Lifestyle
The Different Types of Lab Grown Diamonds: A Complete Guide

Lab grown diamonds are rapidly changing the way people view fine jewelry. With increasing demand for ethical, sustainable, and affordable alternatives to mined diamonds, these lab-created gems are taking center stage. However, not all lab grown diamonds are the same. They differ based on how they are made, their physical characteristics, and their grading standards.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn about the different types of lab grown diamonds, the processes used to create them, and what sets them apart from one another.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds, also called synthetic or man-made diamonds, are created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technological processes that replicate the conditions under which natural diamonds form in the Earth. The result is a diamond that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond — the only difference is the origin.
Despite being grown in a lab, these diamonds offer the same brilliance, fire, and sparkle as their natural counterparts and can be cut, polished, and set into jewelry just like traditional stones.
Why Lab Grown Diamonds Are Gaining Popularity
There are several reasons lab grown diamonds have gained significant traction in recent years:
- Eco-Friendly: They require no mining, reducing the environmental impact.
- Ethical: No risk of conflict or unethical labor practices.
- Affordable: Typically 30–50% less expensive than natural diamonds.
- Traceable Origin: Complete transparency on where and how the diamond was made.
These benefits make lab grown diamonds a smart and conscious choice for today’s consumers.
Types of Lab Grown Diamonds by Production Method
There are two main methods used to create lab grown diamonds:
1. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Diamonds
How It Works:
The HPHT method mimics the natural formation of diamonds deep within the Earth. It uses extreme pressure and high temperatures to grow diamonds from a small diamond seed.
Key Characteristics:
- May have metallic inclusions due to the use of metal catalysts
- Often yellowish or brownish in tone (though colorless HPHT diamonds also exist)
- More affordable to produce
- Often used to improve the color of lower-grade natural diamonds as well
Who It’s For:
Those looking for an economical option that still delivers a strong resemblance to natural diamonds.
2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Diamonds
How It Works:
In the CVD process, a diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. When heated, the gases break down and carbon atoms deposit onto the seed, growing the diamond layer by layer.
Key Characteristics:
- Produces high-quality, nearly colorless diamonds
- Fewer metallic inclusions compared to HPHT
- More consistent quality
- Can be further enhanced with post-growth treatments
Who It’s For:
Buyers seeking cleaner, higher-grade diamonds with fewer inclusions and better color.
Types of Lab Grown Diamonds by Appearance and Use
Lab grown diamonds aren’t only categorized by how they’re made — they also differ based on appearance and how they’re used in jewelry.
1. White Lab Grown Diamonds
These are the most popular type and are often indistinguishable from natural white diamonds. Used in engagement rings, earrings, and other classic pieces, white lab grown diamonds offer timeless elegance at a fraction of the cost.
2. Fancy Colored Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab processes make it easier to produce diamonds in vivid colors such as blue, pink, yellow, and green — colors that are extremely rare and expensive in natural diamonds.
Popular Colors:
- Blue: Created by adding boron during growth
- Yellow: Introduced by nitrogen atoms
- Pink & Red: Often achieved through post-growth treatments
Fancy colored diamonds offer a unique, personalized touch for those looking to break away from traditional white stones.
3. Melee Lab Grown Diamonds
These are small diamonds, typically under 0.2 carats, often used in pavé settings, halos, or as side stones in engagement rings. Lab grown melee diamonds provide an affordable way to add brilliance and detail to jewelry.
4. Industrial Lab Grown Diamonds
Not all lab grown diamonds end up in jewelry. Many are created for industrial use, such as in cutting tools, lasers, and semiconductors. These diamonds may not be gem-quality but are valued for their hardness and thermal conductivity.
How to Identify the Type of Lab Grown Diamond
While visually identical to natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are marked with tiny inscriptions on their girdle (edge) that indicate they are lab created. Certified diamonds will come with a grading report from respected institutions like GIA or IGI that specifies the production method — HPHT or CVD — as well as their grading in terms of cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.
Things to Consider When Buying Lab Grown Diamonds
When purchasing a lab grown diamond, here are a few essential factors to keep in mind:
- Certification: Choose diamonds graded by GIA, IGI, or another reputable lab.
- Growth Method: CVD generally offers better clarity and color, but HPHT can still offer beautiful stones at a better price.
- Source: Ensure the seller is transparent about the origin and manufacturing of their diamonds.
- Jewelry Setting: Lab grown diamonds are as durable as mined diamonds and suitable for all settings.
Alexis Gallery lab grown diamonds, for example, provide certified stones in elegant, custom-designed settings — combining beauty, sustainability, and trust in one package.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different types of lab grown diamonds helps buyers make informed decisions. Whether you’re drawn to the affordability and sustainability of these stones or intrigued by the latest technology in gemstone production, lab grown diamonds offer endless possibilities.
From high-quality white diamonds to striking fancy colors and practical melee stones, there’s a lab grown diamond for every style and purpose. By choosing a certified, responsibly sourced diamond — whether CVD or HPHT — you’re not just getting a stunning piece of jewelry, but also making a conscious choice for the planet.
Would you like a quick visual chart comparing HPHT vs. CVD diamonds as a downloadable guide?