Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real? Science, Quality & Certification Explained

Are lab-grown diamonds real? Yes—chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. Learn the science behind lab-grown diamonds.

The Misconception Around Lab-Grown Diamonds

When shoppers hear “lab-grown diamonds,” one of the most common questions is:
“Are they real diamonds, or just imitations?”

The jewelry industry has been filled with myths and confusion around this topic. Some people still confuse lab-grown diamonds with cubic zirconia or moissanite. But here’s the truth: lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds.

In this article, we’ll break down the science, explain how they’re created, compare them with mined diamonds, and debunk common myths so you can shop with confidence.

 

What Makes a Diamond “Real”?

To determine whether a diamond is real, scientists and gemologists look at its composition and structure:

• Chemical composition: Diamonds are made of pure carbon.
  
• Crystal structure: Atoms are arranged in a strong cubic lattice, making diamonds the hardest natural material (10 on the Mohs scale).
  
• Physical properties: Brilliance, fire, and hardness.
  
  

By this definition, lab-grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds. The only difference is origin—one forms underground over billions of years, the other in a laboratory over weeks.

How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?

There are two advanced methods for growing diamonds:

HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)

• Replicates natural diamond-forming conditions deep in the Earth.
  
• A small diamond “seed” is placed in carbon and exposed to extreme heat (over 1,500°C) and pressure (1.5 million psi).
  
• The carbon crystallizes around the seed, forming a diamond.
  
  

CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)

• Place a diamond seed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases.
• The gases break down, and carbon atoms deposit onto the seed.
  
• The diamond grows layer by layer, similar to 3D printing.
  
  

Both methods produce real diamonds, just much faster and in controlled conditions.

Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Diamond Simulants

This is where much of the confusion arises.

• Moissanite: A gemstone with a different chemical structure (silicon carbide). Looks similar but sparkles differently.
  
• Cubic Zirconia (CZ): A low-cost diamond look-alike, softer and less brilliant.
  
• Lab-grown diamond: Not a simulant—it’s pure carbon crystal, the same as mined diamonds.
  
  

If someone tries to tell you lab-grown diamonds are “fake,” they’re confusing them with simulants. In reality, lab-grown diamonds pass the same diamond tests jewelers use.

Certification and Grading

Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are graded using the 4Cs:

• Cut – how well the diamond is shaped and polished.
  
• Color – from colorless (D) to light yellow (Z).
  
• Clarity – from flawless (FL) to included (I).
  
• Carat weight – size of the diamond.
  
  

Respected gemological labs like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute) issue certifications for lab-grown diamonds, ensuring transparency and trust.

Physical and Optical Properties

Here’s a quick comparison:

By every scientific standard, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.

Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds?

• Value: Typically 30–70% more affordable than mined diamonds.
  
• Ethics: Free from mining conflicts and human rights concerns.
  
• Sustainability: Lower environmental impact, less disruption to ecosystems.
• Choice: Wider access to larger carat sizes and higher-quality stones at the same budget.

Science Settles the Debate

The verdict is clear: lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They’re made of the same material, have the same sparkle, and last just as long as their mined counterparts.

Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring or timeless jewelry, lab-grown diamonds offer brilliance, beauty, and value—with the added benefit of sustainability and ethics.

Explore our lab-grown diamond collection today and see the brilliance for yourself.