Many people ask us about lab grown diamonds and how they compare to natural diamonds. They want to understand how these stones are made and whether they have the same brilliance as mined diamonds.
Simply put, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, made of the same carbon structure as natural stones. The difference lies in how they are formed: instead of taking millions of years underground, they are created in a laboratory under carefully controlled conditions. Choosing a lab grown diamond from Meaden lets you enjoy a beautiful stone while making thoughtful choices. These diamonds have a smaller environmental impact, are conflict-free and fully traceable, and give you more flexibility for custom designs or the option to select a higher quality stone within your budget.
Natural diamonds are often a lot more expensive, and grading or clarity can sometimes be lower compared to lab grown diamonds. With lab grown options, you can choose a larger, higher quality stone for a fraction of the price. Industry data shows that lab grown diamonds of a given size and quality can cost 60 to 85 percent less than natural counterparts. At Meaden, we use this to help clients maximise size, clarity, or colour for their budget, or preserve funds for the perfect setting. Lab grown diamonds are also capturing an increasing share of the market, around 15 to 20 percent globally by volume, making them a mainstream option, not just an alternative. With the lab grown market forecasted to reach nearly US$100 billion by 2034, we believe their role in engagement-ring jewellery is firmly established.
A Short History of Lab Grown Diamonds
The story of lab grown diamonds began in the 1950s when scientists first succeeded in recreating the extreme conditions needed to form diamonds. Since then, technology has advanced, giving us precise ways to create diamonds that are just as beautiful and durable as mined stones.
Two main methods are used today: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). HPHT mimics the natural formation process by using intense heat and pressure, often producing colourless or yellow diamonds. CVD grows diamonds layer by layer from carbon-rich gases, allowing exact control over size, clarity, and colour.
Lab grown diamonds can form in just a few weeks, compared to the millions of years it takes for natural diamonds. They can be made in rare colours or with exceptional clarity, and their strength and thermal properties are even valued in high-tech industries like aerospace. One of the largest lab grown diamonds on record weighed more than 155 carats, demonstrating the possibilities of modern science and craftsmanship.
Choosing the Right Diamond for You
At Meaden, we offer both natural and lab grown diamonds so you can choose the stone that feels right for you. Whether you’re drawn to the sustainability and value of a lab grown diamond or the rarity of a natural gem, we’ll help you find the perfect stone and craft it into a piece you’ll treasure for years to come.
Lab grown diamonds combine modern science with careful craftsmanship, allowing clients to select stones with maximum size, clarity, or colour within their budget. This makes them a versatile and increasingly popular choice for engagement rings and bespoke jewellery.
Start your custom jewellery journey with our team at Meaden. Book a complimentary consultation and let us help you bring your vision to life with the perfect diamond and design.