TL;DR: a lab grown diamond is a real diamond made in a laboratory, and any honest seller in any country should say plainly that it is lab grown. In New Zealand, consumer law expects descriptions of goods to be accurate and not misleading, so a stone made in a lab should be described as lab grown or laboratory grown, never presented as mined. We are jewellers, not lawyers, so this guide explains good practice rather than giving legal advice.
What lab grown means
A lab grown diamond has the same basic chemical make up and crystal structure as a mined diamond, but it is grown in a controlled environment rather than formed deep in the earth. For a buyer the key difference is origin, which affects price, resale and how a stone should be described. Being clear about origin protects both the buyer and the seller.
What clear wording looks like
A clear description names the stone as lab grown. Look for plain terms such as lab grown diamond or laboratory grown diamond, repeated consistently on the listing, the invoice and any report. Be wary of vague wording, of descriptions that avoid the word, and of wording that suggests a lab grown stone is the same as a natural one in every respect. If it is unclear, ask the seller to confirm in writing.
Buying from a UK maker
When you buy from outside New Zealand, the rules about how a product is described may differ from those in the seller's country. That is a good reason to ask for the origin in plain words and to keep the answer in writing. We put the origin of each stone in writing, and we describe it accurately whether it is natural or lab grown.
Reports and certificates
Many stones come with a grading report. Check whether the report says that the stone is lab grown, and that its details match the stone on your invoice. Our guide to reading your invoice and certificate explains what each document shows.
Price and value
Lab grown and natural diamonds are priced differently, and their resale values differ too. A lab grown stone can offer more size or quality for the same budget, while some buyers prefer a natural stone for personal reasons. Neither choice is wrong. Ask us to explain the options. Our pieces start from £600.
Confirming every detail
Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and the stone is part of that approval. Our guide to how written approval works explains the step, and changes after approval covers what happens if you change your mind.
Looking after the stone
Whether natural or lab grown, a diamond is very hard but can still chip if struck at the wrong angle. Our guide to cleavage and chips explains how and why, and our ring care checklist by season offers practical habits.
Questions to ask any seller
- Is this stone natural or lab grown?
- Does the report say so, and does it match the stone?
- Is the origin stated on the invoice?
- Can you confirm in writing?
If you buy from outside the UK, the customer pays import duty and tax, and delivery from us is insured and tracked with FedEx.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lab grown diamond a real diamond?
It has the same basic material and structure as a mined diamond, but it is made in a laboratory and should be described as lab grown.
How should a lab grown diamond be described?
Clearly, using a plain term such as lab grown diamond, consistently across the listing, invoice and report.
Can I ask for the origin in writing?
Yes. Any honest seller should be happy to confirm it.
Do you give legal advice?
No. We are jewellers, so please check specific rules with a qualified adviser.