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Published on 11/4/2026
Walk into any fine jewellery showroom in India, and the conversation inevitably turns to brilliance, fire, and pedigree. For generations, families have invested in mined diamonds for weddings, milestones, and heirloom lockers. Yet, over the counter at Rajyalakshmi Jewellery, we hear an increasingly sharp question from thoughtful buyers: "Are lab grown diamonds actually real?"
The short answer is yes. Chemically, physically, and optically, a lab-created diamond is completely identical to a mined diamond. Both are pure crystallized carbon sharing the isometric crystal system, with an unmatched Mohs hardness of 10 and the exact same refractive index.
Think of it like ice. You can scrape ice off a mountain peak, or you can freeze clean water inside your refrigerator. Both are frozen water ($H_2O$). One took geological time, while the other formed in a controlled environment. That is the exact relationship between earth-mined and lab-grown stones. They are not cubic zirconia, nor are they moissanite. They are authentic diamonds.
Scientists replicate the extreme pressures and scorching temperatures found 150 to 240 kilometres beneath the earth’s mantle. Gem-quality lab stones come from two distinct technical processes:
Invented in the 1950s by General Electric, HPHT mimics the earth's natural volcanic environment. A pure carbon source—typically graphite—is placed into a high-pressure press alongside a tiny diamond seed and a molten metallic flux (often iron, nickel, or cobalt). Pressed at forces up to 59,200 atmospheres and heated between 1,300°C and 1,600°C, the carbon dissolves through the flux and crystallizes onto the seed. HPHT rough grows in a cuboctahedral shape with 14 growth directions, occasionally trapping microscopic metallic flux remnants.
CVD has grown rapidly for jewellery production because it allows exceptional control over crystal purity. A thin diamond seed substrate sits inside a specialized vacuum chamber heated to roughly 800°C to 900°C. Carbon-rich gases (such as methane mixed with hydrogen) are introduced and energized by microwaves. The gas molecules break apart, precipitating carbon atoms layer-by-layer onto the seed crystal. CVD crystals grow in cubic forms and may occasionally exhibit microscopic graphite pinpoints, which are simply another form of pure carbon.
We evaluate lab-grown stones using the same Four Cs standardized by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA): Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. However, lab stones offer a major structural advantage during the cutting process.
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| Attribute | Lab Grown Diamonds | Natural Mined Diamonds |
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| Chemical | 100% Pure Carbon | 100% Pure Carbon |
| Hardness | 10 on Mohs Scale | 10 on Mohs Scale |
| Cut Focus | Cut for maximum fire and beauty | Often cut to save rough weight |
| Clarity | Often VS to VVS range | High variance (I3 to Flawless) |
| Value Tip | 40% to 50% lower cost per carat | Exponential price jumps on size |
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Note: Data based on GemSociety grading parameters and industry standards.
When faceting mined diamonds, cutters often preserve rough weight to avoid losing significant carat value, occasionally settling for a "Good" or "Very Good" cut grade. Because lab-created crystal rough is cleaner and more uniform, our cutters can cut aggressively for light return—delivering Ideal and Excellent cuts that unleash maximum brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
In Vedic astrology, diamond (Heera) represents Shukra Graha (Venus)—the planet governing beauty, luxury, refined relationships, artistic grace, and financial prosperity. Clients frequently ask whether a lab diamond carries the same metaphysical and astrological potency as a mined gem.
Astrological gems operate through color wavelength transmission, crystalline purity, light refraction, and elemental composition. Because a lab diamond shares the exact carbon lattice and physical properties of mined diamond, it interacts with light and touch identically. For planetary remedies, gem purity is paramount. Vedic texts warn against using heavily included, heavily fractured, or lifeless stones. The superior clarity (frequently VVS or VS) and flawless crystal structure of lab-grown gems provide a vibrant conduit for Venusian energies.
For astrological use, set the diamond so the culet gently touches the skin, mounted in traditional 18K white gold or platinum, and wear it on the right-hand ring finger on a Friday morning during Shukla Paksha.
A common dilemma for Indian buyers is selecting the right metal alloy. Traditional gold jewellery in India often uses 22K (916) gold. However, pure 24K and 22K gold are ductile and soft.
Prongs holding a precious diamond require exceptional tensile strength to withstand daily wear without loosening. For diamond rings, bracelets, and solitaire pendants, our experts at Rajyalakshmi Jewellery recommend 18K BIS Hallmarked Gold (750 purity) or platinum. 18K gold blends 75% pure gold with durable alloy metals, providing the rigid framework needed to grip your diamond securely while preserving rich warmth in yellow, rose, or white finishes. For traditional bridal necklaces, we craft structural prong heads in 18K while keeping the broader base necklace in 22K hallmarked gold.
Never purchase a diamond without an independent, third-party grading report. While standard thermal pen testers beep positively on lab diamonds due to identical heat conductivity, trained gemological laboratories use advanced spectroscopy to check growth features and growth patterns.
Major grading houses—specifically the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)—grade lab diamonds across specific color and clarity metrics. Certified lab diamonds carry a microscopic laser inscription on their girdle. Using a 10x jeweler’s loupe, you can view the unique report number and the laboratory origin stamp etched directly on the stone, matching the certificate paper perfectly. At Rajyalakshmi Jewellery, every solitaire we offer comes with full IGI or GIA documentation and a verifiable laser inscription.
What is the price per carat of lab grown diamonds in India?
Depending on the cut, color, and clarity grades, a high-quality (F-G color, VVS-VS clarity) lab grown diamond in India generally costs between ₹25,000 to ₹45,000 per carat, compared to ₹1,50,000 to ₹4,00,000+ per carat for a mined counterpart.
Do lab grown diamonds turn cloudy or lose their sparkle over time?
No. Because they share the identical Mohs 10 hardness and single-refractive crystal structure of natural diamonds, lab stones will never fog up, scratch under everyday contact, or lose their brilliance.
Will a diamond tester show that a lab grown diamond is fake?
No. Basic thermal and electrical diamond testers will register a lab grown diamond as a 100% genuine diamond because the heat and electrical conductivity values are identical.
Can I pair a lab diamond with a Navaratna setting?
Yes. Diamond represents Venus in the Navaratna sequence (traditionally placed at the eastern coordinate). A lab diamond provides exceptional clarity and light transmission, making it an excellent, authentic choice for sacred talismanic settings.
Whether you are designing a custom engagement ring, curating bridal trousseau sets, or searching for an astrological talisman, lab grown diamonds offer an ethical, brilliant, and accessible alternative.
Visit our showroom or browse our verified collection at Rajyalakshmi Jewellery to explore our curated range of IGI-certified solitaire rings, earrings, and bespoke diamond jewellery set in BIS hallmarked gold. Book an appointment with our in-house gemologists today.