As in the name Laboratory Grown Diamond are indeed a Diamond but created in a Laboratory, grown from a Diamond Seed.

Laboratory Grown Diamonds can be created in two ways HTHP & CVD.

HTHP/ 'High Temperature High Pressure' a method that recreates the natural growth process of earth grown diamonds by applying High Temperature and High Pressure to carbon atoms. This is a lengthy process mostly producing intense coloured diamonds.

Most Commonly used for clear Diamonds CVD /'Chemical Vapor Deposition'.During the CVD process, a thin wafer of a diamond crystal is placed in a vacuum chamber and heated to 800 °C. Then the chamber is filled with a carbon-rich gas, such as methane, and is ionized into plasma using lasers, microwaves. The ionization breaks the molecular bonds in the gas, and pure carbon gets deposited on the wafer of a diamond crystal (usually HPHT synthetic), growing a gemstone atom by atom, layer by layer.

-Notably, most CVD Lab Created Diamonds are Type IIa. Type IIa diamonds are extremely rare, only 1-2% of naturally occurring diamonds reaching this grade. Type IIa diamonds have no measurable nitrogen or boron impurities. 

Lab Grown Diamonds begin their life in a laboratory, whilst naturally occurring diamonds begin their life deep in the earth's crust.

When polished and finished, there is absolutely no difference between a Lab Grown Diamond & a Earth Grown Diamond.

They are identifical to the naked eye, with no chemical or physical differences, and are just as durable.

Lab Grown Diamonds should not be confused with diamond stimulant, which is made of non-diamond material. Lab Grown Diamonds are composed of the same material as natural diamonds: pure carbon, crystallised in an isotropic 3D form. 

However, the main difference between Lab Grown & Earth Grown is their morphology. HPHT diamonds grow in cuboctahedron shape and have 14 growth directions, while CVD diamonds grow cubic and have 1 growth direction.

In comparison, Earth Grown Diamonds grow in octahedron shape and have 8 growth directions. These growth patterns are also the main distinguishing factor between lab & earth grown diamonds. This feature is not detecable after polishing and and finishing & only viewable with sophistacted laboratory equpitment. The picture above displays the 3 diamonds in their pre cut and un-polished state. 

Price is the second distinguishing factor between these diamonds. The introduction of Lab Grown Diamonds now gives the customer more choice and value, whilst Earth Grown diamonds are remain the most trusted investment.  

Most of the world's most respected Laboratories now certify Lab Grown Diamonds, guaranteeing the cut, colour, clarity and carat weight of the diamond IGI & HRD being industry pioneers in this form of certification. We also provide a valuation certificate detailing the products attributes giving added reassurance of wht you are purchasing.

Here is a link to the GIA eduaction page on Lab Grown Diamonds, they are the worlds most respected Diamond Laboratory & founders of the 4 C's GIA LAB EDUCATION