Best Lab-Grown Diamond Stores in London
London is one of the world's great jewellery capitals — and increasingly, it's becoming a hub for lab-grown diamonds. Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, a special gift, or a personal treat, London's lab-grown diamond stores offer exceptional quality, ethical sourcing, and design.
In short: London's leading lab-grown diamond specialists cluster in Hatton Garden (the diamond district) and the West End. Look for IGI or GIA certification on every stone, direct CVD/HPHT sourcing (not third-party resellers) and showrooms offering the full 4Cs comparison rather than a single curated selection. Expect 60-80% savings vs equivalent mined diamonds.
In this guide, we cover the best places to buy lab-grown diamonds in London, what to look for before you buy, and why more shoppers are making the switch from mined stones.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds — also called synthetic diamonds or cultured diamonds — are created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced processes that replicate the extreme heat and pressure found deep within the Earth. The result is a diamond that is physically, chemically, and optically identical to a mined diamond.
The key difference? Lab-grown diamonds avoid the environmental destruction and ethical concerns associated with traditional diamond mining, and they typically cost 30–50% less than their mined equivalents.
Why Buy Lab-Grown Diamonds in London?
London is home to some of the world's most respected jewellers, many of whom have embraced lab-grown diamonds as the future of fine jewellery. Buying in London means access to:
- Expert craftsmanship and bespoke design services
- GIA-certified stones and transparent grading
- A wide range of styles, from classic solitaires to contemporary minimalist designs
- Both in-store consultations and seamless online purchasing
What to Look for When Choosing a Lab-Grown Diamond Store
Before you commit to a purchase, consider these key factors:
- Certification: Always look for diamonds graded by a recognised body such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Certification confirms the stone's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
- Customisation: The best stores offer bespoke design services, letting you choose your setting, metal type, and diamond specifications to create a truly unique piece.
- Reputation: Read verified customer reviews on Google and Trustpilot. A strong track record of happy customers speaks volumes.
- After-Sales Support: Look for stores that offer warranties, resizing, cleaning, and long-term maintenance services.
- Transparency: Reputable retailers are upfront about their sourcing, pricing, and manufacturing processes.
The 7 Best Lab-Grown Diamond Stores in London
1. Reve Diamonds — Best Overall
Overview: Located in the prestigious Mayfair district, Reve Diamonds is widely considered London's leading destination for lab-grown diamonds. Their online collection features over 200,000 certified white loose lab-grown diamonds and fancy coloured lab-grown diamonds, and their in-store bespoke service allows customers to design entirely custom pieces from scratch.
Why They Stand Out: Reve Diamonds combines an unrivalled diamond selection with expert gemological knowledge and a genuinely personalised shopping experience — whether you visit their Mayfair showroom or browse online.
Customer Reviews: Customers consistently praise the personalised service, the quality of stones, and the seamless bespoke design process.
Location: 14 Hanover Square, Mayfair, London
2. Pure Carats — Best for Ethical Sourcing
Overview: Pure Carats has built its reputation on transparency and sustainability. Every diamond they sell is conflict-free and fully traceable, making them a favourite among ethically conscious shoppers.
Why They Stand Out: Their straightforward, no-pressure approach to sales and fully transparent sourcing practices set them apart in a crowded market.
Customer Reviews: Known for excellent customer service and honest, transparent business practices.
Location: Central London
3. Kimai — Best for Contemporary Design
Overview: Kimai has carved out a niche with its sleek, minimalist jewellery aesthetic. Their pieces are particularly popular with younger buyers who want fine jewellery that reflects modern values.
Why They Stand Out: Founded with sustainability at its core, Kimai blends ethical sourcing with genuinely covetable contemporary design.
Customer Reviews: Highly praised for stylish, wearable pieces and a strong commitment to ethical practices.
4. Ethica Diamonds — Best for Sustainable Jewellery
Overview: Ethica Diamonds is one of the UK's most respected ethical jewellery brands, specialising in sustainable diamond jewellery with full supply chain transparency.
Why They Stand Out: Their commitment to sustainability goes beyond the diamond itself — from packaging to business practices, ethics run through everything they do.
Customer Reviews: Customers appreciate their dedication to ethical practices and consistently high quality.
5. Queensmith Master Jewellers — Best Bespoke Service in Hatton Garden
Overview: Queensmith operates from the heart of Hatton Garden — London's historic jewellery district — and is renowned for their outstanding bespoke engagement ring service.
Why They Stand Out: Their master jewellers work closely with each client to craft one-of-a-kind pieces, with lab-grown diamonds available across their full range.
Customer Reviews: Consistently praised for their personalised service, exceptional craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Location: 98 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8NX
6. Taylor & Hart — Best for Engagement Rings
Overview: Taylor & Hart has become one of London's most recommended jewellers for engagement rings, thanks to their structured design consultation process and consistently high quality.
Why They Stand Out: They offer lab-grown diamond options across their full bespoke range, with a clear, guided process that makes designing your own ring straightforward and enjoyable.
Customer Reviews: Customers love their unique custom designs, transparent pricing, and excellent aftercare.
Location: 27 Clements Lane, London EC4N 7AE
7. 77 Diamonds — Best for Selection and Value
Overview: With one of the largest online diamond inventories in the UK, 77 Diamonds is a strong choice for buyers who want maximum choice at competitive prices.
Why They Stand Out: Their Mayfair showroom allows customers to view stones in person, and their team can assist with ring design and diamond selection across a wide range of budgets.
Customer Reviews: Highly rated for their extensive selection, competitive pricing, and knowledgeable staff.
Customisation Options at London's Lab-Grown Diamond Stores
Most London lab-grown diamond specialists offer bespoke design services. You can typically choose from a wide range of diamond shapes — including round brilliant, oval, cushion, emerald, and pear — as well as metal type, setting style, and band profile.
Bespoke pieces usually take 3–6 weeks to complete and are priced similarly to ready-made designs, making customisation excellent value. To get started, explore the range of lab-grown diamond engagement rings available at Reve Diamonds.
Lab-Grown Diamond Prices: What to Expect in London
Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 30–50% less than mined diamonds of equivalent quality. Prices vary based on the 4Cs — cut, colour, clarity, and carat — but as a rough guide:
- 0.5ct round brilliant: from approximately £500–£900
- 1ct round brilliant: from approximately £1,000–£2,500
- 2ct round brilliant: from approximately £2,500–£4,000
Prices differ between retailers, so it's worth comparing certified stones across a few stores before purchasing. Some retailers also offer financing options to spread the cost.
Sustainability and Ethical Considerations
Lab-grown diamonds have a significantly lower environmental footprint than mined diamonds, requiring no land excavation and using far less water. Many London stores are committed to sustainability, ensuring their diamonds are not only beautiful but responsibly produced.
Choosing lab-grown means supporting a more ethical jewellery industry — without compromising on quality, brilliance, or beauty. For more on making a responsible choice, visit our lab-grown diamonds guide.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds a Good Investment?
Lab-grown diamonds are best viewed as jewellery purchases rather than financial investments. Like mined diamonds, their resale value is typically lower than retail price. However, the lower entry price means you can afford a larger, higher-quality stone for the same budget — and for many buyers, the ethical and environmental benefits are an investment in themselves.
FAQs
1. Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They are graded using the same 4Cs scale by independent gemological laboratories.
2. How do lab-grown diamonds compare to natural diamonds in terms of quality?
Lab-grown diamonds are of comparable — and often superior — quality to mined diamonds, as they are produced under controlled conditions that minimise inclusions and colour inconsistencies.
3. Why are lab-grown diamonds more affordable?
Lab-grown diamonds bypass the costly and environmentally damaging mining process entirely, which significantly reduces the cost of production and, in turn, the retail price.
4. What certifications should I look for when buying a lab-grown diamond?
Look for diamonds certified by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). These certificates confirm the stone's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
5. Can I customise lab-grown diamond jewellery?
Yes — most London lab-grown diamond stores offer bespoke design services, allowing you to choose your diamond, setting, metal type, and overall design to create a completely unique piece.
6. Are lab-grown diamonds eco-friendly?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds have a significantly lower environmental impact than mined diamonds, avoiding land disruption, habitat destruction, and the large carbon footprint of traditional mining operations.
7. What is the best lab-grown diamond store in London?
For overall quality, selection, and service, Reve Diamonds in Mayfair consistently leads the field. For bespoke engagement rings specifically, Queensmith and Taylor & Hart are also outstanding choices.
8. Do lab-grown diamond stores in London offer after-sales support?
Yes — most reputable London jewellers offer comprehensive after-sales support, including resizing, cleaning, polishing, and warranty services to keep your jewellery in perfect condition.
9. Can I insure a lab-grown diamond?
Yes. Lab-grown diamond jewellery can be insured just like mined diamond jewellery. Most specialist jewellery insurers cover lab-grown stones at full replacement value.
10. Are there financing options available for purchasing lab-grown diamonds?
Yes — several London stores offer financing options, making it easier to purchase the piece you want without paying the full amount upfront. Check with individual retailers for their current terms.
