Let’s put this to rest once and for all: lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds! Not fake. Not simulants. Not Cubic Zirconia pretending to be something they are not. These are real diamonds that were just grown in a lab as opposed to being mined from the earth.
Still sceptical? You’re not alone. The question, “Are lab-grown diamonds real?” keeps coming up, and we get why. The word “lab” seems clinical, perhaps too clinical and scientific, compared to something romantic and emotional, like a diamond. But once you understand how lab diamonds are made, you will have a different opinion!
So… are lab-grown diamonds real?
Hell yes! Lab-created diamonds are real in every sense of the word. Lab-created diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds, and the only difference is essentially where they were born.
- Same Sparkle
- Same Hardness (10 Mohs on the Hardness Scale)
- Same Longevity
There’s simply no way to tell a lab-created diamond from a mined diamond with the naked eye. Even going as far as to say a trained gemologist can only see the difference with the proper advanced equipment. So the next time someone starts questioning, “Are lab-created diamonds real diamonds?” Just simply say yes, 100%!!!
How Are Lab Diamonds Made?
Now let’s get into some of the science behind diamonds, because the process of how lab diamonds are created is incredibly cool.
Natural diamonds are formed under a lot of pressure and heat for millions of years deep down in the mantle of the Earth. Now, take that same process and environment and put it in a lab. Scientists make lab-created diamonds using two high-tech processes: HPHT (High pressure, High temperature) and CVD (Chemical vapour deposition).
We won’t bore you with a whole science class, but just know that both lab-created diamonds start with carbon and are made into a crystal structure that is indistinguishable from a mined diamond. So, if you’ve ever wondered how lab diamonds are made, think of it as nature’s process, but sped up!
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Certified?
Yes! And graded with the same standards as mined diamonds.
Whether you are purchasing a lab-grown diamond or a mined diamond, the 4Cs apply: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. Lab-created diamonds can be certified by reputable gemological labs like GIA and IGI, and many of these will provide a laser inscription and unique ID number so you can rest assured that your lab-created diamond is real.
So yes, lab-grown diamonds are real- even certified real.
Won't Naturally Created Diamonds Feel Different to Wear?
Not at all! A diamond’s emotional value comes from its value as a token of affection, not from where the diamond comes from. Whether it was formed over millions of years in the ground or created, in weeks, from new technology, it doesn't change the meaning behind it.
Lab-created diamonds may carry even more meaning. They represent conscious choices, around sustainability, around ethics, and about a re-definition of luxury in modern society.
So Why the Doubt?
Old school marketing is largely to blame. For decades, we were conditioned to believe mined diamonds were the only “authentic” diamonds. They had to be rare, old, and taken out of the earth in order to have value. That’s not the case anymore.
People these days are evolving to a place of smarter questions, such as "Are lab-grown diamonds real?" and "Are lab-created diamonds real?" People are not just looking for better prices or a more ethical option; they are looking for a product that provides the same level of beauty and brilliance.
And lab-grown (synthetic) diamonds meet all of those requirements.
If you're looking to branch out from lab-grown diamonds solely focused on engagement rings, there is a lot to love about lab-grown diamond jewellery. Whether you're looking for an everyday essential or relatively inexpensive, thoughtful gifts, lab-grown diamond jewellery has the same shimmer with a much more meaningful origin. If you're looking for a minimal lab-grown diamond pendant to elevate your everyday wear, or possibly a chic lab diamond bracelet to add a little sparkle to your other bracelets, these pieces have timeless beauty, without compromise.
In Conclusion.
Let's keep things simple:
If it looks like a diamond, sparkles like a diamond, and tests like a diamond - it's a diamond.
So, while you are not compromising when you go lab-grown, you are levelling up to something just as real, only a bit more thoughtful.
The next time someone asks, "Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?" you can tell them, with all confidence - they are. To be honest, they're the future of fine jewellery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lab-Created Diamonds
1. Are lab-created diamonds the same as cubic zirconia?
No. Lab-created diamonds are real diamonds. Cubic zirconia is a simulant; they are not chemically the same.
2. Can you tell the difference between a lab-created diamond and a mined diamond?
No. Even professional gemologists need special equipment to tell the difference.
3. Are lab-created diamonds certified?
Yes! They are certified and graded in reputable laboratories, such as GIA and IGI, and use the same 4Cs used to grade natural diamonds.
4. Do lab-created diamonds have value?
Lab-created diamonds will likely not appreciate like mined diamonds, but you will get very good quality and value for your money!
5. Are lab-created diamonds ethical?
Yes, absolutely. Lab diamonds are conflict-free and were created with less environmental impact than mined diamonds.