1. Home
  2.  
  3. Collections
  4.   Fenix
Discover our exclusive collection of Fenix Laboratory-Created Diamonds at Michael Hill.
Collections

Fenix Laboratory-Created Diamonds for Michael Hill

Discover our exclusive collection of Fenix Laboratory-Created Diamonds at Michael Hill.

A marvel of human ingenuity and modern brilliance, these premium stones are grown in state-of-the-art laboratories, then crafted into beautiful jewellery from stunning engagement rings to shimmering fashion pieces.

Laboratory-created diamonds offer an alternative choice for your fine jewellery or bridal jewellery, allowing you to have an exquisite, premium grade stone at a more accessible price point.

Read on to learn more about the newest step in the evolution of diamond jewellery.

What is Fenix?

Fenix manufactures beautiful, high quality laboratory-created diamonds using advanced, proprietary techniques and equipment. They supply the premium stones for our Fenix Laboratory-Created Diamonds Collection at Michael Hill.

Fenix manufactures beautiful, high quality laboratory-created diamonds using advanced, proprietary techniques and equipment. They supply the premium stones for our Fenix Laboratory-Created Diamonds Collection at Michael Hill.

What is a laboratory-created diamond?

Laboratory-created diamonds are man-made diamonds that are created by replicating the forces and conditions that cause natural diamonds to form below the Earth’s surface. It is only due to modern technological advancements and incredible innovation that humans have been able to successfully recreate this wonder of nature.

Laboratory-created diamonds have essentially the same chemical, physical (including optical) properties and crystal structure as natural diamonds. This means laboratory-created diamonds display the same level of hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and beautiful sparkle that people love about natural diamonds. They are also made of pure carbon – the same chemical element that forms natural diamonds.

Laboratory-created diamonds are not to be confused with diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia, which are made of an entirely different material.

How are they made?

The laboratory-created diamonds offered at Michael Hill are grown in cutting-edge laboratories by our supplier, Fenix, using the Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) process.

First, the diamond-seed is cut from pure carbon.

Step 1

First, the diamond-seed is cut from pure carbon.

The seed is then polished, before being placed in the growth chamber.

Step 2

The seed is then polished, before being placed in the growth chamber.

The carbon seeds are activated by subjecting them to intense heat and pressure, which along with a particular mix of gases and other elements, induce a chemical reaction which generates crystals. This process takes around 3 – 4 weeks.

Step 3

The carbon seeds are activated by subjecting them to intense heat and pressure, which along with a particular mix of gases and other elements, induce a chemical reaction which generates crystals. This process takes around 3 – 4 weeks.

The stones are expertly cut and polished into extraordinary, laboratory-created diamonds worthy of fine jewellery.

Step 4

The stones are expertly cut and polished into extraordinary, laboratory-created diamonds worthy of fine jewellery.

Engagement rings and other select styles within our Fenix Laboratory-Created Diamonds Collection are crafted at our in-house workshop here at Michael Hill. The premium-grade laboratory-created loose stones destined for these pieces arrive at our workshop where they undergo quality checks by our diamond experts. They are then hand-mounted into their settings which have been made by our highly skilled craftsmen.

how-theyre-graded

How are they graded?

A laboratory-created diamond is graded on the same characteristics as natural diamonds: the Four Cs (Cut quality, Clarity, Colour grade, and Carat weight).

Many of the pieces in our Fenix Laboratory-Created Diamonds Collection feature premium stones which are G – J (near colourless) in Colour grade, and SI2 Clarity or above - and come with a Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report detailing their quality and characteristics.

Are laboratory-created diamonds real?

Laboratory-created diamonds are classified as diamonds – it’s important to note that they are recognised this way and are distinct from diamond simulants like cubic zirconia. Laboratory-created diamonds are made of pure carbon, and possess essentially the same chemical, physical (including optical) properties and crystal structure of natural diamonds.

The main difference between laboratory-created and natural diamonds is their origin: laboratory-created stones are grown in modern laboratories with innovative methods, and natural diamonds are formed by the Earth over millions of years.

michael hill diamonds

Are all of Michael Hill’s diamonds laboratory-created?

No. At Michael Hill we have a wide range of natural diamond jewellery. The only laboratory-created diamonds we offer are within our Fenix Laboratory-Created Diamonds Collection.

All jewellery in this Collection is stamped with ‘LGD’, and many pieces in our Fenix Laboratory-Created Diamonds Collection come with a Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report indicating their type and quality.

At Michael Hill we want to offer our customers the best range of choices, so that you can find the perfect engagement ring or special piece of jewellery for you. We will always clearly inform you of the type of diamond you are purchasing.

michael hill diamonds

Why would I choose a laboratory-created diamond?

Fenix Laboratory-Created Diamonds offer an alternative choice. People have their own reasons for choosing laboratory-created diamonds. In some cases, they might have their heart set on a premium look or a large carat weight, and this Collection provides options for a luxurious look (and a stone with the same hardness and sparkle that make natural diamonds the most-loved choice for engagement rings and timeless jewellery), at a more accessible price.

Explore the Collection ›