The Federal Trade Commission, Gemological Institute of America, and every major gemological organisation recognise lab-grown diamonds as genuine diamonds. The only difference is their origin story.
The Science is Crystal Clear
Let's start with the chemistry because this is where the "real diamond" question gets definitively answered. Both lab-grown and natural diamonds are pure carbon arranged in a cubic crystal structure. That's it. Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical composition (carbon), same physical properties (10 on Mohs hardness scale), and same optical properties (refractive index of 2.42) as natural diamonds.
Think of it like ice. Whether you freeze water in your freezer or it freezes naturally in a lake, you get ice. Same molecular structure, same properties, just different formation locations. As one expert puts it: "I always make the analogy of ice made in your refrigeration system versus ice made outside in the cold. Physically they're identical. There's no difference whatsoever."
The formation process is where things get fascinating. Natural diamonds form about 100-200 kilometres beneath the Earth's surface under extreme pressure (45-60 kilobars) and temperature (900-1300°C) over billions of years. Lab-grown diamonds recreate these exact conditions using two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
HPHT replicates nature's process directly by placing a diamond seed in a chamber with carbon and subjecting it to extreme pressure and heat. CVD uses a different approach, creating a plasma environment where carbon atoms deposit onto a diamond seed layer by layer. Both methods produce genuine diamonds with identical properties to their natural counterparts.
How to Tell Them Apart (And Why It Matters)
Here's where it gets interesting for consumers. To the naked eye, lab-grown and natural diamonds are completely indistinguishable. Even traditional diamond testers cannot tell them apart because they have identical thermal and electrical conductivity.
Only sophisticated equipment at gemological laboratories can definitively identify a diamond's origin. The main indicators include different fluorescence patterns (lab-grown often fluoresce orange while natural typically fluoresce blue), different inclusion types, and microscopic laser inscriptions on lab-grown diamonds identifying their origin.
Professional jewellers cannot conclusively distinguish between lab-grown and natural diamonds without specialised equipment. Only grading institutes like GIA have the advanced tools needed to definitively determine origin.
This is actually important for consumer protection. Since lab-grown diamonds cost significantly less than natural diamonds, accurate identification prevents misrepresentation and ensures you know exactly what you're purchasing.
The Grading Standards are Identical
Both lab-grown and natural diamonds are graded using identical standards by gemological experts. The quality assessment and certification process is the same for both. The famous 4 Cs (cut, colour, clarity, carat) apply equally to both types.
GIA has been grading lab-grown diamonds since 2007 using the same rigorous standards applied to natural diamonds. The only difference on certification reports is clear identification of the diamond's origin. This transparency ensures consumers make informed decisions while maintaining consistent quality standards.
The grading process involves the same detailed analysis of optical performance, inclusion mapping, and quality assessment regardless of origin. A D VVS1 lab-grown diamond meets exactly the same specifications as a D VVS1 natural diamond.
Why Some People Still Prefer Natural Diamonds
While lab-grown diamonds are scientifically identical, there are legitimate reasons some people choose natural diamonds, and these preferences deserve honest consideration.
The Rarity and Age Factor: Natural diamonds formed billions of years ago under specific geological conditions that no longer exist on Earth. Each natural diamond represents a unique fragment of Earth's deep history. Some people find profound meaning in owning something that old and rare.
Cultural and Traditional Significance: Natural diamonds possess deep cultural significance, often symbolising heritage, narrative, and traditional prestige. They've been cherished across diverse cultures for centuries. For some families, natural diamonds represent continuity with past generations.
Investment and Resale Considerations: Natural diamonds typically retain more value over time, while lab-grown diamonds retain little resale value and continue decreasing in price as production scales up. If investment potential matters, natural diamonds have historically performed better.
The "Journey" Appeal: Some people are drawn to the epic story of natural diamond formation, the geological journey from deep earth to surface, and the human effort involved in discovery and recovery. This narrative resonates emotionally with certain buyers.
Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Make Sense for Most People
Despite legitimate reasons for choosing natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds offer compelling advantages for most modern couples.
Identical Beauty at Better Prices: You get the exact same visual impact, durability, and brilliance for 60-80% less cost. This price difference allows you to choose larger stones or higher quality grades within the same budget.
Guaranteed Ethical Sourcing: Lab-grown diamonds eliminate any concerns about mining practices, labour conditions, or conflict diamonds. You know exactly how your diamond was created and by whom.
Environmental Considerations: Lab-grown diamonds are generally considered more environmentally friendly than mining operations, requiring significantly less land disruption and water usage.
Future-Focused Choice: As technology improves and production scales up, lab-grown diamonds represent the cutting edge of gemstone technology. You're choosing innovation over tradition.
You can view our engagement ring collection with lab-grown diamonds here
Addressing Common Misconceptions
"Lab-grown diamonds are fake": This is scientifically incorrect. They have identical chemical, physical, and optical properties to natural diamonds. They are genuine diamonds by every measurable standard.
"Lab-grown diamonds look different": With the naked eye, even experts cannot distinguish lab-grown from natural diamonds without specialised equipment. They are visually identical.
"Lab-grown diamonds aren't as durable": Both score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale and have identical durability for daily wear. There is no difference in longevity or resistance to damage.
"Lab-grown diamonds are flawless": Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can contain inclusions and vary in clarity grades. They're not automatically perfect.
The Bottom Line for Your Decision
The question "are lab-grown diamonds real?" has a definitive scientific answer: yes, absolutely. They are genuine diamonds in every measurable way.
The real question becomes: what matters most to you? If you want maximum beauty for your budget, guaranteed ethical sourcing, and don't mind that your diamond was created in weeks rather than eons, lab-grown diamonds deliver exceptional value.
If you're drawn to the ancient formation story, traditional cultural significance, or potential investment value, natural diamonds might better align with your values, despite the significant price premium.
Both choices are completely valid. The science confirms that lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Your personal preferences, values, and budget determine which type of real diamond feels right for your relationship.
What matters most is choosing a beautiful symbol of your commitment that makes both of you happy every time you look at it.
Thanks for reading!
Jared & Brie
