Lab-Grown Diamonds

A Smarter, More Sustainable Sparkle

Whether you're getting ready to propose or marking a special milestone, one of the most important decisions you’ll make when purchasing your jewellery is whether to go for a natural diamond or a lab-grown one.

Here’s everything you need to know to make the choice that’s right for you.

Are Lab Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Yes, absolutely.

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamonds. They sparkle just as brightly and are every bit as beautiful, the only difference is how they are made.

Natural diamonds form deep underground over billions of years. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment using technology that replicates this natural process in just a few weeks.

What Makes Natural Diamonds Different?

The key difference is rarity.

Each natural diamond is a unique creation of nature, formed by time, pressure and the Earth’s natural elements. Their individual growth patterns, tiny inclusions and colour nuances give them distinct character. That is why natural diamonds are graded using the 4Cs - cut, colour, clarity and carat to define their individuality and value.

Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are made in large quantities. Many of them look very similar and tend to fall within a narrow range of clarity and colour. They are less rare, and while they offer excellent value, they do not hold the same long-term worth or uniqueness.

A Big Change in the Diamond World

From late 2025, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the most trusted name in diamond certification, will stop using the 4Cs to grade lab-grown diamonds. Instead, lab diamonds will be given one of three quality categories:

• Premium

• Standard

• No grade (for diamonds that do not meet basic quality standards)

  
  

This reflects the industry’s shift in recognising lab and natural diamonds as separate categories. It helps bring more clarity and transparency to the buying process, which we fully support.

Which Should You Choose?

There is no right or wrong answer. It comes down to what matters most to you. If you want maximum sparkle and size for your budget, lab-grown diamonds offer great value. You can often choose a larger or higher clarity stone for less than a natural equivalent. If you are looking for rarity, uniqueness and something with long-term value, a natural diamond might be your perfect match.

At Jago Jewellers, we are here to help you weigh up all the options and find the stone that feels right for your style, your story and your budget.

Honest Advice. Beautiful Choices.

We believe in transparency and in helping you buy with confidence. Lab-grown or natural, every diamond we offer is hand-selected for its beauty and quality.

If you're thinking of proposing or investing in a special piece, we can show you a range of stones and talk you through each option clearly and honestly.