Lab Grown Diamonds — Complete Guide: Are They Real Diamonds?
Lab Grown Diamonds: The Complete 2025 Guide
Key Takeaway: Lab grown diamonds ARE real diamonds — chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. The only difference is their origin. Lab grown diamonds cost 50–70% less than equivalent natural diamonds.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds (also called cultured diamonds, synthetic diamonds, or man-made diamonds) are created in a laboratory using two processes:
- HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) — replicates the extreme heat and pressure conditions found 100 miles below the Earth's surface where natural diamonds form over billions of years.
- CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) — grows diamond crystals layer by layer inside a vacuum chamber using carbon-rich gas.
Both methods produce genuine diamonds made of pure carbon in the same crystalline structure as natural diamonds.
Lab Grown vs Natural Diamond — Side by Side
| Lab Grown Diamond | Natural Diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Pure carbon (C) | Pure carbon (C) |
| Crystal structure | Cubic (same) | Cubic |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Refractive index | 2.417 | 2.417 |
| Price vs. natural equivalent | 50–70% less | Baseline |
| Conflict-free guarantee | Yes — 100% | Varies by source |
| GIA/IGI certifiable? | Yes | Yes |
| Detectable by naked eye? | No — identical | N/A |
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Worth Buying?
For most buyers, yes. The same budget that buys a 0.75ct natural diamond can get you a 1.5ct–2ct lab grown diamond of the same quality grade. Lab grown diamonds are ideal for buyers who want maximum size and brilliance for their budget, or who prioritize conflict-free sourcing.
Will a Lab Grown Diamond Hold Its Value?
Lab grown diamonds have fallen in wholesale price significantly since 2020 due to increased production. Like most jewelry, neither natural nor lab diamonds are typically good financial investments. Buy a diamond because you love it, not as a store of value.
Always Buy Certified Lab Diamonds
Every lab grown diamond should come with an IGI or GIA certificate confirming the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat) and identifying it as lab grown. Never purchase an uncertified lab diamond.
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Want to understand diamond quality before buying? Read our 4Cs of Diamonds guide. Questions? Contact our NYC diamond experts.