Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire Necklaces: A Complete Guide
Lab grown diamond solitaire necklaces represent one of the clearest expressions of fine jewellery made without compromise. One stone. One chain. Nothing extraneous.
This guide covers everything a buyer needs to know: how lab grown diamonds are made, how IGI certification works, how to choose a cut, and how to think about metal choice. It is written for buyers who are spending seriously and want to understand what they are buying.
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond. It has the same chemical composition as a mined diamond: pure carbon arranged in a crystal lattice structure. It has the same optical properties, the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and the same capacity for brilliance and fire.
The difference is origin. Mined diamonds form over billions of years under immense heat and pressure deep within the earth. Lab grown diamonds replicate those same conditions in a controlled environment, producing a stone that is physically and chemically identical to a mined diamond.
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There are two methods used to grow diamonds in a laboratory setting.
CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition)
A diamond seed crystal is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. The gas is ionised, breaking down the carbon molecules, which then deposit onto the seed and slowly build up into a diamond layer by layer. CVD diamonds are typically grown in a matter of weeks.
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
A carbon source is subjected to extreme heat and pressure using large mechanical presses, replicating the geological conditions under which natural diamonds form. The carbon crystallises around a seed and grows into a rough diamond.
Both methods produce genuine diamonds. The method does not affect the quality, appearance, or durability of the final stone. What matters is the resulting stone's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, all of which are assessed and verified through independent certification.
How IGI Certification Works
Every diamond in the Bellari lab grown diamond range is independently certified by the International Gemological Institute (IGI). IGI is one of the largest and most widely recognised gemological certification bodies in the world.
An IGI certificate assigns a grade to four key properties of the stone.
Cut
Cut is the most important quality factor for a diamond's appearance. It refers to how well the diamond's facets interact with light. A well-cut diamond will reflect light back through the top of the stone, producing the characteristic brilliance that makes diamonds recognisable. Cut is graded from Excellent to Poor, with most quality diamonds at the higher end of this scale.
Colour
Diamond colour is graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown tint). The closer to D, the more colourless the stone. Colourless and near-colourless diamonds allow light to pass through unimpeded, which enhances the clarity and brightness of the stone.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence or absence of internal inclusions and external blemishes. Most inclusions in a quality lab grown diamond are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye. The clarity scale runs from Flawless to Included, with VS (Very Slightly Included) and SI (Slightly Included) grades being common in fine jewellery.
Carat
Carat is a unit of weight. One carat equals 0.2 grams. In solitaire necklaces, carat weight directly affects the visible size of the stone. A larger carat weight does not automatically mean a better diamond. A smaller, well-cut stone will outperform a larger, poorly cut one in terms of light performance.
The IGI report accompanying each Bellari diamond necklace provides a permanent, verifiable record of the stone's grading. It is issued by an independent third party with no commercial relationship with Bellari. The certificate number is inscribed on the stone's girdle and can be verified directly through the IGI database.
The Four Cuts Available in the Bellari Diamond Range
The Bellari lab grown diamond solitaire necklace collection is available in four cuts: round brilliant, oval, pear, and emerald. Each cut has a distinct character and a different visual impression on the wearer.
Round Brilliant
The round brilliant is the most optically precise diamond shape. It has 58 facets arranged in a mathematically optimised pattern that maximises the stone's light return. Of all the available cuts, the round brilliant produces the highest levels of brilliance and fire. This means it reflects the most white light (brilliance) and creates the most rainbow dispersion (fire).
Round brilliant diamonds suit almost any neckline and any chain length. The symmetry of the shape means it reads as classic from every angle. For buyers who want the clearest expression of what a diamond looks and performs like, round brilliant is the natural starting point.
Oval
The oval cut is a modified brilliant with an elongated shape. Its facet pattern is derived from the round brilliant, which means it shares many of the same light performance characteristics. The elongated body of the oval creates a distinctive silhouette on the chest. Because the shape extends vertically, an oval solitaire often appears larger than a round brilliant of equivalent carat weight when worn.
The oval has seen consistent growth in Australia and internationally over the past several years. Part of its appeal is that it feels both refined and slightly unexpected. It is not as strictly symmetrical as the round, which gives it an informal elegance that suits everyday wear.
Pear
The pear cut is a teardrop shape with a rounded base and a pointed tip. It combines the brilliance of a round at one end with the clean point of a marquise at the other. When set in a solitaire necklace pendant, the pear is typically oriented with the point facing downward, which draws the eye along the stone and creates a lengthening effect on the neckline.
The pear's asymmetry makes it more distinctive than the round or oval. It draws attention and holds it. Buyers who choose a pear cut are typically drawn to a shape that is recognisable but not ubiquitous.
Emerald Cut
The emerald cut is a step-cut diamond with a rectangular form and truncated corners. Unlike brilliant-cut diamonds, which have triangular and kite-shaped facets arranged to maximise sparkle, the emerald cut has long, parallel facets arranged in steps. This produces a different visual effect: a deep, mirror-like reflection rather than the multi-directional sparkle of a brilliant cut.
Buyers who prefer the emerald cut are often responding to its calm, architectural quality. It does not try to attract attention through fire. It holds light quietly. The emerald cut suits buyers who prefer restraint in design.
One important note for the emerald cut: because of the open table and step facets, inclusions are more visible in an emerald cut than in a brilliant cut. A higher clarity grade is more important for an emerald cut diamond than for a round or oval.
18K Yellow Gold vs. 18K White Gold
The Bellari diamond range is set in either 18K yellow gold or 18K white gold. Both are solid gold, not plated, which matters for longevity.
What 18K Means
18K gold contains 75% pure gold. The remaining 25% is an alloy of other metals that adds strength and durability. The karat designation is a mark of gold purity. 18K is the standard for quality fine jewellery. It is more durable than 24K (which is pure gold and therefore softer), and it maintains a richer, more saturated colour than 9K or 14K.
The Bellari diamond necklaces are set in 18K solid gold. This means the gold extends throughout the metal, not just as a surface coating. There is no base metal layer that will show through with wear. The piece will not require replating.
Yellow Gold
18K yellow gold has a warm, saturated tone. Historically it is the most traditional setting for fine diamond jewellery. The warmth of the metal creates a visual contrast with the cool, colourless light of the diamond that many buyers find appealing.
Yellow gold suits buyers who respond to warmth and material richness. It works across a range of skin tones. In recent years, yellow gold has become the preferred setting for oval and pear cut stones, partly due to its association with romantic, vintage-influenced design and partly because the warm setting can add a perceived warmth to the stone's appearance.
White Gold
18K white gold has a cool, silvery appearance. It is an alloy of gold with white metals, typically including palladium or silver, which gives it its colour. White gold is frequently rhodium plated to enhance its whiteness, though the Bellari settings are solid 18K white gold.
White gold is a neutral, modern choice. It reads as cool and precise. For buyers who want the diamond to be the sole focal point without a warm metal contrast, white gold allows the stone to occupy the full visual space. It suits buyers who prefer a contemporary aesthetic and those who wear primarily silver or platinum toned accessories.
Neither choice is more durable than the other. The decision is aesthetic.
Chain Length and How It Wears
The Bellari lab grown diamond solitaire necklaces are available on a delicate chain suited to the pendant weight. For solitaire necklaces, chain length determines where the stone sits on the chest.
A 16-inch chain typically sits close to the collarbone, which places the pendant at the base of the neck. This is the most visible positioning. It works well with open necklines and scoop necks, and can be worn alone or as the shortest layer in a stacked necklace arrangement.
An 18-inch chain falls just below the collarbone, which is the most versatile placement. The stone sits naturally in the open chest area and reads clearly against most necklines.
For buyers who wear high necklines or prefer the pendant to fall lower, a longer chain extension can accommodate this.
Solitaire necklaces are not designed for layering as the centrepiece. The single stone and fine chain read best when they are unencumbered. That said, a fine chain worn alongside the solitaire at a different length is a considered option.
The Bellari Lab Grown Diamond Range
The Bellari lab grown diamond solitaire necklace collection is made to order and designed in Sydney. Every stone is IGI certified. The range is available in all four cuts and both 18K gold options, with pricing from $1,840 AUD.
The collection is available at the links below.
Round brilliant: Round brilliant diamond necklace in 18K yellow gold | Round brilliant in 18K white gold
Oval: Oval diamond necklace in 18K yellow gold | Oval in 18K white gold
Pear: Pear diamond necklace in 18K yellow gold | Pear in 18K white gold
Emerald cut: Emerald cut diamond necklace in 18K yellow gold | Emerald cut in 18K white gold
For buyers still exploring materials, the moissanite collection and the Bellari Sparkle Guide are good starting points.
Caring for a Diamond Necklace
Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring material on earth, rating 10 on the Mohs scale. They do not scratch easily and do not lose brilliance over time. However, the setting and chain require straightforward care.
Cleaning: The simplest method is warm water, a small amount of dish soap, and a soft bristle brush (a clean toothbrush works well). Submerge the necklace, gently work the brush around the stone and setting, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Clean the necklace every few weeks or whenever the stone appears dull. Oils from skin and product build-up can reduce light performance without the stone itself having changed.
Storage: Store the necklace individually, ideally in a soft pouch or a lined compartment. Diamonds are hard enough to scratch softer stones and metals if stored together.
Wear: 18K solid gold is durable enough for daily wear. Avoid contact with chlorine-based chemicals, which can affect the alloy in the gold over time. Remove the necklace before swimming in a chlorinated pool.
Maintenance: The claw or bezel setting that holds the diamond in place should be checked periodically by a jeweller. This is standard fine jewellery maintenance and does not indicate a fault in the piece.
How Lab Grown Diamonds Compare to Mined Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds are the same material. This is not a claim based on resemblance. It is the result of independent gemological analysis.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) both grade lab grown diamonds using the same 4Cs criteria as mined diamonds. A lab grown diamond can achieve the same Excellent cut grade, D colour grade, and Flawless clarity grade as any mined stone.
The differences are:
Price: Lab grown diamonds are priced substantially below mined diamonds of equivalent grading. The Bellari range starts at $1,840 AUD. A mined diamond solitaire necklace of comparable quality and gold setting would cost considerably more.
Traceability: The origin of a lab grown diamond is known and documented. It was grown in a controlled facility during a defined period. This is verifiable. The supply chain of mined diamonds is more complex and, in some cases, difficult to trace fully.
Environmental footprint: Lab grown diamonds require energy to produce but do not require land excavation. The comparative environmental footprint of each is a subject of ongoing debate, but lab grown diamonds eliminate the land disruption associated with open-cast mining.
Resale value: Mined diamonds have historically held resale value better than lab grown diamonds, whose prices have decreased significantly in recent years as production capacity has increased. Buyers purchasing a lab grown diamond solitaire necklace should do so because of what the piece means to them, not as an investment.
Neither choice is presented as the correct one. They are different products with different price points, different supply chains, and different cultural associations. A buyer who understands this is in a position to make an informed choice.
Our final thoughts,
A lab grown diamond solitaire necklace is a considered purchase. It is not a fast decision.
The buyer is choosing a real diamond, verified by IGI, set in 18K solid gold, in one of four cuts, and produced under documented conditions. That is a significant amount of information to work through before spending close to $2,000 on a piece of jewellery.
This guide has covered the material (what a lab grown diamond is and how it is grown), the certification (what IGI means and what the 4Cs represent), the four available cuts (round brilliant, oval, pear, and emerald), the metal options (18K yellow and white gold), and the practical care of the piece.
If anything here has raised a question rather than answered one, the Bellari Sparkle Guide covers material education in detail. The lab grown diamond solitaire necklace collection is the right next step for buyers who are ready to look at specific options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. A lab grown diamond has the same chemical composition (pure carbon in a crystal lattice structure), the same optical properties, and the same hardness as a mined diamond. The difference is origin. Mined diamonds form in the earth over billions of years. Lab grown diamonds are grown in a laboratory that replicates those same conditions. Both are graded using the same 4Cs criteria by independent gemological laboratories including IGI and GIA.
What does IGI certified mean?
IGI stands for International Gemological Institute. It is one of the most widely recognised independent gemological certification bodies in the world. An IGI certificate assigns independent grades to a diamond's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. The certificate number is inscribed on the stone's girdle and can be verified through the IGI database. Every diamond in the Bellari lab grown diamond range is IGI certified.
Which cut is the most brilliant?
The round brilliant produces the highest levels of light return among the four available cuts. It has 58 facets arranged in a pattern specifically optimised for brilliance and fire. The oval is derived from the round brilliant and also performs very well. The pear produces strong brilliance with a distinctive silhouette. The emerald cut has a different light character altogether, producing a calmer, mirror-like reflection rather than multi-directional sparkle. The right cut depends on the buyer's preference for how the stone behaves in light, not on an objective hierarchy.
What is the difference between 18K yellow gold and 18K white gold?
Both contain 75% pure gold. The difference is in the alloy metals that make up the remaining 25%, which give each its characteristic colour. Yellow gold has a warm, saturated tone. White gold has a cool, silvery appearance. Neither is more durable than the other. The choice is aesthetic. Yellow gold creates a warm contrast with the diamond. White gold allows the stone to be the sole focus.
How long does a lab grown diamond necklace last?
A diamond is the hardest material on earth (10 on the Mohs scale) and does not degrade in appearance over time. The 18K solid gold setting is durable enough for daily wear. With standard care — gentle cleaning with warm soapy water, individual storage, and occasional setting checks with a jeweller — a well-made diamond necklace can last indefinitely.
How does a lab grown diamond compare to a mined diamond in terms of appearance?
They are visually identical. An IGI or GIA gemologist examining a lab grown diamond and a mined diamond side by side cannot distinguish them with the naked eye or with standard gemological tools. Only specialist equipment detecting trace elements or specific growth characteristics can identify a lab grown diamond from a mined one. The visual performance of the stone, its ability to reflect light and produce fire and brilliance, is determined by cut, colour, and clarity, not by origin.
Why is the Bellari diamond range made to order?
The Bellari lab grown diamond solitaire necklace collection is made to order because the stones are sourced after a buyer selects their preferred cut and metal. This means the diamond in each piece is sourced specifically for that order rather than held in general stock. It also means the piece is made fresh rather than stored. The lead time for made to order pieces is provided at checkout.
Is the diamond necklace available for a gift?
Yes. The Bellari diamond necklace range starts at $1,840 AUD and is appropriate for significant gift occasions including milestone anniversaries, significant birthdays, and celebratory gifts. Each piece comes with its IGI certificate. If you are uncertain about the recipient's preference between cuts or metal, the round brilliant in 18K yellow gold is the most versatile starting point.
