Key facts
- India exported US$1,270 million of lab-grown diamonds in FY2024-25 (theweek.in).
- Largest destinations by value: USA (sector-level)
- 1 production cluster mapped, in Gujarat; Maharashtra.
- Market guides for 19 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: ISO 9001.
- Typical minimum order: By parcel or single certified stone (typical).
Product overview
India, mainly Surat in Gujarat, is the world's main cutting and polishing centre for lab-grown diamonds and a large CVD grower. Polished LGD exports were about US$1.27 bn in FY2024-25, down about 10% (GJEPC). The USA is the largest market.
Buyers are jewellery manufacturers, retailers and online jewellers who need calibrated melee and certified larger stones (round brilliant and fancy shapes) graded by IGI, GIA or other labs.
Prices have fallen sharply as production expanded. Margins now depend on cut quality, certification, consistent supply and inventory turnover. Disclosure that a stone is laboratory-grown is legally required in key markets.
HS note: Rough lab-grown diamonds are 7104.21; LGD-set jewellery goes under 7113 by metal.
Specifications
| Growth method | CVD (chemical vapour deposition) or HPHT (typical) |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Melee (≤ 0.2 ct) to 5 ct+ (typical) |
| Colour / clarity | D-H colour, IF-SI clarity most traded (typical) |
| Cut | Excellent/Ideal for rounds; fancy shapes (oval, emerald, pear, cushion) (typical) |
| Certification | IGI, GIA, GCAL or similar with laser inscription (typical) |
| Treatment disclosure | Post-growth HPHT colour treatment disclosed on report (typical) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Calibrated melee
Parcels by sieve size, colour and clarity.
Certified solitaires
0.5 ct and up with grading report.
Fancy shapes
Oval, pear, emerald, radiant, cushion.
Fancy colours
Pink, blue, yellow (disclosed).
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parcels | Diamond parcel papers / certified stones in sealed bags, shipped via insured valuables courier | — |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP Not applicable - air (insured valuables) only · 40' HC Not applicable. Ship through insured carriers (e.g. Brinks, Malca-Amit) via SEEPZ/BDB customs
Customisation: Custom cuts, calibrated layouts, matched pairs, set into jewellery via partner manufacturers
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Gujarat
Surat, Navsari, Bhavnagar
Varachha and Katargam polishing hubs
Maharashtra
Mumbai
Bharat Diamond Bourse trading
Market requirements by region
European Union
Consumer law requires clear disclosure of synthetic origin; CIBJO nomenclature is widely used (ASSUMPTION). India lost EU GSP preferences for 2026-2028 (Implementing Reg. (EU) 2025/1909), so MFN duty applies; the EU-India FTA concluded on 27 Jan 2026 is not yet in force.
United States & Canada
Largest LGD market. The FTC Jewelry Guides require clear disclosure ('laboratory-grown', 'laboratory-created') when selling non-natural diamonds (ASSUMPTION - guides not re-checked). US duty on Indian goods as of 22 Oct 2026 (per our compliance research, secondary legal analysis): MFN rate plus a 10% Section 301 tariff in force since 24 Jul 2026; Section 232 goods (steel, aluminium, copper, autos/parts) pay the 232 rate instead. Re-verify before quoting landed cost.
United Kingdom
UK-India CETA has been in force since 15 Jul 2026; claim preference with a CETA proof of origin (DCTS proofs are not interchangeable).
Gulf (GCC)
Dubai is a major diamond trading hub; India-UAE CEPA (in force 1 May 2022) gives preferential duty against a CEPA certificate of origin.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Quality control
- • Independent grading report per stone (≥ 0.3 ct typical)
- • Screening to separate LGD from natural
- • Parcel re-check on arrival
Certifications available
- • ISO 9001
Held by the producing supplier for the specific lot; copies shared with the quote.
Shipping documents
- • Commercial invoice
- • Packing list
- • Airway bill
- • Certificate of origin
- • Grading reports
- • Declaration that stones are laboratory-grown
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India exportsLine: Lab-grown diamonds (polished) | 1,270 | verified | theweek.in |
Top destinations: USA (sector-level)
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. They have the same chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds, but must be sold and described as laboratory-grown.
CVD or HPHT?
Both make true diamond. CVD dominates larger Indian production; HPHT is common for melee and some colours. Grading reports state the method.
Do the stones come with certificates?
Larger stones come with IGI, GIA or similar reports and a laser inscription. Melee is sold in graded parcels.
Is the Kimberley Process needed?
No. The Kimberley Process applies to rough natural diamonds, not to lab-grown stones.
How are diamonds shipped?
By insured valuables couriers through bonded diamond customs zones, never by sea.
Request a quote for Lab-Grown Diamonds (CVD & HPHT, Polished)
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