Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamond
Lab grown diamonds are diamonds created in a laboratory environment. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds because they are made of pure carbon in the same cubic crystalline shape as natural diamonds. Rather than growing naturally and being extracted from the earth, lab-grown diamonds are manufactured in a laboratory. Laboratories use advanced technology and equipment to mimic the same circumstances that real diamonds face when they were formed beneath the Earth.
Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamond
Ethically Sourced
Lab grown gemstones are created in controlled laboratory environments, which can have positive environmental and social impacts.
High-Quality
Lab grown gemstones are carefully manufactured under controlled conditions, allowing for precise control over their color, clarity, and overall quality.
Affordable
With lab grown gems, you can often get larger or higher-quality stones at a fraction of the price of their natural counterparts.
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds produced in a controlled laboratory setting. Chemically, physically, and optically, lab diamonds are identical to natural diamonds, with the same hardness, brilliance, and fire. Unlike natural diamonds that form over billions of years deep within the Earth’s mantle, lab diamonds can be created in just weeks to months.
Types of Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds start as tiny carbon seeds from pre-existing diamonds. There are two primary techniques used to create lab diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
- HPHT Lab Grown Diamonds: This method mimics the natural conditions under which diamonds form inside the Earth. A diamond seed is placed in a chamber and subjected to intense heat (over 2,000 degrees Celsius) and pressure (1.5 million pounds per square inch). The carbon atoms in the chamber bond with the seed, crystallizing into a diamond.
- CVD Lab Grown Diamonds: This method starts with a thin piece of diamond seed being placed in a vacuum chamber filled with a carbon-rich gas mixture (typically methane and hydrogen) that’s heated to break down the gas molecules. Carbon atoms settle onto the seed, building layer by layer until the diamond reaches its desired size. Some CVD diamonds undergo additional pressure and heat treatment after growth.
Both methods simulate part of the natural diamond-forming process, resulting in high-quality diamonds that are identical to mined diamonds in every way. After several days, a rough diamond is created, then cut, polished, and set in jewelry. Both methods yield real diamonds with no differences in durability or quality, differing only in growth patterns and production time.
With the naked eye, it’s impossible to differentiate between natural diamonds, HPHT lab diamonds, and CVD lab diamonds; only experts can identify subtle markers related to growth patterns.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are as real as natural diamonds are. There are many misconceptions about lab diamonds, a few of the most common being:
- Lab diamonds are "fake" diamonds: This is untrue. Lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.
- Lab diamonds look different from natural diamonds: This is untrue. With the naked eye, even experts cannot distinguish lab from natural diamonds without specialized equipment.
- Lab diamonds aren’t as durable: This is untrue. Lab diamonds have the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) as natural diamonds.
- Lab diamonds are flawless: This is untrue. Like natural diamonds, lab diamonds can contain inclusions.
The only real difference between lab and natural diamonds is their origin: lab diamonds are grown in laboratory settings, while natural diamonds form deep within the Earth. Otherwise, lab diamonds are identical to natural diamonds and 100% real.
Lab Grown Diamond vs. Natural
Here’s how a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond compare:
| Feature | Lab Grown Diamond | Natural Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
| Brilliance | Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 | Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 |
| Color | Primarily colorless, but can also occur in many color options that are often more vivid than natural options | Primarily colorless, but can also occur in many color options including pink, blue, and yellow |
| Grading | Graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat | Graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat |
| Certification | Certified by reputable gemological institutions | Certified by reputable gemological institutions |
| Origin | Grown in controlled laboratories over several days to weeks, then cut and polished | Formed deep in Earth over billions of years, mined, cut, and polished |
| Rarity | Can be produced in increasing quantities as technology advances | Limited quantities based on geological conditions |
| Price | Lower cost due to availability | Higher cost due to mining and rarity |
Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are a compelling option for those looking to purchase fine jewelry — these benefits explain why.
- Support for Sustainable Practices: Lab diamonds are a responsible choice as they are grown with precise technology that doesn't involve mining. Their production typically has a smaller carbon footprint and less environmental disruption, making them a responsible choice for conscious consumers.
- Identical to Natural Diamonds: Lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds.
- Available in Various Colors: Lab diamonds are easily created in unique and vibrant hues like pink, yellow, and blue. These stunning color options are more affordable than their natural counterparts, giving buyers more creative freedom to select a diamond that matches their personal style.
- Value: Lab diamonds are generally more affordable than mined diamonds of the same size and quality. This means you can invest in a larger or higher-quality diamond at the same budget, making it an attractive choice for those seeking luxury at a more accessible price point.
Lab Grown Diamond Certification
Both lab grown and natural diamonds undergo the same grading and certification process from reputable gemological labs, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). The certification process for lab grown diamonds grades quality while ensuring authenticity. A certified lab diamond has undergone an evaluation by a recognized gemological laboratory like IGI or GIA. These gemological laboratories use specialized equipment to grade the diamond’s quality and verify authenticity, while detailing its cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and other unique characteristics or treatments so buyers have accurate information about their diamond.
Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are a compelling option for those looking to purchase fine jewelry — these benefits explain why.
- Support for Sustainable Practices: Lab diamonds are a responsible choice as they are grown with precise technology that doesn't involve mining. Their production typically has a smaller carbon footprint and less environmental disruption, making them a responsible choice for conscious consumers.
- Identical to Natural Diamonds: Lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds.
- Available in Various Colors: Lab diamonds are easily created in unique and vibrant hues like pink, yellow, and blue. These stunning color options are more affordable than their natural counterparts, giving buyers more creative freedom to select a diamond that matches their personal style.
- Value: Lab diamonds are generally more affordable than mined diamonds of the same size and quality. This means you can invest in a larger or higher-quality diamond at the same budget, making it an attractive choice for those seeking luxury at a more accessible price point.
Lab Grown Diamond FAQ
What’s the main difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?
The only real difference between lab and natural diamonds is their origin: lab diamonds are grown in laboratory settings, while natural diamonds form deep within the Earth. Otherwise, lab diamonds are identical to natural diamonds and 100% real.
Are lab grown diamonds cheaper?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are cheaper than natural diamonds. Lab diamonds cost less than natural diamonds because they can be produced on demand, while natural diamonds are a limited resource.
Are lab grown diamonds as hard as natural diamonds?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are as hard as natural diamonds, with a rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This hardness makes both lab and natural diamonds highly resistant to scratching and ideal for long-lasting jewelry.
Are lab diamonds as good as real diamonds?
Yes, lab diamonds are as good as real diamonds. Lab grown diamonds match natural diamonds in brilliance, durability, and quality, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a genuine diamond at a more affordable price.
Are lab diamonds the same as natural diamonds?
Yes, lab diamonds are chemically, optically, and physically the same as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin.
Can jewelers tell the difference between diamonds and lab created diamonds?
Most jewelers cannot tell the difference between lab created and natural diamonds without specialized tools. Gemologists use advanced equipment, like UV light and high-magnification microscopes, to detect growth characteristics unique to lab diamonds.