Glossary
Lab-Grown Diamond
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond produced in a lab via HPHT or CVD instead of being mined from the earth. Visually, optically, and chemically identical to a mined diamond. For jewelry photography, lab-grown stones photograph identically — the only difference is the price tag and certification.
What is a lab-grown diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds — same crystal structure (carbon, cubic), same hardness (10 on Mohs), same optical properties (refractive index 2.42, dispersion 0.044). The only difference is origin: instead of forming under earth's mantle over a billion years, they're grown in a lab in 2-4 weeks via HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). The Federal Trade Commission (US) requires that lab-grown diamonds be marketed as such, but the FTC also confirms they are diamonds — not 'simulants' like cubic zirconia.
Why they photograph identically
Because lab-grown and mined diamonds are physically identical, they photograph identically. A 1-carat lab diamond and a 1-carat mined diamond at the same color/clarity grade produce the same sparkle, the same brilliance, the same fire under studio lighting. Catalog photography of either uses the same techniques: macro lens, controlled lighting on the table-facets, careful avoidance of point-source reflections. AI jewelry retouching makes no distinction either — the model sees the same gemstone and applies the same enhancement pass.
Why this matters for jewelry sellers
Lab-grown diamonds are 60-80% cheaper than mined at the same grade, which has reshaped the engagement-ring market. For sellers, this means: (1) inventory cost drops, but margin compression follows because buyers know lab is cheaper, (2) catalog photos must be excellent because the visual quality is now the main differentiator, not stone provenance, (3) listing copy should disclose origin clearly per FTC rules. AI jewelry retouching helps with (2) — inexpensive catalog-grade photography is critical when margin is thin.
See it in action
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Last updated 2026-05-03