Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds? The Straight Answer
It is the question we hear most: are lab grown diamonds real diamonds? The short answer is yes. A lab grown diamond is not a simulant or a lookalike. It is a diamond, grown in a controlled environment instead of deep underground.
What makes a diamond a diamond
A diamond is pure carbon arranged in a cubic crystal lattice. That structure gives it its hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), its brilliance and its fire. A lab grown diamond has exactly the same chemical composition, crystal structure and optical properties as a mined diamond. The difference is origin, not material.
The US Federal Trade Commission updated its Jewelry Guides in 2018 to recognise that a diamond is a diamond whether it is mined or created in a laboratory, as long as the origin is clearly disclosed.
Lab grown diamonds vs simulants
| Lab grown diamond | Mined diamond | Cubic zirconia / moissanite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Pure carbon | Pure carbon | Different minerals |
| Hardness | 10 | 10 | Lower |
| Graded with the 4Cs | Yes | Yes | No |
| Diamond certificate | Yes (e.g. IGI) | Yes | No |
Can a jeweller tell the difference?
Not by eye. Lab grown and mined diamonds look identical, even under a standard jeweller's loupe. Specialist laboratory equipment is needed to identify origin, which is why certified lab grown diamonds are laser-inscribed and graded by independent laboratories such as the IGI. Read What IGI Certification Means.
How are lab grown diamonds made?
They are grown by one of two methods, CVD (chemical vapour deposition) or HPHT (high pressure, high temperature), which recreate the conditions under which diamonds form. See CVD vs HPHT and From Seed to Sparkle.
Why people choose lab grown
- Same beauty: identical sparkle, hardness and durability.
- More diamond for your budget: lab grown diamonds typically cost far less than mined diamonds of the same size and grade.
- Clear origin: every stone's origin is known and documented.
KlōT͟HiNG lab grown diamond jewellery
Our fine jewellery uses IGI-certified lab grown diamonds, set in solid 14K gold, with one all-inclusive NZD price including GST. Explore diamond studs, rings, bracelets and pendants.
Frequently asked questions
Do lab grown diamonds test as real diamonds?
Yes. Standard diamond testers identify lab grown diamonds as diamonds, because they are diamonds.
Do lab grown diamonds get cloudy?
No. Like mined diamonds, they keep their brilliance for life. Any dullness is surface dirt and cleans off.
Are lab grown diamonds durable enough for everyday wear?
Yes. They have the same hardness as mined diamonds, making them ideal for rings and earrings worn every day.