Diamonds may be forever, but how they’re made is changing—and fast. In recent years, lab-grown diamonds have moved from a futuristic curiosity to a must-have choice for the consciously-minded jewellery lover. Whether you’re designing your dream ring or adding a bit of brilliance to your pendant, lab-grown stones are rewriting the rules—and we’re proud to now offer them as part of your Workbench creations.
So, What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
There’s no dupes or lookalikes here, it’s a real diamond! Lab-grown diamonds share the exact same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. The only difference is where they’re formed— not deep in the earth’s crust, but in a lab using high-tech equipment that replicates the natural diamond-growing process.
The result? A diamond that’s conflict-free, traceable, and just as dazzling as one formed over millions of years.
Why Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond?
One of the biggest reasons people are making the switch is sustainability. Traditional diamond mining can be environmentally and ethically complex—disrupting ecosystems, using huge amounts of energy and water, and sometimes raising concerns around labour practices. (Rest assured any diamond you buy from The Workbench is always sourced from conflict-free areas and that the mining practices are legal, ethical, and fully regulated. You can read more about our gemstone souring here)
Lab-grown diamonds sidestep many of these issues by requiring far less land and water, producing fewer carbon emissions, and offering full transparency around sourcing.
They’re also easier on the wallet. Without the rarity premium, lab-grown diamonds are often more affordable—so you can go bigger, add multiple stones, or save the extra sparkle for a solid gold upgrade.
And yes, they’re now available to add to all your Workbench creations—whether you’re carving a signature ring or capturing your pup’s paw print in a pendant.
But… Are They Perfect?
We’ll be honest—no diamond choice is flawless. While lab-grown diamonds offer a lot, like anything, they come with a few considerations. Because they can be produced in abundance, they don’t carry the same rarity or resale value as mined diamonds—great for the planet, but less ideal if you’re buying as a long-term investment. While they are chemically and visually identical to natural diamonds, some people still see mined stones as more prestigious due to their age and tradition. Sustainability can also vary depending on the lab’s energy source, though we’re proud to work with a supplier who uses renewable power. And with advances in technology, prices are continuing to drop—making these stones more accessible than ever, but potentially lowering their future market value.
The Bottom Line…
If you’re looking for a stunning, ethical, and more environmentally conscious way to add sparkle to your jewellery, lab-grown diamonds are a brilliant choice. They may not carry the same history as natural diamonds, but they do carry a sense of modern responsibility—and that’s a kind of luxury we love.
The jewellery industry still has a long way to go when it comes to sustainability, but we’re committed to leading with best practices wherever we can—using 100% recycled precious metals, FSC-certified recyclable packaging, and ethically sourced gemstones from trusted suppliers. Choosing lab-grown is just one of the ways we’re helping you create beautiful pieces that feel good in every sense.
You can add a lab grown diamond to any Workbench creation by either adding it to your kit purchase or in our online portal when you submit your wax. Available in white and pink brilliant round cuts, with more to come—so if you’re a fan of lab-grown sparkle, let us know what you’d love to see next!
Ethically sourced. Kinder to the Environment. Just as beautiful. Ready to add a lab-grown diamond to your Workbench piece? Let’s get carving!
