If you’re shopping for an engagement ring in Singapore, you’ve probably heard of lab grown diamonds—but most couples still aren’t completely sure what they’re actually getting. Are they “fake”? Do they last? Why are some jewellers still pushing only mined stones? As a founder-led bespoke studio in Singapore that specialises in lab grown diamonds, we work with these stones every day and craft 80–100 bespoke rings each month. This article breaks down six things most people don’t realise about lab grown diamonds, how they compare to mined stones, and how to choose a lab diamond ring that actually looks incredible on the hand. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to prioritise—and what to ignore—when you’re creating your own bespoke lab diamond ring in Singapore.
What Exactly Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds created in a controlled environment using advanced technology (CVD or HPHT), rather than formed over billions of years underground. Chemically, physically, and optically, they are carbon crystals with the same hardness and brilliance as mined diamonds. The Gemological Institute of America and major labs like IGI and GCAL grade lab grown and natural diamonds using the same 4Cs framework—cut, colour, clarity, and carat. You can explore the fundamentals in our Diamond Guide.
6 Things Most Singaporeans Don’t Know About Lab Diamonds
1. They’re Real Diamonds, Not Simulants
Lab grown diamonds are not cubic zirconia or moissanite. They’re genuine diamonds that will pass a diamond tester and last for generations. The only difference is origin: one is grown in a lab, the other in the earth. That’s it. When clients compare stones in our showroom under magnification, they are always surprised by how indistinguishable lab and natural diamonds are side by side.
2. Grown With Precision, Not Mining
Because lab diamonds are grown in controlled chambers, each crystal has a fully traceable origin. There is no large-scale mining, blasting, or moving thousands of tonnes of earth. For many of our clients—especially environmentally conscious couples in Singapore—this traceability and lower impact is a key reason they choose lab over mined.
3. Often Higher Purity and Better Light Performance
With optimised growth conditions, many lab grown diamonds come out with very clean crystal structures and fewer inclusions. When we filter stones for our inventory, we focus on how well they handle light—sparkle, fire, and contrast—not just what’s printed on the certificate. A well-cut lab diamond with strong light performance can easily outshine a higher-priced mined diamond with an average cut.
4. More Diamond for Your Budget in Singapore
For the same budget, lab grown diamonds typically give you a significant jump in size and specifications. Based on our Diamond Price Guide, a well-cut 1.00ct D–F, IF–VS lab grown diamond in Singapore often starts from around the low S$1,000s, while equivalent mined stones can be several times more. That pricing difference is why many clients comfortably upgrade to 1.5ct or even 2.0ct lab diamonds without stretching beyond their comfort zone.
5. Lower Impact, Higher Transparency
Lab grown diamonds offer a modern alternative for couples who care about both aesthetics and impact. At Diamond Ateliers, we work directly with trusted manufacturers, so we know exactly how and where the stones were grown. Combined with third-party certification, you get a transparent supply chain plus the ability to choose between lab grown and natural diamonds on a level playing field.
6. Not “Fake” — Just a More Modern Choice
The rarity of lab diamonds comes from technology and craftsmanship, not geology. For many couples, that actually feels more aligned with how they live: practical, design-driven, and values-led. In our consultations, once clients understand that lab grown diamonds are real and long-lasting, the question usually shifts from “Is it fake?” to “How big and how brilliant can we go within our budget?”
How to Choose a Lab Diamond Ring in Singapore
Start With the Priorities: Size, Sparkle, or Colour?
Before looking at certificates, decide what matters most visually:
- Size (carat): If presence on the hand is key, you might aim for 1.5ct–2.0ct and above.
- Sparkle (cut & light performance): Prioritise Excellent/Ideal cut and strong light return.
- Colour: For lab diamonds, most of our clients go D–F for icy white tones.
Our Diamond Guide breaks down how each of the 4Cs affects what you actually see on the finger.
Recommended Specs for Lab Diamond Engagement Rings
If you’re designing a bespoke engagement ring in Singapore and want a strong, future-proof balance, here’s a common configuration we recommend for lab grown stones:
- Cut: Excellent or Ideal only
- Colour: D–F
- Clarity: VVS–VS (eye-clean and crisp)
- Carat: 1.0ct–2.0ct+ depen
