More and more Australians are deciding to buy lab grown diamonds, not just for ethical or environmental reasons, but because they’re discovering something rather exciting: these gems are real diamonds — physically, chemically, and optically identical to mined ones. And they often cost a fraction of the price.
Still, there’s a bit of confusion floating around. Some people think lab diamonds are “fakes,” others imagine they’re somehow inferior. So, let’s unpack what’s really going on — what lab grown diamonds are, why they’re growing so popular, and how to make sure you’re getting a good one.
What Exactly Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Let’s start with the basics. A lab grown diamond isn’t “synthetic” in the cheap sense of the word — it’s not cubic zirconia, and it’s definitely not glass. It’s a genuine diamond.
The only difference is where it comes from. Natural diamonds form underground over millions (sometimes billions) of years under intense heat and pressure. Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, are made in high-tech laboratories that recreate those exact same conditions using one of two main methods: HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition).
The result? A diamond that’s identical at the atomic level to one mined from the earth. Same sparkle, same hardness, same durability — just a different origin story.
Honestly, the technology behind it is fascinating. I had the chance to chat with a jeweller in Melbourne recently who told me that the only way to tell a lab grown diamond from a mined one is with specialised equipment in a gemological lab. Even trained eyes can’t spot the difference.
That, to me, says a lot.
Why Australians Are Falling in Love with Man Made Diamonds
Let’s face it: Australians have a soft spot for doing the right thing, especially when it comes to sustainability and ethics. And that’s one of the biggest reasons man made diamonds have taken off here.
Mining diamonds — as glamorous as the end product looks — often comes with a complicated legacy. It’s not just about the environmental impact, but also the human cost. Many couples today simply don’t want their engagement ring to come with that baggage.
A lab grown diamond, by contrast, offers a clear conscience. You get the same beauty and brilliance, but you know exactly where it came from. No hidden mines, no ethical question marks, no murky supply chains.
Then there’s the financial side. I won’t sugarcoat it — diamonds are expensive. Always have been. But lab grown options can cost 40–70% less than their mined counterparts. For many couples trying to balance the cost of a wedding, a home deposit, and, well, life — that’s a game changer.
And because you’re spending less, you can often afford to go bigger or better quality. A one-carat mined diamond might be out of reach, but the same budget could get you a stunning 1.5-carat lab grown stone with impeccable clarity and cut.
That’s the kind of maths most people can get behind.
But Are Lab Grown Diamonds Really “Forever”?
That’s the question I get asked the most, and it’s a fair one.
Yes — they’re every bit as durable as natural diamonds. Remember, they’re made of pure carbon, just like mined ones. They’ll last generations, can be passed down, and can even be re-set into new jewellery decades down the line.
There’s something quite beautiful about that, actually. A symbol of love that doesn’t come at the cost of the planet, but still carries that timeless sense of commitment.
If you were to look at them side by side, you wouldn’t be able to tell which one came from the Earth and which came from a lab. Both sparkle, both dazzle, both can stop you in your tracks when the light hits just right.
The Emotional Shift: Redefining Luxury
This might sound a little sentimental, but I think we’re witnessing a quiet shift in what “luxury” means.
For a long time, luxury was about rarity — the idea that something was valuable because it was scarce or hard to obtain. But now, people are rethinking that. The new luxury, it seems, is about values: sustainability, transparency, and innovation.
When you buy a lab grown diamond, you’re not just buying a gem — you’re supporting a new chapter of craftsmanship. You’re choosing technology that reduces mining, preserves ecosystems, and opens up access to something that used to be reserved for a lucky few.
That feels like a very modern kind of luxury.
Where to Buy Lab Grown Diamonds in Australia
If you’ve decided to explore this path, there are some excellent Australian jewellers leading the way.
Brands like NOVITA Diamonds, for example, specialise in lab grown stones and custom designs. Their team helps you understand everything from cut quality to ethical sourcing — it’s all very transparent. You can even buy lab grown diamonds online, designing your ring step by step, which makes the experience feel personal rather than transactional.
You might also find local jewellers who are gradually introducing lab diamonds into their collections — something that would’ve been unthinkable a decade ago.
Just make sure you’re buying from a reputable source. Look for certification from respected gemological labs (like IGI or GIA), clear grading reports, and honest answers to your questions. A genuine seller will never dodge a conversation about origin or quality.
My First Encounter with a Lab Diamond
I’ll be honest — the first time I saw a lab diamond, I didn’t know it.
It was at a wedding in Sydney. The bride’s ring caught the light during the reception, and it absolutely stole the show. Later, over dessert, she mentioned it was lab grown. I remember being genuinely shocked.
It was stunning — flawless, perfectly cut, and with a fire that could rival anything from Tiffany’s. The best part? She told me it cost almost half what a mined diamond of that size would have.
That’s when it clicked for me: this isn’t just a “budget alternative.” It’s a revolution in the making.
How to Choose the Right Lab Grown Diamond
Choosing a diamond — lab grown or mined — can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for.
The 4Cs still apply: cut, colour, clarity, and carat. But here’s the twist: because lab grown diamonds tend to be more affordable, you have more flexibility to prioritise what truly matters to you.
If sparkle is your goal (and let’s be honest, it usually is), focus on cut quality. A well-cut lab diamond will outshine a larger but poorly cut stone every time.
And if you’re torn between mined and lab grown, it might help to read up on guides or insights from professionals who’ve worked with both. There’s a great breakdown here on choosing the perfect ring that dives into the nuances of man made diamonds — worth a look if you’re weighing up your options.
What About Resale Value?
Ah, the question that makes jewellers shift in their seats.
Here’s the honest truth: neither mined nor lab grown diamonds are great investments in the traditional sense. Diamonds, for the most part, don’t appreciate over time. The resale market is relatively small, and prices are unpredictable.
That said, most people don’t buy an engagement ring to resell it later. They buy it because it represents something personal — a story, a promise, a shared life.
So, if you’re choosing between a mined stone that stretches your budget or a lab diamond that lets you design your dream ring without the financial strain, I’d say the latter is the smarter emotional and practical choice.
The Future of Diamonds in Australia
There’s a quiet revolution happening in Australian jewellery stores right now.
More brands are switching to lab grown stones, not as a gimmick, but because they genuinely believe it’s the future of the industry. Younger buyers — particularly Gen Z and millennials — are driving this change. They’re asking more questions, demanding transparency, and seeing value in sustainability over tradition.
It reminds me a bit of how electric cars were once seen as “experimental.” Now they’re mainstream. I suspect lab grown diamonds are on the same trajectory.
Within a few years, I think we’ll stop drawing such a sharp line between “natural” and “lab grown.” A diamond will just be a diamond — beautiful, meaningful, and chosen with intention.
A Thought to Leave You With
I’ll admit it — I used to be a bit of a purist. I thought a “real” diamond had to come from the Earth. But the more I learned about how lab grown diamonds are created, the more that mindset shifted.
There’s something incredibly poetic about using technology — human ingenuity — to create something that symbolises love and eternity. It’s not artificial. It’s progress.
So, if you’re thinking about making the switch, do it for the right reasons. Not just because it’s cheaper or trending, but because it feels like the kind of choice that fits your values and your story.
