Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds? How Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Compare to Natural Diamonds?
Probably the biggest queston asked about Lab Grown Diamonds is: are they real diamonds? Variations include:
- Are Lab Grown diamonds legit?
- Are Lab Grown diamonds any good?
- Are Lab Grown diamonds considered fake?
- Are lab grown diamonds different?
- Are lab grown diamonds exactly the same?
We break it down into the similarities and differences between the lab grown diamond and the natural diamond. Spoiler alert: The only real difference is how they are formed. And even then, the lab process mimics very closely in terms of heat and pressure.
The difference that actually matters: Cost
The most important difference for you as an enjoyer of diamond jewellery is their drastically lower cost. You can now afford beautiful pieces that perfectly complete your outfit. Without selling your car in exchange for a set of earrings or a necklace.
Similarities Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds
Chemical Composition: Are lab grown diamonds chemically identical?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically the same as natural diamonds. Both are made of pure carbon. They form a carbon lattice structure, which gives diamonds their strength. This chemical makeup is identical in lab and mined diamonds. There’s no difference in the elements used. This means their synthetic diamond composition is truly indistinguishable from natural diamond chemistry.
Optical Properties: Do lab grown diamonds reflect light differently?
No. Lab-grown diamonds reflect light just like natural ones.
Brilliance: Are Lab grown diamonds less sparkly?
No.
Both types reflect white light very well. This is what makes diamonds look bright and brilliant. Their sparkle is indistinguishable, even under strong lighting.
Fire: Are lab grown diamonds brighter?
No.
They show the same fire as natural diamonds. This is the rainbow-like flash of color when the diamond moves under light, caused by color dispersion.
Scintillation
Scintillation is the sparkle diamonds give off as they move. Lab and natural diamonds both have the same dynamic play of light and shadow.
Visibility to the Naked Eye: Can you see the difference between a lab diamond and a natural one?
No.
You can’t tell the difference between lab and mined diamonds just by looking. Even professionals need special tools to identify lab-grown diamonds visually.
Physical Properties
Hardness: Are lab grown diamonds as hard as natural diamonds?
Yes.
Both are rated 10 on the Mohs scale, which is the highest level for hardness. They resist scratches and wear very well. Lab diamonds are just as durable and suitable for everyday wear.
Density: Are lab grown diamonds lighter in weight?
No.
Lab-grown diamonds have the same density and weight per carat as natural diamonds. There is no difference in how they feel or how they are measured.
Thermal Conductivity
Lab and natural diamonds conduct heat the same way. That’s why heat-based diamond testers work on both. They both perform identically in thermal tests used for gem identification.
Certification & Grading: Are lab grown diamonds certified?
Yes.
Lab-grown diamonds are graded by the same organizations as mined ones, such as GIA and IGI. They are assessed using the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat, just like natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamond appraisal follows the same global standards.
Laser Inscriptions
Most certified diamonds are laser-inscribed. These tiny markings help track and prove authenticity, and both natural and lab-grown diamonds feature these identification marks on the girdle.
Shapes & Sizes
Lab-grown diamonds come in all the popular diamond cuts (shapes): round, oval, emerald, cushion, pear, marquise, and more. You can find lab diamonds in a wide range of cuts and sizes to suit every style, just like natural stones.
Durability Over Time: Do lab grown diamonds age well?
Yes. They don’t age period.
Lab-grown diamonds are just as long-lasting as mined diamonds. They don’t fade or cloud over time. Their brilliance and structure remain stable for decades, making them a lasting investment in fine jewellery.
Inclusions & Clarity: Do lab grown diamonds have inclusions?
Yes.
Lab diamonds can have tiny inclusions too. These are natural features formed during growth. Lab diamonds often have higher clarity due to the controlled environment in which they are created. Our diamonds range from VS2 to VVS1. Most inclusions are invisible to the naked eye. Natural diamonds also come in this range, but often come in lower clarity grades, such as SI1 to I3, where inclusions may be visible without magnification.
Differences Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds
Formation Process
Natural diamonds form over billions of years deep in the earth. Lab diamonds are created in weeks using advanced technology such as CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) or HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature). These synthetic diamond creation processes replicate the natural conditions found underground.
Cost: Are Lab Grown diamonds cheaper?
Yes.
Lab-grown diamonds cost much less than natural ones. At wholesale, they can cost up to 90% less. This makes them more affordable for buyers, allowing you to choose a larger carat or higher clarity diamond within the same budget.
Value retention: Are lab grown diamonds a good investment?
No.
Unfortunately we can only sell lab grown diamonds on their exquisite performance in jewellery that we have learned to love from a century of diamonds in our culture. Lab-grown diamonds have lower resale value. They are not tied to the Rapaport pricing report, which largely governs the pricing of natural diamonds. Natural diamonds tend to retain value better in the second-hand market.
Conclusion: Are Lab Diamonds real diamonds?
Yes and yes, through and through.
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Exactly the same rock. They look, feel, and perform the same as natural ones. There are only two significant differences. One is how they are made.
The second difference?
Cost. The biggest deciding factor for anyone’s choice of jewellery. Lab grown diamonds cost a FRACTION of natural diamonds, making previously unaffordable diamond jewellery accessible to everyone, not just those among us fortunate enough to earn 10x the average.
If you’re looking for something beautiful, durable, and more affordable, lab-grown diamonds are a smart choice. They offer the same sparkle and quality, without the mining and with greater value for your budget.