Diamonds signify permanence, luxury, and emotional value in jewellery and culture worldwide. Traditionally sourced from deep within the Earth through mining, diamonds are increasingly being produced in laboratories under controlled conditions. Known as lab grown diamonds (LGDs), these stones have reshaped consumer demand, manufacturing dynamics, and ethical considerations across global and Indian markets.

This article offers a holistic analysis of lab grown diamonds, integrating scientific foundations, market economics, consumer behavior, regulatory evolution, and India’s emerging companies and brands shaping this fast-growing industry.

1. Scientific Foundations of Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are crystalline carbon with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. Unlike simulants like cubic zirconia, LGDs are real diamonds with genuine hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and brilliance. They are typically created using:

• High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): Simulates Earth’s geological processes; and

• Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): Grows diamonds atom by atom in a gas plasma chamber.

Both methods produce stones that require gemological tools to distinguish from mined diamonds. Leading labs (e.g., IGI, GIA) certify LGDs based on the 4Cs — Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat.

2. India as a Global Hub: Production and Market Trends

India is pivotal in the global diamond ecosystem. The country remains one of the world’s largest centres for diamond cutting, polishing, and manufacturing — both for natural and lab grown stones. India’s LGD market has accelerated due to:

• Advanced manufacturing infrastructure in Surat and surrounding regions.

• Rising consumer demand for ethical and affordable luxury jewellery.

• Strong export potential to key markets like the United States and Europe.

Recent regulatory changes by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandate clear labeling of LGDs to distinguish them from natural stones, reinforcing transparency and consumer trust.

Domestic demand has increased dramatically, especially during festive and wedding seasons, as buyers seek affordable yet luxurious alternatives to gold and mined diamonds.

3. Leading Indian Companies and Brands in Lab Grown Diamonds

3.1 Established Jewellery and Mass Market Retailers

1. Limelight Diamonds
One of India’s prominent lab grown diamond brands, Limelight has positioned itself as a fully integrated LGD player. The company is expanding into in-house diamond growing and manufacturing, aiming to control the production value chain and ensure consistent quality as it opens more stores nationwide.

2. Titan / beYon (Tata Group)
Titan Company — a Tata Group flagship known for Tanishq — has entered the lab grown sector with a dedicated brand called beYon. The launch draws positive investor attention, signalling confidence in the segment’s long-term growth potential.

3. Senco Gold & Diamonds (Everlite and associated LGD lines)
A traditional jewellery retailer that is expanding its lab grown diamond portfolio under dedicated lines targeting mid-tier and aspirational consumers.

4. Trent (Pome)
Part of the Tata Group’s lifestyle and fashion segment, Trent introduced the Pome brand to capture younger, urban consumers looking for ethical and sustainable luxury products.

3.2 Digital-First and D2C Lab Grown Diamond Brands

5. GIVA Jewellery
A Bengaluru-based D2C jewellery brand that offers lab grown diamond collections alongside gold and silver jewellery. GIVA focuses on contemporary designs and affordable price points, appealing to Gen Z and millennial buyers.

6. Anyra Diamonds
Known for online distribution and IGI-certified pieces, Anyra blends ethical luxury with digital accessibility across tier-1 and tier-2 cities in India.

7. Ivana Jewels
A rising brand offering a wide range of certified lab grown diamond pieces, including solitaires and bridal collections, with a strong presence in major Indian cities.

8. Izora India
Leveraging Surat’s manufacturing base, Izora emphasises sustainable and high-quality jewellery with ethical sourcing and craftsmanship.

9. Ethera Diamonds
Focuses on IGI-certified LGD jewellery across classic and contemporary designs with broad nationwide availability.

10. Glamstone, Jewelbox, Emori, House of Quadri, and Aukera
Emerging brands offering differentiated design aesthetics — from minimalist everyday luxury to artisanal couture pieces. These brands enhance consumer choice and diversify the domestic LGD landscape.

3.3 Industry Suppliers and Manufacturers

Beyond branded retail, Altr India, Greenlab, Sonani Jewels, and Bhanderi represent notable manufacturing players producing lab grown diamonds via HPHT and CVD methods and supplying both domestic designers and global buyers.

4. Market Economics and Consumer Insights

4.1 Pricing and Value Proposition

LGDs generally retail at significantly lower prices than mined diamonds with similar specifications due to controlled production and lower supply chain costs. The lower entry price makes diamonds accessible to a broader audience without sacrificing durability or sparkle.

4.2 Consumer Adoption Drivers

Modern Indian buyers — particularly Gen Z and younger millennials — are drawn to:

• Ethical and conflict-free alternatives.

• Sustainability narratives aligned with climate and social responsibility.

• Larger carat options within their budgets.

• Modern design aesthetics suited to everyday wear as well as special occasions.

These motivations are reinforced by clear certification and transparent grading practices.

4.3 Resale Considerations

Unlike gold or natural diamonds, LGDs have limited resale value due to supply expansion and price compression. Therefore, most purchases should be viewed primarily as consumer purchases rather than financial investments.

5. Regulatory and Certification Landscape

Certification plays a foundational role in building trust. Bodies such as the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are expanding LGD grading infrastructure in Surat and applying established 4C standards to LGDs.

BIS’s updated labeling rules require distinct identification of lab grown stones, improving transparency and reducing misrepresentation — a core quality and consumer protection measure.

6. Strategic Insights and Recommendations

For Brands:

• Prioritise certification transparency, including grading reports with every purchase.

• Boost educational marketing to clarify differences between LGDs, simulants, and natural diamonds.

• Balance retail pricing strategies with value messaging (e.g., sustainability).

• Expand omni-channel presence to combine digital convenience with experiential retail.

For Consumers:

• Request certified 4C grading and verify through independent labs.

• Consider long-term care, service warranties, and return policies.

• Understand resale dynamics; purchase primarily for aesthetic and emotional value.

For Investors and Industry Stakeholders:

• Evaluate manufacturing margins, inventory turnover, and supply chain integration.

• Watch for regulatory shifts that could affect labeling and import/export norms.

• Assess LGDs as part of a broader diversification strategy in jewellery retail portfolios.

Conclusion

Lab grown diamonds represent a transformative chapter in the global and Indian diamond industry — combining scientific innovation, ethical responsibility, and evolving consumer tastes. India, as both a manufacturing powerhouse and a growing domestic market, is positioned at the intersection of tradition and technology. By balancing craftsmanship, certification, and sustainability narratives, brands and stakeholders can harness this sparkling revolution to redefine value in modern jewellery.