Lab-Grown Diamonds in Australia: Everything You Need to Know in 2026
From engagement rings to tennis bracelets, Lab-Grown diamonds are giving Australian jewellery buyers more choice in diamond size, quality and design. This guide explains how they are made, how IGI certification works and what to check before you buy.
A Lab-Grown diamond is a real diamond created in a controlled laboratory environment rather than extracted from the Earth. It has the same fundamental carbon crystal structure as a mined diamond and can be independently graded by gemological laboratories such as the International Gemological Institute (IGI).
What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Lab-Grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that reproduces the conditions required for diamond crystal growth.
Once grown, the rough diamond can be cut and polished in much the same way as a mined diamond and assessed for characteristics such as carat weight, colour, clarity, measurements, polish and symmetry.
The fundamental difference between Lab-Grown and mined diamonds is their origin.
Created in a controlled environment
Diamond crystal is grown using specialised technology before being cut, polished and graded.
Formed within the Earth
Natural diamonds form through geological processes and are subsequently recovered through mining.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes. Lab-Grown diamonds are diamond material. They should not be confused with diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia.
They can display the brilliance, fire and hardness associated with diamonds and are suitable for fine jewellery including engagement rings, wedding rings, earrings, pendants and tennis bracelets.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
Two principal methods are widely used to create Lab-Grown diamonds: CVD and HPHT.
Chemical Vapour Deposition
A diamond seed is placed inside a specialised chamber. Carbon-containing gases are introduced under controlled conditions, allowing carbon to form diamond crystal around the seed.
High Pressure High Temperature
HPHT uses high pressure and high temperature to create conditions suitable for diamond crystal growth.
The growth method alone does not determine whether one individual diamond will look more beautiful than another. Cut, proportions, colour, clarity and the stone's overall visual appearance should also be considered.
Why IGI Certification Matters
Independent diamond certification gives buyers detailed information about the diamond they are considering rather than relying only on a photograph or sales description.
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is widely recognised for grading diamonds, including Lab-Grown diamonds.
Why Australians Are Choosing Lab-Grown Diamonds
One of the biggest attractions of Lab-Grown diamonds is the additional flexibility they can provide within a jew
