Lab-Grown Diamonds in India: 2025 Buyer’s Guide
Table of Contents
Lab-grown Diamond Price in India
Lab-grown Diamond Jewellery in India
Pros and Cons of Lab-grown Diamonds
Checklist: Before Buying Lab Grown Diamonds
Frequently Asked Questions on Lab-grown Diamonds
Introduction
The jewellery landscape in India is changing. Consumers are moving away from mined diamonds and opting for lab-grown diamonds. The latter are gaining popularity for their affordability, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Once considered a novelty, they are now a serious choice for engagements, weddings, and everyday jewellery. But are lab-grown diamonds worth buying? Let’s explore.
Lab-grown Diamond Price in India
One of the biggest reasons buyers are shifting to lab-grown diamonds is cost. On average, the lab-grown diamond price in India is 30–40% lower than mined stones of similar grade.
- 1-carat mined diamond: approx. ₹4–5 lakhs
- 1-carat lab-grown diamond: approx. ₹2.5–3 lakhs
This price difference allows buyers to invest in a larger or higher-quality diamond without overspending.
Shop Lab Grown Diamond Collections
“Lab grown diamonds are very much real diamonds. They are physically, chemically, and optically identical to mined ones. Just because they’re priced differently, does not mean they are ‘fake’. At Aukera, we’re redefining the category through high-quality products and cutting-edge design at great value for consumers”, says Aukera CEO, Lisa Mukhedkar.
What Determines the Price Difference between Mined & Lab-Grown Diamonds?
|
Factor |
Mined Diamonds |
Lab Grown Diamonds |
|
Rarity |
Rare, natural formation over billions of years → adds scarcity premium |
Abundant supply, produced in controlled labs → no rarity premium |
|
Production Cost |
Expensive mining operations, labor, logistics, and environmental restoration costs |
Lower costs due to controlled lab production (HPHT/CVD technology) |
|
Supply Chain |
Multiple intermediaries (miners, dealers, cutters, retailers) add markups |
Shorter supply chain, often directly from lab to retailer |
|
Carat Size Impact |
Price increases exponentially with size (scarcity factor) |
Price increases more linearly with size; larger stones more affordable |
|
Certification |
GIA/IGI grading adds cost but boosts resale value |
IGI/GIA/SGL grading available but resale market is weaker |
|
Market Perception |
Higher prestige, demand, and emotional “status value” |
Modern, budget-friendly, but still faces perception/resale challenges |
|
Environmental Costs |
Environmental damage and restoration add hidden costs |
Eco-friendly production reduces hidden external costs |
Lab-grown Diamond Jewellery in India
The demand for lab-grown diamond jewellery is growing rapidly. From minimalist studs and pendants to ornate bridal sets, jewellers are offering more certified designs to meet customer interest.
Why Buyers Are Choosing Them?
- Greater design choices
- Guaranteed conflict-free sourcing
- Smaller environmental footprint than mined diamonds
Today, both established jewellers and digital-first brands are adding dedicated lab-grown collections, making them accessible across price points.
City-Wise Trends: Mumbai vs Delhi vs Bangalore
Mumbai: A fashion-forward market, buyers here see lab grown diamonds as trendy and status-affirming. Bridal lab-grown diamond demand is rising fast.
Delhi – Strong focus on prestige; mined diamonds still dominate wedding sets, but lab grown options are catching on among younger couples.
Bangalore – Tech-driven and eco-conscious consumers prefer lab grown diamonds bangalore for their sustainability and value-for-money appeal.
Lab-grown vs Natural Diamonds
When comparing lab-grown vs natural diamonds, the science is clear: both are real diamonds. They share identical brilliance, hardness, and physical composition.
|
Feature |
Natural Diamonds |
Lab Grown Diamonds |
|
Origin |
Formed underground over billions of years |
Created in labs using HPHT or CVD methods |
|
Composition |
100% carbon, natural crystal structure |
100% carbon, identical crystal structure |
|
Appearance |
Sparkle and brilliance identical to lab grown |
Sparkle and brilliance identical to natural |
|
Price |
Expensive due to rarity |
30–40% more affordable |
|
Resale Value |
Higher resale and investment appeal |
Limited resale value |
|
Environmental Impact |
Mining-intensive, higher ecological footprint |
Eco-friendly, lower environmental impact |
|
Ethical Concerns |
Risk of conflict diamonds |
Guaranteed conflict-free |
|
Social Perception |
Symbol of tradition and prestige |
Modern, sustainable, budget-friendly choice |
Pros and Cons of Lab-grown Diamonds
Like any purchase, there are benefits and trade-offs.
Pros
- 30–40% less expensive than natural diamonds
- Certified, durable, and identical in beauty
- Sustainable and conflict-free
Cons
- Traditional stigma in certain circles
- Lower resale value
Are Lab-grown Diamonds Good?
Yes. If you’re wondering, “Are lab-grown diamonds good?” the answer is a resounding yes. They are durable, come with authentic certifications, and are visually indistinguishable from mined diamonds. For anyone prioritizing design, value, and ethics, lab-grown diamonds are an excellent choice.
“As the industry grows, it’s imperative for lab-grown diamonds to be distinctly defined. Consumers often confuse ‘lab-grown’ diamonds with Moissanite and American Diamonds”, says Head of Design at Aukera. Let’s explore the key distinctions:
Comparison: Moissanite vs American Diamonds vs Lab Grown Diamonds
|
Feature |
Moissanite |
American Diamonds (CZ) |
Lab Grown Diamonds |
|
Composition |
Silicon Carbide |
Cubic Zirconia |
100% Carbon |
|
Hardness (Mohs) |
9.25 |
8–8.5 |
10 (same as natural) |
|
Sparkle |
More rainbow/fire-like |
Glass-like |
Diamond-like brilliance |
|
Price |
Affordable (mid-range) |
Very cheap |
30–40% cheaper than mined |
|
Durability |
Long-lasting |
Scratches easily |
Extremely durable |
|
Status Value |
Moderate |
Low |
High, but lower than mined |
Key takeaway: Moissanite and American diamonds are simulants. While lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.
Checklist: Before Buying Lab Grown Diamonds
- Verify certification (IGI/GIA/SGL)
- Compare online vs offline pricing
- Check return and buyback policy
- Ask about warranty and after-sales service
- Match the diamond cut to your jewellery design
- Research the best place to buy lab-grown diamonds in India (certified jewellers & trusted online platforms)
Best Place to Buy Lab-grown Diamonds in India
The best place to buy lab-grown diamonds in India is from certified jewellers and trusted online retailers. Aukera is well known and loved by consumers for a variety of reasons:
- Cutting-edge design that sparks joy and celebrates individuality
- Exceptional craftsmanship with attention to every detail
- High-quality service that makes every shopping experience seamless and delightful
- Fair and transparent pricing, offering true value without compromise
Aukera CEO Lisa Mukhedkar speaks on the importance of design: “Design is the starting point. For most women, jewellery is bought out of desire, it’s an emotional decision. So, design has to speak to her heart. But design isn’t just about aesthetics or innovation; it’s also about craftsmanship. It involves every small detail that turns a diamond into a beautiful, wearable piece of jewellery. For us, innovation starts right from the diamond itself. We invest heavily in research, whether it’s enhancing brilliance by increasing the number of facets, exploring new shapes and colours, or improving the everyday functionality of jewellery.”
Final Verdict: Are Lab-grown Diamonds Worth It?
In 2025, lab-grown diamonds are worth it for Indian buyers who want affordable luxury, eco-conscious choices, and high-quality design. They deliver the same brilliance as natural diamonds, without the ethical concerns.
For weddings, engagements, or everyday wear jewellery, lab-grown diamonds are a smarter, more responsible choice.
Frequently Asked Questions on Lab-grown Diamonds
1. Are lab-grown diamonds real?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same properties as mined ones — only the origin differs.
2. How much cheaper are lab-grown diamonds in India?
Usually 30–40% more affordable than natural diamonds of the same size and clarity.
3. Do lab-grown diamonds have resale value?
Resale value is lower than natural diamonds, but they offer better affordability upfront.
4. Which is better: lab-grown vs natural diamonds?
Natural diamonds carry tradition and prestige, while lab-grown diamonds offer affordability and sustainability.
5. Are lab-grown diamonds good for engagement rings?
Yes, they are durable, certified, and ideal for engagement rings, wedding rings, and everyday use.
6. Where is the best place to buy lab-grown diamonds in India?
Aukera is a trusted specialist with IGI & GIA certifications and offers a range of designs.
