Shop Certified Lab Grown Diamonds

Understanding Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds represent the most significant evolution in modern diamond sourcing. Created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) or HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) technology, these diamonds exhibit the same chemical composition, crystal structure, optical beauty, and durability as natural diamonds.

They are real diamonds — identical in hardness, brilliance, and long-term performance — with the added benefit of traceable origin and consistent grading. Because their growth conditions are meticulously controlled, lab grown diamonds also offer clarity and color standards that are more accessible than traditional mined stones.

How Lab Grown Diamonds Are Created

CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)

CVD growth begins with a thin diamond seed placed inside a vacuum chamber. Carbon-rich gases are introduced and energized, allowing carbon atoms to form and stack layer by layer into a crystalline diamond. CVD diamonds are known for:

• Balanced crystal growth
• High clarity potential
• Excellent visual purity
• Consistent performance across shapes

This method produces diamonds ideal for precision cutting, strong symmetry, and superior light reflection.

HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)

HPHT recreates the natural conditions under which diamonds form beneath the earth’s surface. Advanced presses apply immense heat and pressure to carbon, transforming it into a crystalline diamond. HPHT diamonds are valued for:

• Bright, fire-rich appearance
• Exceptional stability
• Strong color expression

Both methods result in real diamonds, each independently graded by respected laboratories such as IGI.

Why Buyers Choose Lab Grown Diamonds

1. Greater Value at Comparable Quality

Because lab grown diamonds can be produced with consistency and efficiency, buyers are able to access higher color grades, larger carat weights, and refined clarity standards at more attractive prices than mined stones of the same specifications.

2. Ethical and Traceable Origin

Their fully controlled growth environment eliminates uncertainty regarding sourcing, region, or origin. Each diamond has a documented path from creation to certification.

3. Exceptional Performance and Beauty

The precision with which these diamonds are grown and cut allows for excellent light return, brilliance, and sparkle. They meet the same performance expectations required for engagement rings, solitaires, and bespoke settings.

Choosing the Right Shape

Each diamond shape offers a distinctive visual identity and personality. Understanding how shapes behave optically helps buyers make a confident choice.

Round Cut Diamonds

The most classic and light-efficient shape, round cut diamonds deliver unmatched brilliance due to their symmetrical facet structure and ideal proportions.

Oval Cut Diamonds

Oval diamonds offer an elongated, refined appearance with excellent finger coverage and eye-catching brilliance. Their shape creates a balanced, modern look.

Emerald Cut Diamonds

Known for their step-cut facets and open, hall-of-mirrors clarity, emerald cut diamonds emphasize subtle elegance and proportional geometry.

Cushion Cut Diamonds

Featuring softened corners and a pillow-like outline, cushion diamonds combine vintage charm with modern fire and sparkle.

Radiant Cut Diamonds

With angular lines and brilliant-style facets, radiant diamonds offer vivid sparkle and structural sharpness.

Princess Cut Diamonds

A square, modern geometric shape with strong scintillation and highly efficient light performance.

Pear, Marquise, Heart, and Trillion

These shapes create bold silhouettes, artistic proportions, and unique visual appeal for buyers seeking individuality.

Carat Weight: Understanding Scale and Presence

Carat weight determines visual size but interacts closely with shape, depth, and table. Two diamonds with the same carat weight may look visually different depending on proportions.

Everyday Wear (0.50–1.00 CT)

Balanced, refined stones suitable for daily use while maintaining excellent visual presence.

Statement Stones (1.50–3.00 CT)

A blend of size, brilliance, and impact, well suited for buyers seeking strong visual appeal.

Large Premium Stones (3.00 CT and Above)

High-impact, collectible stones offering maximum presence and elegance.

Color Grades: D, E, and F Explained

Color grading measures the absence of body color within a diamond.

• D Color: Completely colorless, the highest and rarest grade.
• E Color: Nearly identical to D, offering exceptional brightness.
• F Color: Very slightly warm-toned under magnification yet visually colorless to the eye.

Lab grown diamonds in the D–F range deliver elite optical performance and timeless appeal.

Clarity Grades: Understanding Inclusions

Clarity assesses internal and external inclusions.

• VVS: Very, very small inclusions — extremely clean stones.
• VS: Minor inclusions, difficult to detect without magnification.
• SI: Small inclusions, visible under magnification but often clean to the eye depending on shape and cut.

Cut quality and facet structure often influence how visible inclusions appear. Many buyers prefer VS or VVS for optimal value and appearance.

Cut Quality and Light Performance

Among the 4Cs, cut has the greatest influence on brilliance. A well-cut diamond exhibits:

• Balanced symmetry
• Precise facet alignment
• Strong light return
• Even distribution of fire and scintillation

Lab grown diamonds enable tighter control during the cutting stage, ensuring greater consistency across shapes and grades.

Certification and Grading Standards

Every diamond offered by Variation is independently certified by IGI. Certification includes:

• Detailed measurements
• Carat weight
• Color grade
• Clarity grade
• Polish and symmetry
• Proportions and table percentage
• Growth type declaration (CVD or HPHT)

This ensures transparency and reliability across every stone we present.

How to Choose the Right Lab Grown Diamond

1. Start with Shape

Select the shape that resonates with your style and visual preference.

2. Choose Carat Based on Desired Presence

Decide whether the goal is refinement, balance, or bold visual impact.

3. Select Color and Clarity

D–F colors and VVS–VS clarity provide the strongest balance of brilliance, purity, and value.

4. Prioritise Cut Quality

A diamond’s beauty is defined by the precision of its cut.

5. Review Certification

Certified diamonds offer verified grading, documented qualities, and assured authenticity.

Why Variation Is Trusted by Global Buyers

Variation offers a highly curated catalogue of certified lab grown diamonds with complete transparency. Every stone is selected for measurable quality, visual appeal, and long-term value. Our global service, ethical sourcing, and commitment to clarity at every stage allow buyers to make fully informed decisions with confidence.

With access to thousands of certified diamonds across multiple shapes, carat weights, and grades, Variation provides a refined selection experience designed for customers seeking clarity and assurance.

The Future of Diamonds Is Lab Grown

As global buyers prioritise ethical sourcing, transparency, and science-driven innovation, lab grown diamonds continue to emerge as the preferred choice for modern luxury. Their exceptional performance, accessible value, and documented origin make them a compelling option for both new buyers and seasoned collectors.

Variation is committed to offering a world-class selection backed by precision, certification, and global service — ensuring every diamond meets the highest standards of beauty and craftsmanship.