At Fei Liu Fine Jewellery, we are devoted to creating designs that reflect not only refined beauty but also personal values. Whether you choose a natural diamond or a laboratory-grown diamond, our pieces are crafted with the same exceptional care, artistic spirit, and attention to detail. We invite you to explore the differences — and surprising similarities — between the two.

What Is a Laboratory-Grown Diamond?

A laboratory-grown diamond is a real diamond, formed using advanced technology that replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds develop. It is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond.

The key distinction lies in origin: natural diamonds are formed over billions of years beneath the Earth’s surface, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a matter of weeks in highly controlled laboratory environments using high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapour deposition (CVD).

At a Glance: Comparing Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

At Fei Liu Fine Jewellery, every diamond — whether lab-grown or mined — is hand-selected and expertly set to ensure it meets the high standards of our award-winning designs.

Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Diamond Simulants

It’s important not to confuse lab-grown diamonds with diamond simulants. Simulants, such as moissanite or cubic zirconia, are created to mimic the appearance of a diamond, but they are not diamonds in any form — chemically, physically, or optically.

Unlike simulants:

• Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds
• They share the same crystal structure and hardness as natural diamonds
• They sparkle with the same brilliance and can only be distinguished using specialist gemmological equipment

Simulants may appear similar at a glance, but their sparkle, weight, and durability differ noticeably. At Fei Liu, we use only genuine diamonds, natural or lab-grown — never simulants.

Are Laboratory-Grown Diamonds Sustainable?

Laboratory-grown diamonds are often considered the more sustainable choice, and for good reason.

While diamond creation in a lab does require electricity, energy use is continually decreasing as technology improves. Some newer producers now use as little as 20 kWh per stone, down from earlier estimates of 250 kWh. In contrast, mined diamonds require extensive excavation, disrupting vast areas of land and consuming large amounts of water and fuel.

In terms of space and impact:

• A diamond lab can be relatively compact, without environmental degradation
• There is no need for mining or land displacement
• Many producers are now using renewable energy sources, including solar power

As environmental awareness grows, so too does the demand for carbon-neutral diamonds. The future of lab-grown production lies in cleaner energy, carbon offsetting, and improved efficiency — a path the industry is already embracing.

At Fei Liu Fine Jewellery, we are proud to offer a selection of laboratory-grown diamonds from suppliers who share our commitment to responsible, elegant luxury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lab-grown diamonds ‘real’?
Yes. They are real diamonds — with the same composition, sparkle and strength as natural ones.

Can you tell them apart?
Not without specialist equipment. Even trained gemmologists cannot distinguish them by eye.

Do lab-grown diamonds hold value over time?
As with most diamonds, resale values vary. We encourage customers to choose based on meaning, craftsmanship and ethical preference — not financial speculation.

Are lab-grown diamonds less beautiful?
Not at all. They are equally brilliant, and all our stones are carefully selected for clarity, cut and colour.

Our Perspective

For those who treasure natural rarity, a natural diamond holds a story forged in time. For those drawn to innovation and responsibility, a lab-grown diamond reflects a forward-looking elegance.

At Fei Liu Fine Jewellery, we honour both, because your choice should be as meaningful as the moment it celebrates.