Lab-grown diamond manufacturers: a guide for buyers in UK
The UK has research-scale growers but very little gem production, so most UK trade stock is imported from India. Here is how UK jewellers and traders can buy from the grower: the local hub, labelling rules, customs points and working hours.
The local trade
London's Hatton Garden is the traditional trade quarter; Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter is the manufacturing base.
The UK has research-scale growers but very little gem production, so most UK trade stock is imported from India. Local wholesalers give you speed and memo; buying from the grower gives you price and control over the goods. Many buyers use both.
Labelling
The UK has no lab-grown law like the US FTC Guides, but consumer law bans misleading descriptions. Follow ISO 18323 and CIBJO: "laboratory-grown diamond" in full on every invoice and listing.
Customs and tax
Imports are declared under HS 7104 and import VAT is due on arrival. The UK and India signed a trade agreement in 2025; ask your broker whether it is in force for your goods and what duty applies.
This is general guidance, not customs advice. Rules and rates change; confirm them with a licensed customs broker before you agree a landed price.
Working with a grower
India is 4.5 to 5.5 hours ahead of London. Book supplier calls for your morning.
If you sell to consumers, ask the supplier for the report and growth method on every stone. It makes your own product descriptions easy to get right.
- Run the 10 checks before you pay.
- Send the same RFQ to three suppliers.
- Ask for insured shipping to your door and agree the Incoterm in writing.
- Start with a trial parcel and check every report number on arrival.
Questions
Where do UK jewellers buy lab-grown diamonds?
London's Hatton Garden is the traditional trade quarter; Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter is the manufacturing base. The UK has research-scale growers but very little gem production, so most UK trade stock is imported from India.
How should lab-grown diamonds be labelled in UK?
The UK has no lab-grown law like the US FTC Guides, but consumer law bans misleading descriptions. Follow ISO 18323 and CIBJO: "laboratory-grown diamond" in full on every invoice and listing.
From the publisher
Run INTI through the same checks.
INTI Diamonds grows CVD and HPHT lab-grown diamonds in India: white goods, fancy colours and large stones. Ask us for anything on the checklist, including a live video call of the factory before you pay.
We publish this guide. We would rather win your order by passing the checks than by hiding them.