What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond created using cutting-edge technology.
Unlike simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite, a lab-grown diamond is chemically and physically identical to its natural counterpart.

How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?

There are two main methods:

1. CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) – Carbon atoms slowly build up on a small diamond seed under a plasma-rich environment, replicating the Earth’s natural diamond-growing process.
   

2. HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) – Mimics the intense heat and pressure deep underground to create a diamond.
   

Both methods produce stones that look and test exactly like mined diamonds. Jewelers, gem labs, and diamond testers can’t visually tell the difference.

Certification Matters

Reputable labs like IGI (International Gemological Institute) and GIA certify lab-grown diamonds just as they do natural ones.
When you’re planning to buy lab grown diamonds in India, always look for IGI certification — it gives you clarity on cut, color, clarity, and carat.

Key Takeaways

• Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds — identical in sparkle, durability, and chemical makeup to mined ones.
  

• They’re becoming hugely popular in India because they’re affordable, eco-conscious, and IGI-certified for quality.
  

• Round, Oval, Emerald, Pear, and Cushion cuts are dominating 2026 trends, each with a distinct look and price advantage.
  

• Shoppers looking to buy lab grown diamonds in India can now enjoy secure online ordering, better prices, and ethical luxury.
  

Knowing cut, carat, and certification is essential before investing in a piece you’ll love for life.

Why Everyone Is Talking About Lab-Grown Diamonds

If you’ve been jewellery shopping recently, you’ve probably overheard questions like:

• “Are lab-grown diamonds really the same as natural ones?”
  

• “Can I wear them daily?”
  

• “Are they worth the money compared to mined diamonds?”
  

These aren’t just casual questions — they show a shift in how Indians view luxury. Until a few years ago, diamonds were seen only as mined and traditional. Now, lab-grown diamonds are breaking myths and becoming a smarter choice for modern buyers.

Today’s shoppers care about value, transparency, and sustainability. They want the sparkle, but they also want to make an informed, ethical purchase. That’s where lab-grown diamonds come in.

Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Gaining Popularity in India

The growth of lab-grown diamonds isn’t just a global trend — it’s reshaping India’s jewelry market in 2026. Here’s why shoppers are embracing them:

1. Affordable Luxury Without Compromise

One of the biggest attractions is value for money.
A lab-grown diamond can cost 30–50% less than a mined diamond of the same size and quality. That means you could buy a 1.5ct lab-grown diamond ring for what a 1ct natural diamond would cost.

2. Ethical & Eco-Friendly Choice

Mined diamonds often involve large-scale earth excavation and environmental impact.
Lab-grown diamonds require less water, less energy, and no mining disruption. Many buyers — especially Gen Z and millennials — want their jewellery to reflect responsible luxury.

3. Certified & Trusted Quality

Modern jewellers now offer IGI certified lab grown diamonds, so buyers know exactly what they’re paying for. Certification details the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat), giving peace of mind.

4. Style Without Compromise

From solitaire engagement rings to daily wear pendants, lab-grown diamonds offer all the design possibilities of mined stones — but at a better price.

5. Online Shopping Confidence

Earlier, buying diamonds online felt risky. Now, with brands like Aupulent, customers can securely order online, enjoy easy returns, and get trusted delivery across India.

Top 5 Trending Lab-Grown Diamond Shapes in India (2026)

India’s love for jewellery is evolving with trends influenced by global fashion, Bollywood celebrities, and social media. Here’s a closer look at the five most sought-after shapes this year — with tips to help you decide which one suits you.

1. Round Brilliant – Timeless and Sparkling

The round brilliant cut has dominated the diamond world for decades, and it’s not slowing down in 2026. Its 57–58 perfectly arranged facets are engineered for maximum light reflection, making it the sparkliest of all shapes.

• Best for: Engagement rings, classic solitaires, everyday earrings.
  

• Style vibe: Classic, elegant, always in fashion.
  

• Price insight: Round diamonds tend to be slightly pricier per carat due to high demand and cutting waste, but lab-grown versions make them more affordable.
  
  

💡 If you want a classic diamond look with unbeatable brilliance, round brilliant is your go-to — and with lab-grown, you can go bigger without breaking your budget.

2. Oval – Modern Elegance with Extra Size Appeal

Ovals have seen a huge surge in popularity, thanks to their ability to look larger than rounds of the same carat. The elongated silhouette also makes fingers appear slimmer.

• Best for: Engagement rings, statement pendants.
  

• Style vibe: Contemporary, feminine, refined.
  

• Price insight: Generally less expensive per carat than round diamonds, meaning you get more visible size for the price.
  

If you’re shopping to buy lab grown diamonds in India and want something trendy yet timeless, oval shapes give a modern twist without losing classic appeal.

3. Emerald – Sophisticated and Understated

Emerald cuts stand out with their step-cut facets and rectangular shape. Instead of sparkle, they offer a “hall of mirrors” clarity and glow. This cut highlights the diamond’s purity, so buyers often go for higher clarity grades.

• Best for: Cocktail rings, luxury solitaires, vintage-inspired pieces.
  

• Style vibe: Sleek, confident, minimalistic luxury.
  

• Price insight: Emerald cuts cost less per carat than rounds, letting you invest in better clarity and color.
  

For buyers who value sophistication over flash, an emerald-cut lab-grown diamond offers stunning elegance at a smart price.

4. Pear – Romantic and Unique

The pear (teardrop) shape combines the brilliance of a round with the elongation of a marquise. It’s eye-catching and perfect for those who love romantic yet distinctive jewellery.

• Best for: Engagement rings, pendants, drop earrings.
  

• Style vibe: Delicate yet bold; ideal for trendsetters.
  

• Price insight: Pear cuts maximize carat weight, so your diamond often looks larger for its size.
  

Pear-shaped lab-grown diamonds are ideal if you want a ring that feels different yet elegant, and they look stunning in halo or solitaire settings.

 

5. Cushion – Vintage Charm Meets Modern Glam

Cushion-cut diamonds have a square shape with rounded corners, offering a romantic, soft look that bridges vintage and modern style. With their larger facets, they give a chunky sparkle that many find appealing.

• Best for: Engagement rings with a vintage twist, classic studs.
  

• Style vibe: Romantic, timeless, slightly nostalgic.
  

• Price insight: More affordable than rounds, allowing you to go up in carat size.
  

If you’re drawn to heirloom vibes but still want something contemporary, cushion cuts are a great way to combine old-world charm with modern design.

Smart Tips Before You Buy Lab Grown Diamonds in India

Investing in a diamond — even a lab-grown one — is a big decision. Here’s what every buyer should know:

• Look for IGI or GIA Certification
   Certification ensures your stone’s authenticity and quality.
  

• Understand the 4Cs
  

  • Cut affects sparkle.

  • Carat is weight (not always size).
    

  • Clarity shows imperfections.
    

  • Color ranges from colorless to yellowish — aim for near-colorless (G–H).
    

• Pick the Right Metal
   14K and 18K gold are durable; platinum is premium and hypoallergenic.
  

• Set a Budget & Compare
  Lab-grown lets you go bigger, but focus on cut quality over carat size for the best sparkle.
  

• Buy From Trusted Sellers who deal with Lab Grown Diamonds:
  Brands like Aupulent offer secure online payment, warranties, easy returns, and India-wide delivery.'

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are lab-grown diamonds real?

Yes. They’re real diamonds, created in a lab but identical in composition and sparkle to mined stones.

2. Are lab-grown diamonds cheaper?

Yes — often 30–40% less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality.

3. Can lab-grown diamonds be IGI certified?

Absolutely. Most high-quality lab-grown diamonds sold in India come with IGI or GIA certification.

4. Do lab-grown diamonds hold resale value?

They may not hold value like mined diamonds, but they’re chosen for affordability, ethical sourcing, and design freedom rather than investment.

5. Is it safe to buy lab-grown diamonds online in India?

Yes — if you buy from trusted jewellers like Aupulent, who provide certificates, secure payment options, and easy returns.

6. Are lab-grown diamonds durable for daily wear?

Yes. They’re just as hard (10 on the Mohs scale) and durable as natural diamonds.

Final Thoughts

Lab-grown diamonds are changing how Indians think about luxury. They’re real, certified, ethical, and beautifully affordable — making them the perfect choice for modern shoppers. Whether you fall for the timeless round, the sleek emerald, or the romantic pear, there’s a shape for every personality and budget.

If you’re ready to buy lab grown diamonds in India, now’s the perfect time. With trusted online jewellers like Aupulent, you can shop confidently, enjoy certified quality, and own a piece of sustainable luxury that truly shines.