If you’re thinking about buying a diamond, you’ve probably come across the term lab diamond and wondered: Are lab diamonds real? With so many choices, it’s natural to question whether lab-created diamonds are as good as real ones. Or are synthetic diamonds even better than real diamonds? Are they just like natural diamonds, or are they fake? And, of course, there’s the big question: Are they worth it?

You’re not alone in wanting answers. Lab-grown diamonds are increasingly popular for engagement rings and fine jewelry because they offer impressive beauty at a lower price point—but are they truly the same as mined diamonds? In this blog post, we’ll break down what lab diamonds are, how they compare to natural diamonds, and whether they’re a smart choice for you.

In this article we will cover: 

1. What exactly are lab diamonds?

1.1 Will a lab diamond pass a diamond test?
1.2 Are lab-grown diamonds good quality?
1.3 How are synthetic diamonds made?
1.4 Are lab diamonds popular?

2. Lab Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds

2.1 Similarities of laboratory-grown and mined diamonds
2.2 What are the advantages of lab diamonds?
2.3 What are the disadvantages of lab diamonds?
2.4 Are lab diamonds as good as real ones?

3. Pricing: Lab Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds

3.1 How much cheaper are lab diamonds than natural diamonds?
3.2 Why are lab diamonds so cheap if they are identical to real diamonds?
3.3 Price comparison table lab-grown diamond vs natural diamond

4. Alternatives to Lab Diamonds

4.1 Are lab diamonds the same as cubic zirconia?
4.2 Are lab diamonds the same as moissanite?

5. Ethics and Sustainability

5.1 Are lab diamonds environmentally friendly?
5.2 Are lab diamonds more ethical?

6. Conclusion

What exactly are lab diamonds?

Are lab diamonds as authentic as earth-mined diamonds? Let’s clear up the confusion: Lab diamonds are real diamonds. They are also known as: 

• Synthetic diamonds,

• Cultured diamonds, 

• Engineered diamonds, 

• Lab-created diamonds, 

• Laboratory-grown diamonds, 

• Artificial diamonds, 

• CVD diamonds (Chemical Vapor Deposition), 

• HPHT diamonds (High Pressure, High Temperature), 

• Eco-friendly diamonds, 

• Ethical diamonds,

•  Sustainably-created diamonds,

•  Conflict-free diamonds 

Whatever you want to call them… they’re created in controlled environments that replicate the natural processes forming diamonds deep within the earth. This technology allows scientists to grow diamonds that are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. In fact, lab diamonds are so similar that even trained gemologists often need specialized equipment to tell them apart.

Will a lab diamond pass a diamond test?

Yes! Lab diamonds pass diamond tests and are graded for quality just like mined diamonds. Many are certified by renowned institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and they come in a wide range of qualities.

Did you know? Because the conditions in a laboratory can be precisely controlled, lab diamonds often achieve higher quality in terms of the 4Cs—clarity, color, carat, and cut—at a more affordable price compared to mined diamonds.

Are lab-grown diamonds good quality?

Absolutely. They’re just as strong and durable as mined diamonds, with the same sparkle and brilliance. In fact, some buyers worry lab diamonds might even be too perfect—since the growing process can minimize natural imperfections.

How are synthetic diamonds made?

The process involves recreating the natural conditions under which diamonds form. Two primary methods are used: High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both result in genuine diamonds that are physically, chemically, and optically identical to those mined from the earth.

Are lab diamonds popular?

Lab diamonds are growing in popularity because they offer exceptional beauty and value. They’re often more affordable than natural diamonds, but that doesn’t mean they’re less valuable. When you choose a lab diamond, you’re getting a real diamond, backed by quality certification and lasting worth.

 

Lab Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds

When it comes to choosing between lab-grown and natural diamonds, you might be wondering: What’s the difference between real and lab diamonds? Surprisingly, there’s very little difference in terms of composition and performance.

Similarities of laboratory-grown and mined diamonds:

Both lab-grown and natural diamonds have identical chemical, physical, and optical properties. This means lab diamonds are just as strong, shiny and durable as mined ones. Here is a list of what lab-diamonds and earth-mined diamonds have in common:

1. Certified as Real Diamonds – Both are evaluated and certified by gemological laboratories (e.g., GIA, IGI, AGS) using the same standards.

2. Hardness of 10 on the Mohs Scale – Lab diamonds are as hard as real diamonds. Both are the hardest known natural materials, making them highly resistant to scratches. 

3. Refractive Index of 2.417 - 2.419 – lab diamonds are just as shiny and sparkle with the same brilliance as natural diamonds. They have the same light-bending and sparkling properties.

4. Made of Carbon – Both consist of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure.

5. Specific Gravity of 3.52 – Their density is identical.

What are the advantages of lab diamonds?

When choosing between lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds, it’s important to understand how they differ beyond their origins. Both are visually and chemically identical, but their environmental impact, cost, and sourcing methods set them apart. Below is a breakdown of key differences to help you make an informed decision based on your values and preferences.

Lab-Grown Diamonds:

1. No Mining Required – Produced in a controlled environment using either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods.

2. Grown in a Laboratory – Synthetic process replicates natural diamond formation.

3. Lower Price Point – Typically 20% to 50% less expensive than comparable mined diamonds due to differences in supply chains and production.

4. High Quality – Generally free from many inclusions that occur in natural diamonds, allowing more control over clarity and color.

5. More Sustainable Option – Eco-friendly due to the absence of mining

Earth-Mined Diamonds:

1. Requires Extensive Mining – Large amounts of soil and rock are removed to find diamonds. According to estimates, approximately 250 tons of earth are displaced for a single 1-carat diamond.

2. Finite, Limited Resource – Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years, making them a depleting natural resource.

3. Higher Price Point – The rarity, labor, and logistics involved in mining contribute to higher costs.

4. Unique Natural Imperfections – Earth-mined diamonds often have inclusions and unique characteristics formed during natural geological processes.

5. Mining Has Environmental and Social Impacts – Diamond mining can cause habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution. Ethical concerns related to human rights and "conflict diamonds" are also factors, though initiatives like the Kimberley Process aim to reduce these issues.

 

What are the disadvantages of lab created diamonds? 

While lab-created diamonds offer numerous advantages, it's important to understand some potential considerations before making your purchase. Here are three key factors to keep in mind when evaluating lab diamonds versus their natural counterparts:

• Resale Value: Typically lower resale and trade-in value compared to natural diamonds.
  
• Rarity: Lack the unique rarity and historical allure associated with earth-mined diamonds.
  
• Market Perception: Some consumers still perceive lab diamonds as less prestigious.

So are lab diamonds as good as real ones? 

It depends on what matters most to you. Natural diamonds have the allure of being formed over billions of years, while lab-grown diamonds offer better quality and ethical advantages at a lower price point. 

Ultimately, deciding between natural or lab diamonds comes down to preference. If beauty, ethics, sustainability, durability, and value are your priorities, lab diamonds are probably the right choice for you. If you are looking for rare a diamond with a high resale value, an earth-mined diamond would be the right choice for you. 

 

Pricing: Lab Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds

 

Price is often one of the biggest factors when choosing a diamond. If you’re wondering how much lab diamonds are worth, their pricing varies based on the 4Cs (clarity, cut, color, carat)—just like mined diamonds. Ultimately, lab-grown diamonds offer a compelling balance: they’re less expensive than real diamonds without compromising on beauty, strength, or authenticity. If you want a bigger, higher-quality stone for your budget, choosing a lab diamond can be a smart financial decision.

How much cheaper are lab diamonds than natural diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are typically 20% to 50% less expensive than mined diamonds of comparable size and quality. 

Why are lab diamonds so cheap if they are identical to real diamonds?

The cost savings come from how lab diamonds are made. Mining natural diamonds involves intensive labor, costly equipment, and environmental impact, all of which drive up prices. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled conditions that streamline production and reduce overhead, making them more affordable to produce and sell. However, this doesn’t mean they’re cheap in terms of quality—lab diamonds are real diamonds with the same brilliance and durability.

Price comparison table lab-grown diamond vs natural diamond

The following table can give you an idea of the price differences of lab-created diamonds vs earth-mined diamond prices. However, keep in mind that prices fluctuate. If you want an exact price of diamonds, you can look at the Rapaport price list. 

 

 

 

Diamonds alternatives

When considering a lab-grown diamond, you may have come across terms like cubic zirconia or moissanite and wondered, Are these the same as lab diamonds? The short answer is no—while these stones are popular diamond alternatives, they are distinctly different from lab-grown diamonds in terms of composition, value, and appearance. Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds, while Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite are alternatives. 

Are lab diamonds the same as cubic zirconia?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gemstone that mimics the look of a diamond but is made from zirconium dioxide. Despite their similar sparkle, lab diamonds are real diamonds, sharing the same chemical structure and physical properties as mined diamonds, whereas cubic zirconia is not a diamond at all. Unlike lab diamonds, CZ is much softer, less durable, and significantly cheaper, making it a great choice for fashion jewelry but not for pieces meant to last a lifetime.

Are lab diamonds the same as moissanite? 

Moissanite is another common alternative, often mistaken for lab diamonds. While moissanite is made from silicon carbide, lab diamonds are made of pure carbon. Moissanite is known for its unique brilliance, which can appear flashier with rainbow-like effects, while lab diamonds reflect light in the same way as natural diamonds. Although both are lab-created, moissanite is typically less expensive than lab diamonds but does not offer the same timeless diamond-like appearance.

In summary, while cubic zirconia and moissanite are affordable and visually appealing options, lab-grown diamonds stand apart as genuine diamonds, identical to those formed in the earth but at a lower price and with a smaller environmental impact.

 

Ethics and Sustainability

When it comes to diamonds, ethics and sustainability are increasingly important to today’s buyers. One of the biggest ethical advantages of lab-grown diamonds is that they avoid the environmental and social issues associated with diamond mining. This is where lab-grown diamonds shine. 

Are lab diamonds environmentally friendly? 

According to this study, lab-grown diamonds reduce the carbon footprint by up to 60% compared to their mined counterparts. Lab-created diamonds are made using advanced technology in controlled laboratory settings, eliminating the need for large-scale mining operations that disturb ecosystems, consume massive amounts of water, and contribute to land degradation. This makes lab diamonds a far more sustainable option.

• Electricity Usage: Lab-grown diamonds require 250 kWh of electricity per carat, compared to 538 kWh for earth-mined diamonds.

• Carbon Emissions: Lab diamonds produce only 0.028 grams of carbon per carat, while mined diamonds emit 0.127 grams per carat.

• Water Consumption: Lab diamonds use 18 gallons of water per carat, significantly lower than the 126 gallons per carat for mined diamonds.

• Land Displacement: Producing a single earth-mined diamond involves moving 250 tons of earth, while lab diamonds are created with no soil displacement.

• Land Disturbance: Earth-mined diamonds disturb approximately 100 square feet of land per carat, whereas lab-grown diamonds leave natural landscapes untouched.

 

Are lab diamonds more ethical?

Lab-grown diamonds are free from the concerns related to conflict diamonds, often referred to as "blood diamonds," which can fund armed conflict and exploit vulnerable communities. With lab-grown stones, you can feel confident that your diamond purchase does not contribute to these issues.

By choosing lab-grown diamonds, you’re investing in a product that aligns with sustainable practices and ethical sourcing, making it a thoughtful and conscientious choice for modern jewelry lovers.

 

Conclusion

Lab-grown diamonds offer a modern, ethical, and affordable alternative to natural diamonds without compromising beauty or quality. They are real diamonds, created with cutting-edge technology, and they stand apart from other diamond alternatives like cubic zirconia and moissanite. Whether you’re drawn to their lower price, sustainable origins, or conflict-free status, lab diamonds are a brilliant choice for today’s thoughtful shoppers. When considering your next piece of jewelry, lab diamonds provide timeless elegance and peace of mind.