With the growing popularity of sustainable and ethical alternatives in fine jewelry, lab-grown diamonds have become a hot topic. But one question still lingers in many people’s minds:
Are lab-grown diamonds real?
Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all:
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds.
In this blog, we’ll explore what lab-grown diamonds are, how they’re made, how they compare to mined diamonds, and why they’re the future of modern jewelry.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as man-made, cultured, or synthetic diamonds, are created in highly controlled lab environments using advanced technological processes that replicate the natural diamond formation beneath the Earth’s crust.
The result? A diamond with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as a natural, mined diamond.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
There are two main methods used to create lab-grown diamonds:
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HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature)
This mimics the natural conditions of heat and pressure that form diamonds underground. -
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
In this method, a diamond seed is placed in a carbon-rich gas chamber. Carbon atoms attach to the seed and crystallize into a diamond over time.
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Lab-Grown Diamond | Mined Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Pure carbon (C) | Pure carbon (C) |
| Appearance | Identical | Identical |
| Hardness | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
| Certification | IGI, GIA | IGI, GIA |
| Environmental Impact | Low (no mining) | High (due to mining) |
| Ethical Concerns | None | Potential (conflict zones) |
| Cost | 30–50% less expensive | Higher due to rarity |
Can You Tell the Difference?
Even expert gemologists cannot tell the difference without lab testing. Both lab-grown and mined diamonds sparkle the same, weigh the same, and cut the same. The only real way to identify a lab-grown diamond is through certification by recognized gem labs like GIA or IGI.
Why More People Are Choosing Lab-Grown Diamonds
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Ethically Sourced – No conflict, no unethical labor practices
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Environmentally Friendly – No large-scale mining, no ecosystem destruction
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More Affordable – Get a bigger or higher-quality stone for less
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Same Beauty – Identical in brilliance, fire, and sparkle
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds a Good Investment?
While traditional diamonds have long been seen as an investment, modern consumers are shifting their mindset. With transparency, value, and sustainability at the forefront, lab-grown diamonds are more about personal value than resale value. They’re perfect for engagement rings, gifts, or heirloom-quality pieces that prioritize ethics over status.
The Bottom Line
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They’re not imitations like cubic zirconia or moissanite—they are genuine diamonds grown above ground using cutting-edge science.
If you value beauty, ethics, sustainability, and savings, lab-grown diamonds offer a brilliant choice without compromise.
Explore stunning lab-grown diamond collections at New World Diamonds and find the perfect piece to match your values and your style.
