6 Things You Didn’t Know About Lab Grown Diamonds in Singapore

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. This guide covers six things most people in Singapore do not know about lab grown diamonds, and what actually matters when you are choosing one.

1. Lab Grown Diamonds Are Not Simulants

Cubic zirconia and moissanite are diamond simulants. Lab grown diamonds are not simulants. They are carbon crystals with the same atomic structure, the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and the same optical properties as mined diamonds.

2. The Only Difference Is Origin

A mined diamond forms over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure. A lab grown diamond forms over weeks in a controlled environment using CVD or HPHT technology. The result is the same material, produced by a different process.

3. Lab Grown Diamonds Offer Significantly More for the Same Budget

In Singapore in 2026, a 1.0ct lab grown diamond graded E–F VS1–VS2 with an excellent cut typically costs SGD 900–1,400. The equivalent natural diamond would cost SGD 8,000–12,000 or more.

4. Lab Grown Diamonds Often Have Exceptional Clarity

Controlled growth conditions produce diamonds with very clean crystal structures. The majority of lab grown diamonds we present to clients at Diamond Ateliers are eye-clean at VS2 and above.

5. Resale Value Is Lower

Lab grown diamond resale values have declined substantially as production has scaled. For buyers who do not intend to resell, this is largely irrelevant. But it is worth knowing.

6. The Ethics Question Is More Nuanced Than the Marketing Suggests

Lab grown diamonds are frequently marketed as the ethical choice. The reality is more nuanced. Lab grown production is energy-intensive. The cleanest position: ask your jeweller specifically about the origin and production of the stone you are considering.

Book a consultation to compare lab grown and natural options in person, or message us on WhatsApp with any questions.