Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real? (Everything You Need to Know)
Diamonds have been a symbol of commitment, beauty, and craftsmanship for generations. But with technology reshaping the jewelry industry, are lab-grown diamonds “real”? Ultimately, lab diamonds look identical to mined ones, offering the same brilliance, durability, and structure. The key difference lies in their origin—not their authenticity.
Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or fine jewelry, understanding how they compare to natural diamonds can help you make the right choice.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
For decades, natural diamonds were the only option for fine jewelry. That changed with lab-grown diamonds, offering the same beauty and durability without the environmental impact or high cost of mined stones.
Lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and visually identical to natural diamonds. They are created in high-tech laboratories that replicate the intense heat and pressure found deep within the Earth. The result? A real diamond—just one that formed in weeks instead of billions of years.
Because they are made in controlled settings, lab diamonds often have fewer inclusions and offer higher clarity for the price compared to mined diamonds. They are graded by the same standards as natural diamonds, ensuring authenticity and quality.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes—lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds! The only difference is how they are formed. They are not imitations, substitutes, or diamond "lookalikes"—they are the real thing.
Lab diamonds share the same hardness, brilliance, and refractive qualities as mined diamonds. They are graded by top institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) using the same criteria known as the “Four C’s”: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
Even professional jewelers need specialized equipment to tell the difference. If a mined diamond is real, and a lab-grown diamond is identical in every way, then yes—it’s real, period.
How Lab Diamonds Are Created?
Lab-grown diamonds are made using two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both replicate the natural diamond-growing process but in a controlled environment.
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HPHT: This method starts with a small diamond "seed" placed in a high-pressure chamber. Extreme heat and pressure—similar to the Earth's mantle—cause carbon atoms to bond and grow the diamond layer by layer.
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CVD: In this process, carbon-rich gases break down in a chamber, allowing carbon atoms to layer onto a diamond seed. This method allows for more precise control over the diamond’s growth and purity.
Both methods produce high-quality, certified diamonds with the same structure and properties as mined diamonds.
Key Differences Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds
The differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds go beyond just how they are made. While they share the same structure and brilliance, their rarity, value, and market perception set them apart.
These factors also impact their long-term investment potential and environmental and ethical considerations.
Rarity, Value, and Market Perception Over Time
Natural diamonds are geological rarities, taking billions of years to form. This limited supply has kept their market value high for centuries. Their perceived exclusivity is a major factor in why they continue to hold strong resale value.
Lab diamonds, however, can be produced as demand increases. Because they are readily available, they are often priced 30-50% lower than mined diamonds. While this makes them an affordable choice for consumers, it also means they currently do not appreciate in value the same way natural diamonds do.
These days, market perception continues to shift. More consumers, especially younger buyers, are prioritizing ethics and sustainability over rarity. While natural diamonds have traditionally dominated the luxury market, lab-grown diamonds are gaining mainstream acceptance and challenging long-held beliefs about exclusivity.
Ethical and Environmental Impact (Lab Diamond vs. Mined)
Mined diamonds have significant environmental and ethical implications. Extracting a single carat of mined diamond releases approximately 160 kg of greenhouse gases. Additionally, mining operations often lead to ecosystem disruption and raise concerns about unethical labor practices.
Lab diamonds present a more sustainable and ethical alternative. However, producing one carat of lab-grown diamond can emit around 511 kg of greenhouse gases, primarily due to energy-intensive production methods. Despite this, advancements are underway to reduce emissions, such as utilizing renewable energy sources.
Consumer demand for transparency is prompting the diamond industry to adopt more responsible practices. Lab-grown diamonds, with their potential for reduced environmental impact and ethical production, are becoming increasingly popular among conscientious consumers.
How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Graded and Certified
Lab-grown diamonds undergo a meticulous grading and certification process to ensure their quality and authenticity.
They are graded by top institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) using the same rigorous standards applied to natural diamonds. This is based of a set of criteria known as the “Four C’s”: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
Upon completion of the assessment, a detailed grading report is issued. This report provides comprehensive insights into the diamond's characteristics, including any treatments or enhancements it may have undergone.
Notably, to distinguish lab diamonds from their natural counterparts, the diamond's girdle is laser-inscribed with a unique identifier and a statement indicating its laboratory origin. This practice ensures transparency and maintains consumer trust in the authenticity of lab-grown diamonds.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds a Good Investment?
While traditional investments are often measured by resale value, the true value of a diamond is found in its lasting beauty, craftsmanship, and significance to the wearer.
The diamond market is evolving. As more consumers recognize the benefits of lab-grown diamonds, demand continues to grow. Unlike natural diamonds, which are subject to controlled supply tactics by major mining companies, lab-grown diamonds offer transparent pricing that reflects genuine value.
This shifts the focus away from artificial scarcity and toward a more accessible, customer-first approach.
Additionally, lab diamonds are an investment in innovation and sustainability. With increasing advancements in technology and consumer preferences favoring eco-conscious alternatives, the long-term appeal of lab-grown diamonds is strong. Major brands and luxury retailers are embracing them, further reinforcing their place in the fine jewelry market.
For those looking for a meaningful, high-quality diamond that represents both value and ethical responsibility, grown diamonds are an excellent choice. Their brilliance and durability last a lifetime, making them a timeless investment in both beauty and progress.
Choosing Between Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds for Your Jewelry
Deciding between a lab-grown or mined diamond comes down to personal priorities, budget, and values. Both offer stunning brilliance and durability, but their origins, pricing, and long-term appeal differ.
Mined diamonds have been the standard for centuries, valued for their geological rarity and historical prestige. However, their supply chain is often tied to environmental concerns and ethical issues surrounding labor practices.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, offer a conflict-free, sustainable alternative with the same physical properties.
For buyers looking for more value per dollar, grown diamonds allow you to afford a larger or higher-quality stone at the same price point as a smaller mined diamond. They also eliminate concerns about unethical sourcing and have an increasingly lower environmental footprint to produce.
As technology advances and consumer awareness shifts, lab diamonds are becoming an increasingly popular choice in the fine jewelry & engagement ring market.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for the Perfect Diamond
When buying a lab-grown diamond, understanding what affects its quality, brilliance, and overall value is key. Here’s what to focus on:
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Certification & Transparency: Not all lab-grown diamonds are graded the same. Stick with GIA or IGI-certified diamonds to ensure accurate grading of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. All TOVAA lab-diamond engagement rings come with IGI or GIA Certification documents.
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Prioritize Shape and Cut for Maximum Brilliance: Both stone shape and cut influence how a diamond captures and reflects light. Round brilliant cuts offer the most sparkle due to their precise faceting, while emerald and oval cuts create a more subtle, elegant glow. A Brilliant or Step cut grade ensures optimal light performance, making any diamond appear livelier and more radiant.
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Clarity & Inclusions Matter Less: Lab-grown diamonds naturally form with fewer inclusions than mined diamonds. A VS1 or VS2 clarity grade offers exceptional quality without overpaying for flawless grades.
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Color Grading & Preference: While D-F color diamonds are the most colorless, G-H diamonds offer a nearly identical white appearance for a better value.
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Fluorescence & Light Performance: Some lab diamonds show fluorescence under UV light, which can affect their appearance. A medium to none fluorescence rating is ideal for a clean, crisp look.
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Metal Choice & Setting Style: The right setting enhances a diamond’s brilliance. White gold or platinum makes near-colorless diamonds look even brighter, while yellow gold complements warmer tones.
Unlike mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds give buyers more size and quality for their budget without ethical trade-offs. By focusing on cut, certification, and color balance, you can choose a diamond that offers exceptional brilliance and long-term beauty.
The Modern Appeal of Lab-Grown Diamonds: A New Era of Fine Jewelry
The debate over diamond choices is no longer just about tradition—it’s about informed, intentional decisions. For buyers wondering if grown diamonds are real, the answer is clear: they are chemically, structurally, and visually identical to mined diamonds.
What matters most is finding a diamond that aligns with your values, budget, and expectations. With lab-grown diamonds gaining momentum in the fine jewelry industry, they offer a future-forward option that delivers both brilliance and ethical transparency without compromise.
At TOVAA, we know that no two love stories are the same—so why should your ring be? Whether you’re drawn to the undeniable sparkle of moissanite engagement rings or the timeless beauty of lab-grown diamonds, we’re here to help you create something unforgettable.
We specialize in custom-designed rings, working one-on-one with you to craft a piece that reflects your style, values, and vision. But if you're looking for something breathtaking without the wait, we also offer a curated selection of ready-to-ship designs in limited quantities.
Every ring we create is a statement of quality, craftsmanship, and conscious luxury. No middlemen, no inflated markups—just beautifully made jewelry designed with intention. If you’re ready to bring your dream ring to life, we’re here to make it happen- contact us today.
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