Real lab-grown diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds made in a laboratory. They are not natural mined diamonds, and they are not cubic zirconia or moissanite.
Diagem lab-grown diamonds
Lab-Grown Diamonds South Africa
A Bigger, Brighter Diamond for Your Budget.
Find an IGI-certified lab-grown diamond with personal guidance from David. Tell us your preferred shape, carat and budget, then compare suitable options before you choose.
Lab grown diamonds in South Africa start from around R3,000 as a guide. Current prices depend on the IGI certificate, carat, cut, colour, clarity, shape and availability.
IGI CertifiedPersonal GuidanceBespoke Jewellery
Why lab-grown with Diagem
More diamond for your budget.
Lab-grown diamonds can give you more size and quality for your budget. Diagem helps you choose carefully: certificate first, then beauty, value and fit.
IGI certification
Compare the IGI report before you decide. It shows the carat, cut, colour, clarity, measurements and other important details.
Smarter value
Prices move with the certificate and current availability. David will quote options that are available now.
Personally selected
David can narrow the choice and explain the real differences before you book or buy.
Stock, sourcing and viewing
Real stock to view. Trade access when we need to source.
Selected stock in hand
Ask David what IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds are physically available to view. This helps you compare the diamond itself, not only a certificate image or supplier video.
Large trade network access
When the right diamond is not in stock, Diagem can source from the same kind of B2B supplier networks many online dealers use, often with access to similar inventory feeds and certificate options.
Certificate guidance before you commit
Send David the certificate or quote. He will explain how cut, polish, symmetry, proportions, colour, clarity and hidden imperfections affect the visual look and price.
We reject poor options
Not every cheap lab-grown diamond is good value. Diagem avoids unattractive, poorly cut or low-brilliance diamonds, even when they look acceptable on a listing.
Already received a quote? Send David the certificate. In many cases Diagem can better the quote or source the same or a comparable IGI-certified lab-grown diamond, but only if the diamond meets Diagem’s standard for brilliance, cut, polish and certificate quality.
Do your due diligence before you buy. Even if you do not buy from Diagem, ask David for an opinion on the certificate, price and visual quality before you commit.
Lab-grown engagement rings
Choose the diamond first. Build the ring around it.
Choose the diamond you love first. Then choose a ring style or work with Diagem on a bespoke design made around that diamond.
Find by shape
Start with the diamond shape you love.
Choose the shape you like, or send David a picture of the look you have in mind. Shape affects how the diamond looks on the hand, how large it appears, and which certified options fit your budget.
Size and budget
Start with a guide price. Confirm with David.
Lab-grown diamond pricing changes by certificate, carat, cut, colour, clarity, shape and availability. Use these guide examples to choose a starting point, then WhatsApp David for today’s IGI-certified options.
From R3,000Entry guide options1ct from R4,000Certificate-dependent1.5ct from R5,000Subject to availability2ct from R7,000Quote current stock
Guide examples only — not fixed quotes or guarantees. WhatsApp David for up-to-date lab-grown diamond pricing and available IGI-certified options.
WhatsApp David for current pricingLab-grown diamond prices
What does a lab-grown diamond cost?
Diagem sells loose certified lab-grown diamonds and, when required, can design and manufacture the complete diamond jewellery piece around the diamond you choose.
Guided process: David helps you compare suitable IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds first, then walks you through the setting or bespoke jewellery design.
Real stock + sourcing: customers can arrange to view suitable lab-grown diamonds from Diagem stock, or ask David to source options through trade supplier networks when the exact diamond is not in hand.
25+ years in SA diamonds: Diagem has long-standing trade relationships and sources best-value options for each customer’s budget.
Already have an online quote? Send the IGI certificate to David. He can explain the details, check whether the diamond is visually attractive, and advise whether Diagem can better the quote or source the same or a comparable option.
Lab-grown vs natural
Lab-grown and natural diamonds are both real — but they are not the same.
TopicLab-grown diamondsNatural diamonds
OriginGrown in a laboratory.Formed naturally in the earth and mined.
Certification at DiagemIGI-certified lab-grown diamonds.GIA-certified natural diamonds.
HardnessDiamond hardness.Diamond hardness.
Price and valueOften more size or grade for the same budget. Quotes vary by diamond.Different rarity, supply and resale factors.
Buying helpDavid can compare IGI options and ring suitability.David can show GIA natural diamonds alongside lab-grown options.
Origin
Lab-grown
Grown in a laboratory.
Natural
Formed naturally in the earth and mined.
Certification at Diagem
Lab-grown
IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds.
Natural
GIA-certified natural diamonds.
Hardness
Lab-grown
Diamond hardness.
Natural
Diamond hardness.
Price and value
Lab-grown
Often more size or grade for the same budget. Quotes vary by diamond.
Natural
Different rarity, supply and resale factors.
Buying help
Lab-grown
David can compare IGI options and ring suitability.
Natural
David can show GIA natural diamonds alongside lab-grown options.
How Diagem works
How David helps you choose.
Tell us what you’re looking for
Share your shape, carat, budget or ring idea. Rough details are enough to start.
David selects suitable options
David selects a small number of IGI-certified diamonds that suit your preferences and budget.
Compare diamonds and certificates
Compare the diamonds side by side. David will explain the differences that actually matter.
Arrange viewing where applicable
Viewings in Johannesburg are by appointment. If you are not in Johannesburg, ask David what can be arranged.
Choose or design the setting
For a ring or jewellery piece, the design is built around the diamond you choose.
Decide on the next step
When you are ready, David will guide you through selection, manufacture, collection or delivery.
Google reviews
What our clients say.
★★★★★
“I had a fantastic experience buying an engagement ring for Ashton. I had zero experience with diamonds, but he guided me patiently, honestly, and never pushy. He helped me find exactly the right ring in a short time, and the price was very fair. Highly recommend!”
Martin Smith5/5 on Google · 23 August 2026
★★★★★
“I am absolutely blown away by the experience of dealing with David - he is so knowledgeable, professional, and really went out of his way to find me the perfect stone... and gosh, it is the most beautiful gem i have ever laid my eyes on!! Thank you David”
laurianne dreyer5/5 on Google · 13 August 2026
★★★★★
“These guys were a pleasure to deal with. Nothing too difficult for David - answered all my queries and arranged my VAT (GST) refund- would recommend”
Allen Chimes5/5 on Google · 07 August 2026
What to know
Know what to check before you choose.
The 4Cs
Carat, cut, colour and clarity affect beauty and price. Cut and measurements can also change how large and lively the diamond looks.
Lab-grown vs moissanite
Moissanite is a different gemstone. If you want a diamond, ask for an IGI lab-grown diamond certificate.
FAQ
Lab-grown diamond questions.
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real lab-grown diamonds with the same carbon crystal structure as mined diamonds. The difference is origin: they are made in a laboratory, not mined as natural diamonds.
Does Diagem sell lab-grown diamonds online?
No. Diagem does not sell lab-grown diamonds through an online checkout. Tell David your preferred shape, carat and budget, then compare suitable certified options before you decide.
What certificate should I ask for with a lab-grown diamond?
For lab-grown diamonds, ask for an IGI certificate. David can help you compare the report, carat, cut, colour, clarity and price before you buy.
Can I make an engagement ring with a lab-grown diamond?
Yes. Choose the lab-grown diamond first, then discuss the setting or bespoke design around that diamond and your budget.
What is the price of a 1 carat or 2 carat lab-grown diamond in South Africa?
Prices change with carat, cut, colour, clarity, shape and availability. Send David your preferred carat, shape and budget for current options.
Can I compare lab-grown and natural diamonds with Diagem?
Yes. David can show you both. At Diagem, lab-grown diamonds use IGI certification and natural diamonds use GIA certification.
Do lab-grown diamonds test as diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds normally test as diamonds because they are diamonds. Some advanced screening may identify laboratory origin.
Do lab-grown diamonds become cloudy?
A properly graded lab-grown diamond should not become cloudy simply because it is lab-grown. Clarity, cut quality, treatment disclosure and care still matter.
Is a lab-grown diamond the same as moissanite?
No. Moissanite is a different gemstone. A lab-grown diamond is diamond; moissanite has different optical and material properties.
Can I view lab-grown diamonds in Johannesburg or Cape Town?
Diagem offers Johannesburg viewings by appointment. If you are outside Johannesburg, ask David what can be arranged.
Tell us what you’re looking for
Find your lab-grown diamond.
Lab-grown diamonds for sale through Diagem are handled by enquiry, not blind online checkout. Send David your preferred shape, approximate carat, budget and whether you need a ring setting. He’ll help you compare IGI-certified options and arrange the next step when you’re ready.