A few years ago, I wouldn’t have thought twice about where a diamond came from. Like most people, I simply assumed that if it sparkled and came in a velvet box, it was “a real diamond” — end of story.

But then I stumbled upon something that changed how I look at jewellery altogether: lab created diamond necklaces.

Now, before you roll your eyes at what might sound like a synthetic knock-off, hear me out — because what’s happening in the jewellery world right now is nothing short of fascinating.

The Modern Diamond Dilemma

Here’s a truth that used to make jewellers nervous: not everyone feels comfortable wearing mined diamonds anymore. The whole idea of digging deep into the earth for something shiny — often in conditions that are anything but romantic — has started to feel a little outdated, even uncomfortable.

And with climate awareness growing across Australia, that quiet discomfort has turned into curiosity. People are asking more questions, reading labels, and actually researching their stones before buying. It’s a shift you can feel in the industry.

That’s where lab grown diamonds step in. These aren’t glass, zirconia, or imitations. They’re chemically identical to mined diamonds — same structure, same sparkle, same timeless appeal — just created differently.

What Exactly Are Lab Created Diamonds?

If you’re picturing a mad scientist with a Bunsen burner in a lab coat, it’s not quite that dramatic (although the science is incredible).

Lab created diamonds are grown using advanced technology that replicates the natural process of diamond formation. Essentially, they use carbon, extreme heat, and pressure — the same recipe nature uses underground, just sped up and controlled.

It’s like fast-forwarding millions of years into a few weeks.

The result? A diamond so perfect that even professional gemmologists often need specialised tools to tell the difference between a mined and a lab grown stone.

And the environmental impact? That’s the real kicker — far less land disturbance, no mining, and a significantly smaller carbon footprint.

The Rise of the Ethical Necklace

I remember speaking to a Melbourne jeweller last year who told me that nearly half of his customers now ask specifically for lab grown diamonds when shopping for engagement rings or necklaces. Five years ago, that number was close to zero.

Why the change?

Because modern buyers — especially younger Australians — care about stories. They want to know where things come from and what they stand for. A diamond necklace isn’t just an accessory anymore; it’s a reflection of personal values.

When someone chooses a lab created diamonds necklaces, they’re not just picking a pretty piece of jewellery. They’re choosing transparency, sustainability, and often, affordability too.

And yes, they’re still getting that dazzling sparkle.

The Beauty of Affordability (Without Sacrifice)

One of the most surprising things about lab grown diamonds is the price point. Because there’s no mining, fewer middlemen, and less environmental cost, the savings are huge — often 30–40% less than a comparable mined diamond.

That means someone who might’ve settled for a smaller pendant or simpler setting can now afford something truly spectacular. Imagine a one-carat diamond necklace that actually fits your budget without cutting corners on quality.

For me, that democratises beauty in the best possible way. Fine jewellery shouldn’t only be for those with deep pockets or inheritance money. It should be something anyone can save for, choose thoughtfully, and feel proud to wear.

Style Trends: Simplicity, Layers, and Everyday Luxury

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Australian fashion feeds lately, you’ve probably noticed a quiet shift in jewellery styling. The era of oversized statement pieces is fading, replaced by subtle layers, clean lines, and that effortless “everyday luxury” look.

Lab grown diamond necklaces fit perfectly into this aesthetic.

A single solitaire pendant for work, layered with a fine chain for dinner — it’s understated, elegant, and timeless. The sparkle adds sophistication without shouting for attention.

Designers are also getting creative with modern shapes — geometric pendants, bezel settings, and mixed metals — giving people more ways to express themselves while keeping things ethical and sustainable.

From Gift to Legacy

Jewellery has always been emotional. Whether it’s a birthday surprise, a self-reward after a big milestone, or something you pass down to your kids, a diamond carries meaning beyond its carats.

What’s lovely about lab created diamond necklaces is that they don’t take away from that sentiment — they deepen it.

Imagine giving your daughter a necklace one day and being able to tell her, “This stone was created without harming the planet.” That’s a story she can wear with pride.

And that’s where I think the future of fine jewellery lies — in pieces that carry both beauty and conscience.

The Science of Brilliance

If you’re still wondering whether lab diamonds really sparkle like natural ones — they absolutely do.

Both have the same refractive index, hardness (a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale), and clarity potential. The only differences are trace elements in their growth environments, which might slightly alter inclusions — and, of course, their origin.

I once compared a lab grown diamond necklace and a mined one side by side at a Sydney boutique under bright display lighting. Honestly, I couldn’t tell the difference. Neither could the shop assistant until she checked the certificate. That’s how far the technology has come.

Are Lab Created Diamonds “Real” Diamonds?

This question still comes up a lot, and it’s fair.

Yes — they’re 100% real diamonds. Not simulants, not “fakes,” not substitutes. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certifies them with the same grading standards used for mined diamonds: cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight.

The only reason they’re labelled differently is transparency. It’s about letting customers know how the diamond was created — not whether it’s real.

In fact, many luxury jewellers have now embraced lab grown diamonds as part of their ethical collections. It’s not a compromise; it’s an evolution.

A Shift in Mindset

When I asked a few friends whether they’d consider buying lab created diamonds, I got an interesting mix of reactions.

One said, “I love the idea — I just want it to feel special.”
Another said, “Honestly, if it looks the same and it’s better for the planet, why wouldn’t I?”

And that’s exactly where the conversation is heading — away from status and tradition, toward meaning and sustainability.

It’s a generational shift, sure, but also a cultural one. Australians, in particular, have a strong connection to the environment. We care about where our food comes from, how our clothes are made, and increasingly, where our jewellery originates.

The Future of Fine Jewellery

I think we’re on the brink of something exciting — a redefinition of luxury.

Luxury used to mean rarity and exclusivity. Now, it’s starting to mean responsibility and consciousness. Owning something exquisite no longer feels as good if it comes at a hidden cost.

Lab created diamond necklaces sit at that perfect intersection of innovation and ethics — proof that technology can elevate tradition rather than erase it.

And as younger designers and consumers push for transparency, I suspect it won’t be long before lab grown diamonds become the default rather than the alternative.

A Final Thought

I’ve always believed that what we choose to wear says something about who we are — not just our style, but our values.

So, whether you’re choosing your first diamond necklace or upgrading something you already love, it’s worth pausing to ask: what kind of sparkle do you want to support?

Because the truth is, a diamond doesn’t need to be mined from the earth to be meaningful. It just needs to shine in a way that feels right to you.