High pressure, high temperature
HPHT
HPHT recreates the intense pressure and heat associated with natural diamond formation. A small diamond seed is surrounded by a carbon source, allowing a larger diamond crystal to grow around it.
Lab-Grown Diamond Guide
Real Diamonds.
A Modern Origin.
Discover how lab-grown diamonds are created, graded and selected—and why they offer the same enduring beauty with greater freedom of choice.
The same beauty. A different beginning.
A diamond defined by its beauty—not its origin.
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created in advanced laboratories rather than mined from the earth. They share the same carbon crystal structure, hardness, brilliance and optical properties as natural diamonds. The difference is not what they are—but where their story begins.
Real diamond
Mohs hardness 10
Independently graded
Traceable origin
The essential definition
What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a diamond produced in a controlled environment using technology that recreates the conditions under which diamonds form in nature.
Both lab-grown and natural diamonds are composed of crystallized carbon. They have the same hardness, fire and brilliance, and generally require professional gemological equipment to distinguish their origin.
Lab-grown diamonds are not cubic zirconia, moissanite or diamond simulants.
CompositionCrystallized carbon
Hardness10 on the Mohs scale
AppearanceThe same brilliance and fire
OriginCreated using HPHT or CVD technology
Created with precision
How lab-grown diamonds are made
Two established technologies create lab-grown diamond crystal. Growth method alone does not determine a diamond’s beauty or overall quality.
Chemical vapor deposition
CVD
CVD places a diamond seed inside a controlled chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. Carbon atoms gradually settle onto the seed, forming the diamond layer by layer.
Two paths to diamond crystal
HPHT and CVD: similarities and differences
Both methods produce lab-grown diamond crystal. The technology and growth environment differ, but method alone does not determine the beauty or quality of the finished diamond.
What they have in common
The result is diamond crystal
Diamond Seed
Both methods begin with a small diamond seed that provides the foundation for crystal growth.
Carbon Structure
Both create crystallized carbon with the hardness, brilliance and optical properties associated with diamond.
Independent Grading
Finished stones can be cut, polished and graded using the same 4Cs applied to natural diamonds.
High pressure, high temperature
HPHT
EnvironmentUses very high pressure and high temperature.
GrowthA carbon source dissolves and crystallizes around the diamond seed.
Crystal formTypically develops in a compact crystal form influenced by the pressure environment.
After growthSome stones may receive additional treatment to optimize colour.
Chemical vapor deposition
CVD
EnvironmentUses lower pressure inside a carbon-rich gas chamber.
GrowthCarbon atoms settle onto the seed and build the diamond layer by layer.
Crystal formTypically grows as a flat plate that becomes thicker during repeated growth cycles.
After growthSome stones may receive post-growth treatment to improve colour appearance.
From rough crystal to finished diamond
How a lab-grown diamond is cut and polished
After growth, skilled planning and precision craftsmanship transform a rough diamond crystal into a finished stone with brilliance, symmetry and lasting beauty.
01
Cut Planning
The rough crystal is mapped and assessed to determine the best shape, proportions and use of the material.
02
Laser Cutting
Precision equipment divides and shapes the crystal according to the approved cutting plan.
03
Faceting & Polishing
Each facet is carefully cut and polished to create symmetry, brightness, fire and scintillation.
04
Final Inspection
The finished diamond is examined for measurements, polish, symmetry and overall visual performance.
A clear comparison
Lab-grown and natural diamonds
Their physical and optical properties are the same. Their principal difference is origin.
Feature
Lab-grown
Natural
Composition
Crystallized carbon
Crystallized carbon
Hardness
10 on the Mohs scale
10 on the Mohs scale
Appearance
Same fire and brilliance
Same fire and brilliance
Origin
Created using HPHT or CVD
Formed naturally underground
Timescale
Usually grown over several weeks
Formed over geological timescales
Availability
Greater availability
Limited by natural supply
Price
Typically more accessible
Typically more expensive
Why choose Abbett
More freedom. No compromise on beauty.
Real diamonds
Selected for brilliance, proportion and lasting beauty.
Thoughtful value
Choose a larger or higher-quality diamond within your preferred budget.
Certified options
Independent grading reports are available for eligible center stones.
Traceable origin
A clearly identified, above-ground origin.
Custom design
Select your preferred shape, size, quality and setting.
Lifetime support
Continued care and support after your jewellery is delivered.
The universal quality language
Understanding the 4Cs
Cut, color, clarity and carat work together to define a diamond’s appearance and value.
Cut
Cut has the greatest influence on brilliance, fire and sparkle.
Color
Grades closer to colorless generally appear brighter and whiter.
Clarity
Many inclusions are microscopic and cannot be seen without magnification.
Carat
Carat measures weight; shape and proportions influence visible size.
Independent documentation
Diamond certification
An independent grading report records the identifying and quality characteristics of a diamond. Depending on the stone, it may include carat weight, measurements, proportions, color and clarity grades, cut grade, growth method, treatments, report number and laser inscription.
Abbett offers independently graded center diamonds where specified. Certification details should always be confirmed on the individual product page or during the custom design process.
A considered choice
How to choose your diamond
Begin with the cut
Prioritize a well-cut diamond for brightness and visual life.
Balance color and clarity
Choose grades that appear clean and bright to the unaided eye rather than focusing only on the certificate.
Select the right proportions
Consider shape, measurements and setting style together—not carat weight alone.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. They have the same crystallized carbon structure, hardness and optical properties as natural diamonds.
Can a jeweller tell the difference?
They generally look identical to the unaided eye. Specialized gemological equipment is used to confirm origin.
Are lab-grown diamonds durable?
Yes. Like natural diamonds, they rate 10 on the Mohs hardness scale and are suitable for everyday jewellery.
Do lab-grown diamonds become cloudy?
No. Temporary dullness is usually caused by oils or residue and can be removed with proper cleaning.
Are lab-grown diamonds certified?
Many center diamonds are independently graded, while some smaller stones may not have individual reports.
What is the difference between HPHT and CVD?
HPHT uses pressure and heat; CVD grows diamond from carbon-rich gas. Both produce genuine diamond crystal.
Can I choose my own center diamond?
Yes. Our team can compare suitable stones by shape, measurements, quality, report and budget.
Can Abbett create a custom lab-grown diamond ring?
Yes. You can customize the diamond, dimensions, shape, setting, metal and design details.
Made for your story
Create something uniquely yours
Choose your diamond, refine every detail and work directly with our jewellery team to create a piece designed around your story.