Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: Are They Real?
Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds share the same chemical composition and crystal structure, but differ in origin, formation process, pricing, and market perception.
For a foundational explanation of lab grown diamonds, read our complete guide to lab grown diamonds .
What Are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure, and are later extracted through mining.
Natural diamonds are graded by institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) , which developed the widely used 4Cs grading system (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat).
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds created using controlled processes that replicate natural formation conditions.
They are commonly certified by the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and in some cases also graded by GIA.
The two main production methods are High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
Key Differences Between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds
Origin
Natural diamonds form over billions of years underground, while lab grown diamonds are produced in weeks or months in controlled environments.
Price
Lab grown diamonds are typically 40%–80% more affordable than natural diamonds of similar quality due to scalable production.
Environmental Impact
Lab grown diamonds generally reduce mining-related land disruption, though environmental impact depends on production energy sources.
Physical Properties
Both types are identical in hardness (10 on Mohs scale), chemical composition (pure carbon), and optical performance.
Value and Market Perception
Natural diamonds derive value from geological rarity, while lab grown diamonds derive value from accessibility and production efficiency.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They share the same crystal structure and physical properties as natural diamonds.
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on your priorities:
- Natural diamonds: geological rarity and traditional value perception
- Lab grown diamonds: better value, larger size, and modern sustainability considerations
Beyond just the certificate numbers, to understand how to evaluate the actual sparkle and overall quality of a stone, please refer to our Ultimate Lab-Grown Diamond Buying Guide.
💡 Expert Tip: Beyond just the certificate numbers, to understand how to evaluate the actual sparkle and overall quality of a stone, please refer to our Ultimate Lab-Grown Diamond Buying Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab grown diamonds certified by IGI or GIA?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are commonly certified by the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and sometimes by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), both providing detailed 4C grading reports.
Can you visually tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?
No. They are visually identical. Only advanced gemological instruments can detect differences in growth patterns and trace elements.
Do lab grown diamonds lose value faster?
Lab grown diamonds generally have different resale dynamics due to evolving production scalability and market pricing structures.
Are lab grown diamonds better for the environment?
They typically reduce mining-related land disruption, but environmental impact varies depending on energy sources used during production.
Where can I learn more about lab grown diamonds?
You can read our full guide here: what is a lab grown diamond .
