How much cheaper are lab grown diamonds in Singapore?

Lab grown diamonds typically cost 50–70% less than comparable natural diamonds in Singapore. A 1-carat G/VS2 lab grown diamond might retail for SGD 1,500–2,500, while an equivalent natural diamond could cost SGD 8,000–12,000 or more.

Do lab grown diamonds hold their value?

Lab grown diamonds have been declining in resale value as production scales and supply increases. Unlike natural diamonds, which have historically held value over decades, lab grown diamonds are not considered a reliable store of value.

Can lab grown diamonds be used for Si Dian Zuan?

Yes. Lab grown diamonds can be used for Si Dian Zuan sets. Traditional families often prefer natural diamonds for Guo Da Li gifting as a symbol of enduring value, but younger couples increasingly choose lab grown diamonds to maximise carat size within budget.

What is the difference between CVD and HPHT lab grown diamonds?

CVD grows diamonds from carbon-rich gas in a chamber. HPHT mimics the natural high-pressure conditions deep in the earth. Both produce real diamonds. Neither method is inherently superior — quality depends on the individual stone and its grading certificate.

Lab Grown Diamonds Singapore: Complete Buyer's Guide

Q: Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. The US FTC confirmed in 2018 that lab grown diamonds qualify as real diamonds. They are graded by GIA and IGI on the same 4Cs scale as mined stones.

Lab grown diamonds have gone from niche curiosity to mainstream choice in Singapore's jewellery market. They're real diamonds — chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined stones — and they cost significantly less. But they're not the right choice for everyone. Here's an honest guide to help you decide.

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments using two methods: CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) or HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature). Both processes produce diamonds with the same crystal structure, hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and light performance as natural diamonds.

The only difference is origin. A natural diamond formed over billions of years under enormous heat and pressure deep in the earth. A lab grown diamond replicates that process in weeks.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Yes. The US Federal Trade Commission updated its jewellery guidelines in 2018 to confirm that lab grown diamonds are diamonds — not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They carry GIA and IGI grading certificates assessed on the same 4Cs scale as natural stones: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.

Even trained gemologists cannot tell the difference with the naked eye. Specialised equipment is needed to identify growth origin.

Price Difference: Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds in Singapore

Lab grown diamonds typically cost 50–70% less than comparable natural diamonds. A 1-carat round brilliant lab grown diamond in G/VS2 might retail in Singapore for SGD 1,500–2,500. An equivalent natural diamond could cost SGD 8,000–12,000 or more.

That gap has widened since 2020 as lab grown production has scaled dramatically. It's worth noting that lab grown diamonds have also dropped significantly in resale value as supply increases.

Pros and Cons of Lab Grown Diamonds

Advantages

Lower price point — significantly more carat weight for the same budget
Identical appearance — same brilliance, fire, and scintillation as natural diamonds
Certified — GIA and IGI grade lab grown diamonds on the same 4Cs scale
Conflict-free by definition — no mining supply chain concerns

Considerations

Low resale value — lab grown diamond prices have fallen sharply; resale value is minimal
Sentimental rarity — some buyers feel a natural diamond's geological age carries meaning a lab stone cannot replicate
Traditional market perception — in Singapore's bridal culture, natural diamonds remain the standard for Si Dian Zuan and Guo Da Li gifting

Lab Grown Diamonds for Si Dian Zuan in Singapore

The Si Dian Zuan — the four-piece diamond bridal set gifted at Guo Da Li — is one of the most significant jewellery purchases a Singapore family makes. The question of whether to use lab grown or natural diamonds is one we discuss with every client at Diamond Ateliers.

The traditional view is that the Si Dian Zuan represents a lasting gift of real value — and many families, particularly older generations, still expect natural diamonds for this occasion. Younger couples increasingly prioritise carat size and design over provenance, and lab grown diamonds allow them to commission a significantly larger set within the same budget.

Our recommendation: be guided by what matters most to you and your family. If long-term value and tradition matter, natural diamonds are the clearer choice. If maximising carat weight within a budget is the priority, lab grown deserves serious consideration.

What to Ask When Buying a Lab Grown Diamond in Singapore

Regardless of where you buy, always request:

An IGI or GIA certificate confirming the growth method (CVD or HPHT)
The 4Cs grade (cut, colour, clarity, carat)
Disclosure of any post-growth treatments

At Diamond Ateliers, we work with both natural and lab grown diamonds — all certified — and present both options transparently at consultation so you can make an informed decision.