Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Yes, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are made of the same carbon and have the same fundamental crystal structure, physical properties and optical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin: natural diamonds are formed inside the Earth, while lab grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments that replicate the temperature and pressure conditions inside the earth.

Because they are made of diamond, lab grown diamonds can have the same hardness, brilliance, fire and scintillation as natural diamonds when they are properly cut and polished. They can also be graded using the same 4 Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight, and can be made into the same shapes and types of jewellery.

This is different from a diamond simulant such as moissanite or cubic zirconia. Simulants are different materials that are made to resemble a diamond, while a lab grown diamond is a diamond itself. Specialised gemological testing can distinguish a lab grown diamond from a natural diamond by examining characteristics created during their different growth processes.

You may also see lab grown diamonds described as synthetic diamonds. In gemological terminology, this means a diamond created by humans with essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as its natural counterpart. It does not mean fake or imitation.

What Makes a Lab Grown Diamond a Real Diamond?

A diamond is defined by its chemical composition and crystal structure, not by whether it was mined or created in a laboratory. Lab grown diamonds are made from carbon atoms that form the same characteristic diamond crystal structure found in natural diamonds.

The controlled environment simply allows manufacturers to recreate the conditions needed for diamond growth. The resulting crystal can have the hardness, optical properties and other fundamental characteristics associated with diamond.

The growth process does create a difference between the two. Natural diamonds develop under geological conditions inside the Earth, while lab grown diamonds develop under controlled conditions using methods such as CVD and HPHT.

The technology used to grow these diamonds recreates the high-pressure and high-temperature conditions needed for diamond formation, or uses a controlled process that provides the environment required for diamond crystals to grow. Natural diamonds take billions of years to form deep within the Earth, while laboratory methods can produce diamond crystals in a matter of weeks. The difference is the speed and environment of formation, not the fundamental material being produced.

In simple terms, a lab grown diamond is a diamond with a laboratory origin, while a natural diamond has an Earth-grown origin. Both are diamond; their formation history is what sets them apart.

Lab Grown Diamond vs Natural Diamond

The main difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is where and how they are formed. Natural diamonds develop deep inside the Earth when carbon is exposed to extreme heat and pressure over billions of years. Geological conditions allow the carbon to slowly crystallize into diamond.

Lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment using technology that provides the conditions needed for diamond crystal growth. CVD uses a carbon-rich gas in a controlled chamber, while HPHT recreates high-pressure and high-temperature conditions similar to those involved in natural diamond formation. Instead of taking billions of years, these processes can grow diamond crystals in weeks.

This difference in origin can leave different microscopic growth characteristics in the two types of diamonds, which specialized gemological equipment can identify. 

For a broader look at the differences in origin, formation, price and other buying factors, our guide to lab grown vs natural diamonds provides a detailed comparison.

Can You Tell If a Diamond Is Lab Grown Just by Looking at It?

No. You cannot tell a lab grown diamond from a natural diamond simply by looking at it. Both are real diamonds with the same fundamental chemical composition, crystal structure and optical properties, so a well-cut and polished lab grown diamond can have the same sparkle and appearance as a natural diamond.

The differences between them are found in their growth characteristics, not in something you can normally see with the naked eye. Natural diamonds grow inside the Earth, while lab grown diamonds develop in controlled environments using CVD or HPHT. These different growth conditions can leave microscopic characteristics within the diamond.

These characteristics can be identified using specialised gemological equipment and testing. A trained professional can examine the diamond for its growth patterns and other microscopic features to determine whether it is lab grown or natural. A grading report records the diamond's origin along with its 4C characteristics, giving you documented information rather than relying on visual inspection alone. Some lab grown diamonds carry a laser inscription on the girdle that identifies them as laboratory-grown.

So, if you are looking at a properly cut and polished diamond with your naked eyes, there is no visible difference that tells you it is lab grown rather than natural. That is because a lab grown diamond is not an imitation trying to look like a diamond: it is a diamond. The distinction is its origin, which specialised testing can identify.

Read More: Can anyone tell if a diamond ring is lab grown?

Are Lab Grown Diamonds the Same as Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia?

No. Lab grown diamonds are different from moissanite and cubic zirconia because they are made of diamond material itself. A lab grown diamond consists of carbon atoms arranged in the characteristic crystal structure of diamond, while moissanite and cubic zirconia are different materials that can resemble diamond in appearance.

• Lab grown diamond: Real diamond created in a controlled laboratory environment.
• Moissanite: A different gemstone made primarily from silicon carbide.
• Cubic zirconia: A diamond simulant made from zirconium dioxide.

The term lab grown describes the origin of a diamond, while simulant describes a different material that looks similar to diamond. This is why lab grown diamonds should not be grouped with diamond alternatives simply because they are created in a laboratory.

If you're comparing these options for buying lab grown diamond jewellery, understanding the difference between lab grown diamonds vs moissanite can help you compare their material, appearance, durability and other characteristics before choosing.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Certified?

Yes. Lab grown diamonds can be independently graded by recognised gemological laboratories such as IGI, GIA and SGL. Their reports identify the diamond as laboratory-grown and provide important grading details such as carat weight, colour, clarity and cut. SGL's lab-grown reports can also include the growth method, measurements and a plotting diagram of the diamond's characteristics.

For buyers, a grading report provides documented information about both the origin and quality of the diamond rather than relying only on its appearance.

Explore our lab grown diamond rings collection at ONYA, featuring certified lab grown diamonds, giving you documented information about the stone you are buying.

Common Myths About Lab Grown Diamonds

Misunderstandings about laboratory-grown diamonds often come from confusing them with diamond simulants or assuming that their laboratory origin changes their fundamental properties.

Myth 1: Lab Grown Diamonds Are Fake Diamonds

Fact: Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds.

A lab grown diamond is made from carbon arranged in the characteristic crystal structure of diamond. It has the fundamental physical and optical properties associated with diamond.

A diamond simulant is different. Moissanite and cubic zirconia are made from different materials and are designed to resemble diamond. A lab grown diamond, on the other hand, is diamond material with a laboratory origin.

This is the key difference between lab grown diamonds and diamond simulants.

Myth 2: Lab Grown Diamonds Do Not Sparkle Like Natural Diamonds

Fact: A well-cut lab grown diamond can have the same brilliance, fire and scintillation as a natural diamond.

The amount of sparkle depends largely on the individual diamond's cut, proportions, symmetry, polish and clarity, rather than simply whether it was grown in a laboratory or formed naturally.

This means a well-cut lab grown diamond can look just as bright and lively as a well-cut natural diamond. The quality of the individual stone matters more than its origin when it comes to visual performance.

Myth 3: You Can Easily Tell a Lab Grown Diamond From a Natural Diamond

Fact: You cannot reliably tell the difference just by looking at the diamond.

Once cut and polished, lab grown and natural diamonds can have the same visual appearance. Their different growth processes can create microscopic characteristics, but identifying these requires specialised gemological equipment and testing.

A grading report can also document whether the diamond is laboratory-grown or natural, and some lab grown diamonds carry a laser inscription identifying their origin.

Myth 4: Lab Grown Diamonds Are Lower Quality Because They Are Made in a Lab

Fact: “Lab grown” describes origin, not quality.

Lab grown diamonds can vary in cut, colour, clarity, carat weight, shape, proportions, symmetry and polish, just like individual natural diamonds vary.

Two lab grown diamonds with the same carat weight can look and perform differently depending on their other characteristics. This is why you should evaluate the specifications of the individual diamond rather than assume its quality based only on its origin.

Myth 5: Lab Grown Diamonds Have No Value

Fact: Lab grown diamonds have value as gemstones and jewellery, but their market value works differently from that of natural diamonds.

The price of a finished piece also includes factors such as the diamond's specifications, gold, design, craftsmanship, certification and brand.

If resale is important to you, it is better to understand the current lab grown diamond resale market rather than assuming that the original retail price will be recovered later.

Myth 6: Lab Grown Diamonds Are Exactly the Same as Natural Diamonds in Every Way

Fact: They share the fundamental characteristics of diamond, but their origin and growth history are different.

Natural diamonds form inside the Earth over geological timescales, while lab grown diamonds are created using controlled CVD or HPHT processes. These different growth environments can leave characteristics that allow specialised laboratories to determine the diamond's origin.

So, it is more accurate to say that both are diamonds, but they have different origins and growth histories.

What Should You Check Before Buying a Lab Grown Diamond?

The fact that a diamond is laboratory grown should not replace the standard checks used when purchasing diamond jewellery.

1. Verify the Grading Report

Choose a diamond with appropriate grading documentation from a recognised gemological laboratory.

2. Review the 4Cs

Evaluate:

• Carat.

• Colour.

• Clarity.

• Cut.

The four characteristics should be considered together rather than focusing on a single grade.

3. Check the Actual Measurements

Carat weight does not determine how large a diamond appears from above. Compare the actual dimensions and proportions of the stone.

4. Examine Cut Quality

Cut quality has a major effect on brilliance and light performance. A well-cut diamond can provide stronger visual appeal than a poorly proportioned stone with a higher carat weight.

5. Review the Jewellery Setting

For a finished piece of jewellery, examine the setting, prongs, metal purity, craftsmanship, and overall construction.

6. Understand the Retailer's Policies

Review return, exchange, resizing, warranty, and after-sales policies before purchasing.

Conclusion

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds created through controlled technological processes rather than natural geological formation. Their fundamental chemical composition, crystal structure, hardness, and optical characteristics are those of diamond.

The scientifically meaningful distinction is therefore their origin. A laboratory-grown diamond is not the same as a diamond simulant such as moissanite or cubic zirconia.

As the lab grown diamond industry develops, professional grading and accurate disclosure remain important for consumers. A grading report can help buyers verify the diamond's origin and understand its carat weight, colour, clarity, cut, measurements, and other characteristics.

When buying a lab grown diamond, focus on the individual stone rather than the label alone. Verify the grading report, compare the 4Cs, assess the diamond's proportions and visual performance, and evaluate the craftsmanship of the finished jewellery.

With an informed approach, buyers can distinguish scientific facts from common myths and make confident decisions when choosing lab grown diamond jewellery.

FAQs

Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds or fake?

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They consist of diamond material with the characteristic diamond crystal structure. Their primary difference from natural diamonds is their origin.

Do lab grown diamonds look like natural diamonds?

Yes. A well-cut lab grown diamond can display brilliance, fire, and scintillation comparable to a natural diamond. The difference in origin is generally not visible to the unaided eye.

Are lab grown diamonds as hard as natural diamonds?

Yes. Both are diamond material and have a Mohs hardness of 10.

Can a jeweller tell if a diamond is lab grown?

Professional identification requires specialised gemological testing. Laboratory-grown diamonds can contain growth characteristics that allow trained laboratories to determine their origin.

Are lab grown diamonds worth buying?

They can be a suitable choice for buyers who want genuine diamond material, certified quality, design flexibility, and a particular balance between diamond specifications and budget.

Do lab grown diamonds have resale value?

Yes, but resale value can differ substantially from the original retail price. The secondary-market price depends on factors such as diamond specifications, certification, market conditions, and buyer demand.