Who Created Lab Diamonds? A Full History
The rise of lab diamonds has been one of the most fascinating developments in fine jewellery over the past few decades. From early scientific experiments to modern ethical alternatives, the story of these gems is rich with innovation, controversy, and promise. If you’ve ever wondered who created lab diamonds, or what exactly lab‑grown diamond engagement ring options are out there, this post is for you.
Lily Arkwright Paris Radiant Lab Diamond Engagement Ring
What Does Lab Created Diamond Mean?
Let’s start with the basics: what does lab created diamond mean? Put simply, it refers to a diamond that is grown in a controlled laboratory environment, using advanced technology that mimics the natural processes that form diamonds beneath the earth’s surface.
Lab diamonds are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds, made from pure carbon and exhibiting the same brilliance and hardness. For a full breakdown of how lab diamonds are certified, check out our article IGI vs GIA: Diamond Certification Explained, where we explore how these organisations grade both lab and mined stones.
Lily Arkwright Allure Lab Diamond Ring
Who Created Lab Diamonds?
The idea of creating diamonds in a lab isn’t new. In the mid‑20th century, scientists began experimenting with synthetic diamond creation. The first reproducible lab grown diamonds were produced in the 1950s and 1960s by companies such as General Electric in the US, who used HPHT methods. These early experiments paved the way for commercial and fine jewellery lab diamonds.
Over time, methods improved: CVD became more widespread, allowing for longer growth periods, more consistency, and larger sizes. Which leads us to another key phrase: origin of lab grown diamonds, when and how lab diamonds first entered both scientific and commercial worlds.
Lily Arkwright Blossom Lab Diamond Trilogy Ring
Price History of Lab Grown Diamonds
The price history of lab grown diamonds is as fascinating as the stones themselves. Early lab diamonds were expensive to produce and limited in size. But as technology improved and demand increased, prices dropped significantly. Today, lab diamonds typically cost 30–40% less than their mined counterparts, making them an attractive choice for style-savvy, ethically minded consumers.
If you’re exploring value and want to design something bespoke, check out our expert tips in How to Design an Engagement Ring: A Complete Guide. It’s an excellent starting point if you’re planning a custom piece using a lab grown diamond.
Lily Arkwright Isabella Engagement Ring
Lab Diamond vs Mined Diamonds
One of the most common questions we hear is about lab diamonds vs real diamonds. The term ‘real’ often refers to mined diamonds, but lab diamonds are real too. They share the same crystal structure, sparkle, and durability. The only difference lies in their origin.
When comparing lab diamonds vs mined diamonds, the key differences often come down to cost, ethics, and environmental impact. Mined diamonds are limited in supply and come with higher price tags. Lab diamonds, on the other hand, are a modern alternative, free from the complications of large-scale mining.
For those interested in the sourcing of natural diamonds, and how they’re regulated, check out our article Natural Diamonds, Ethics, and the Kimberley Process. It provides helpful context when deciding between mined and lab grown options.
Lily Arkwright Lab Diamond Wedding and Eternity Bands
Largest Lab Diamond
In recent years, the capabilities of lab diamond production have advanced at a remarkable pace, culminating in the creation of the largest lab grown diamond ever recorded. This extraordinary stone, named Celebration of India, was unveiled at a prestigious U.S. trade show and marked a historic moment for the industry. Weighing an impressive 75.33 carats, it was cut into a square emerald shape and displayed exceptional polish, symmetry, and clarity.
From start to finish, the entire growth process took approximately 270 days, followed by a full month dedicated to cutting and polishing the stone to perfection. Originally grown from a rough that weighed nearly 190 carats, this achievement demonstrates just how far lab grown technology has come in terms of scale and quality.
credit: IGI
Lab Diamonds in London, Manchester, and Beyond
Whether you're shopping for lab diamonds in London at our new Marylebone flagship store, or our historic home in Manchester, lab diamonds are ready for you wherever you may be! At Lily Arkwright, we’re proud to offer a curated collection of lab diamond rings, lab diamond earrings, and lab diamond bracelets, each one handcrafted with precision and designed to be treasured for a lifetime.
From elegant solitaires to contemporary halo styles, our pieces are set with the finest lab grown diamonds available. And with our team of expert consultants, you’ll receive guidance at every stage, whether you're choosing your perfect diamond shape, planning a proposal, or looking for a timeless gift.