Why everyone is talking about Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs)
In just a few years, lab-grown diamonds have gone from niche to mainstream. Globally, consumers are drawn to them for two main reasons: affordability and sustainability claims. For India—being the world’s largest cutting and polishing hub—this shift is creating new opportunities as well as debates.
What exactly is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Let’s get one thing clear: LGDs are real diamonds, not imitations. They share the same chemical composition, hardness, brilliance, and sparkle as mined diamonds. The only difference is their origin:
Mined diamonds form naturally over billions of years underground.
Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment using two technologies:
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
The result? A diamond that’s optically and chemically identical to one found in nature.
The sustainability debate
Here’s where things get interesting.
Pros often cited:
No large-scale mining, which means less disruption of ecosystems.
Lower carbon footprint (especially when labs use renewable energy).
Transparency: It’s easier to track and certify lab-grown origin.
Concerns that remain:
Energy use is still high—not all labs are powered by green sources.
End-of-life waste from reactors and equipment raises questions.
The resale value of LGDs is still uncertain compared to natural diamonds.
So, sustainability is not a black-and-white answer—it depends on how and where the diamond is grown.
India’s role in the LGD boom
India is already a global powerhouse in cutting and polishing lab-grown diamonds, especially CVD-grown stones. In fact, the government recently gave the sector a boost by announcing research funding and policy support for LGDs as a sunrise industry. This means:
More jobs and entrepreneurship in LGD manufacturing.
Greater export potential as global demand rises.
A chance for India to lead the sustainable luxury narrative.
What Indian students should pay attention to
Career opportunities: From lab operations and diamond grading to jewelry design and branding, LGDs open up new career paths.
Consumer mindset: Millennials and Gen Z are more sustainability-driven, making LGDs a natural choice for engagement rings and fashion jewelry.
Business model shifts: Jewelers are mixing natural and lab-grown inventories. Students entering family businesses or startups must learn to balance both.
Storytelling matters: The sustainability story sells—but only if backed by authentic data about carbon neutrality, lab sourcing, and certifications.
Future-proofing skills: Understanding both mined and lab-grown markets will make you more versatile and employable.
Learnathon’s edge
At Learnathon, we prepare you not just to understand diamonds, but to navigate change. In our diamond or business programs, students explore:
How diamonds are graded
Market differences between natural and lab-grown
Sustainability narratives and consumer psychology
Business strategies for selling diamonds in India and abroad
Final takeaway
Lab-grown diamonds are not just a trend; they’re reshaping the future of jewelry. For students, this is the time to understand both sides of the diamond story—natural and lab-grown—and position yourself for a career that thrives in both worlds.