories primarily through high-pressure and high-temperature methods (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition methods (CVD), which simulate natural growth environments.
6 factors to consider when choosing natural vs lab-grown diamonds
1. Price and rarity
The biggest difference between the two is that the price of lab-grown diamonds is only 10–15% of that of natural diamonds. The higher the grade of diamonds, the greater the price gap. The main reason is that, although the technical threshold for making laboratory-grown diamonds is high, it can be regarded as a sustainable production method. The current technology has significantly improved compared to many years ago, and production costs have also dropped. In addition to the high mining cost of natural diamonds, they require that they be formed deep in the mantle under high temperatures and pressure over a very long period of time. It is extremely rare and precious, and it is impossible to increase its existence.
2. Ability to maintain value
For customers who use diamonds as engagement tokens, this may not be too important; however, many customers may be concerned about the possibility of upgrading diamonds or investing in them in the future, which is an issue worth considering. MiYa Diamond believes that lab-grown diamonds are mainly for personal use and should not be regarded as a tool for preserving value or investment. In contrast, natural diamonds have generally increased by 40% between 2020 and 2022. Even if the buying and selling price difference is deducted, customers who bought natural diamonds early and now want to sell them are likely to receive a selling price higher than the purchase price.
Of course, we can only compare based on historical performance, and no one can guarantee that the price of natural diamonds will continue to rise in the future.
3. Appearance comparison
When the physical properties (including refractive index and hardness) and chemical properties are exactly the same, the appearance of laboratory-grown diamonds can be said to be exactly the same as natural diamonds. Both have the same scintillation, making it difficult even for experts to tell the difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds with the naked eye alone.
4. Certificate differences
Although artificially grown diamonds and natural diamonds have the same appearance, they have different types of inclusions and unique growth patterns. Although these factors do not affect the appearance of the diamond, they allow laboratories to distinguish the two types of diamonds. Like natural diamonds, artificially grown diamonds also come with appraisal certificates issued by top international appraisal institutions, such as GIA and IGI, which list the quality level of the diamond. These certificates will be engraved with "LAB GROWN" on the diamond's girdle. Certificate number, but the certificate will also indicate that the diamond is lab-grown, so it is basically impossible to pass lab-grown diamonds off as natural diamonds. Customers can also use the certificate to identify which type of diamond they are purchasing.
5. Market acceptance
The earliest artificially grown diamonds were produced to meet the demand for industrial diamonds. As the technology gradually matures, in recent years, jewelry-level artificially grown diamonds have been created. In European and American countries, the development of artificially grown diamonds in the jewelry industry is relatively mature and widely accepted by the public, and is even sought after by many celebrities. On the contrary, in Hong Kong and Asia, artificially grown diamonds are a relatively new concept, and their acceptance by the public is relatively low. So high, it takes more time to understand and even popularize it.
6. Partner’s preferences
If you plan to use it for your own use, you really don’t need to worry too much about other people’s opinions, because the appearance of the two types of diamonds cannot be distinguished by the naked eye alone; if it is used as a diamond engagement ring, you need to know what your partner thinks about natural diamonds and the word “natural”. Is it taken seriously? Diamonds themselves have the meaning of "indestructible". Many customers believe that only "natural" diamonds are formed over a long period of time and accumulated over time, and that only natural diamonds can represent eternity. Therefore, you must communicate and understand before purchasing diamonds so that you can choose the diamond that best suits your needs.
Why choose Diamania’s lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are indeed man-made diamonds, but it should be noted that our definition of man-made diamonds is that the physical, chemical, and optical properties are exactly the same as those of natural diamonds. Only then should they be called man-made diamonds.
Many merchants with poor sales practices often misuse the term "artificial diamond". Whether it is zircon, moissanite, or any other "artificial diamond" that claims to be made using exclusive technology, they will call themselves "artificial diamonds" in the hope of pretending to be genuine. Therefore, if you want to buy lab-grown diamonds in Hong Kong, be sure to visit a trustworthy store with many years of experience in selling diamonds, and only buy lab-grown diamonds with a lab-grown diamond grading certificate issued by a top laboratory.
In order to meet the diverse needs of customers, Diamania has specially launched its latest lab-grown diamond product line – Diamond Culture, which, as always, provides excellent quality and transparently priced diamonds. In addition to checking the real-time price of lab-grown diamonds on the website, customers can also browse various information about lab-grown diamonds. The website also provides a detailed introduction to everything you need to know about lab-grown diamonds: >> Click here to go to the lab-grown diamond website to learn more <<
Diamania is one of the first diamond shops in Hong Kong to publish diamond prices online, which also represents our confidence in price and quality. We have many years of experience in buying and selling natural diamonds. Most of our professional team members hold GIA-recognized qualifications and can answer all the questions about diamonds for our customers.
FAQs
How are lab-grown diamonds different from natural diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are identical in chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties, such as hardness and brilliance, which means they look the same to the naked eye. The main differences lie in their origin and rarity. Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over billions of years, making them rare and highly valued, whereas lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment using advanced technology. This difference in supply chain means that lab-grown diamonds are generally more affordable, making them an appealing option for customers seeking excellent quality at a more accessible price point.
What’s the difference between HPHT and CVD lab diamonds?
Both HPHT, short for High Pressure High Temperature, and CVD, short for Chemical Vapor Deposition, are methods used to grow diamonds in a lab, but the processes are largely different. HPHT mimics the natural geological conditions in which diamonds are formed by applying extreme heat and pressure to carbon. CVD, by contrast, uses a vacuum chamber where carbon-rich gas is ionized, allowing carbon atoms to deposit layer by layer and form a diamond crystal. Diamond makers often prefer CVD over HPHT due to its ability to produce diamonds with fewer inclusions and greater color control, although both methods can create diamonds of the same quality and brilliance.
Do natural and lab-grown diamonds both get grading reports?
Yes. Both natural and lab-grown diamonds can be graded by internationally recognized laboratories such as GIA, IGI, or GCAL. The grading reports assess the same 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. However, lab-grown diamonds are clearly labeled on both the report and the diamond itself (via laser inscription on the girdle) to indicate that they are man-made, providing complete transparency for buyers and eliminating any risk of confusion between natural and lab-grown stones. Customers should always request a grading report to confirm the authenticity and quality of their diamond, regardless of its origin.
Are lab-grown diamonds the same as synthetic diamonds?
The term “synthetic” can sometimes create confusion because it suggests something fake or imitation. In reality, lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds; they simply have a different origin. Synthetic diamonds, in the scientific sense, refer to diamonds produced artificially in a laboratory that possess the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds. Unlike simulants, such as cubic zirconia, a lab-grown diamond is optically and structurally identical to a mined diamond. This is why reputable grading laboratories and jewelers now use the term “lab-grown” or “laboratory-created” to more accurately describe them.
How do lab-grown diamonds differ from simulants like moissanite?
Moissanite and other diamond simulants may sparkle beautifully, but they are not diamonds and differ in chemical composition, refractive index, and hardness. Moissanite, for example, is made of silicon carbide, which gives it a fire that is more rainbow-like and a slightly softer durability compared to diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds, offering the same brilliance, hardness, and ability to last for generations. For buyers seeking the authentic diamond look and performance, lab-grown diamonds remain the closest alternative to natural ones.
Are lab-grown diamonds popular in HK, and why do buyers still prefer natural diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are still a relatively new concept in Hong Kong, and while their popularity is steadily growing, public acceptance is lower compared to Europe and the United States, where they are widely embraced. Many Hong Kong buyers still favor natural diamonds because of their rarity and perceived investment value, as well as the romantic notion that a natural diamond’s long formation process better symbolizes eternity. That said, younger customers are increasingly drawn to lab-grown diamonds for their attractive pricing, sustainable production, and ability to achieve larger sizes without compromising on quality or sparkle.
