Yes, lab-grown diamonds are indeed real diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as naturally occurring diamonds.
They are created in a lab setting through a process called chemical vapour deposition or high-pressure, high-temperature methods, which copy the conditions under which natural diamonds are formed in the Earth.
Key Takeaways
- Real diamonds: the same chemical composition, crystal structure and physical properties as natural diamonds.
- How they are made: chemical vapour deposition, or high-pressure, high-temperature methods.
- Time: created in a matter of weeks or months, where natural diamonds form over billions of years.
- Not a simulant: different from cubic zirconia and moissanite.
- Price and ethics: a more wallet friendly price tag, and ethical and sustainable production methods.
What Makes a Lab-Grown Diamond a Real Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond because it has the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as a naturally occurring diamond. Nothing about the stone itself is imitation, which is why a lab-grown diamond is not the same thing as a diamond simulant, and why so many people now choose one for an engagement ring.
- Chemical composition: the same as a natural diamond.
- Crystal structure: the same as a natural diamond.
- Physical properties: the same as a natural diamond.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Different From Natural Diamonds?
The main difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds is where they come from. Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over billions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a matter of weeks or months in a controlled laboratory environment, which is pretty amazing if you think about it.
| Point | Lab-grown diamond | Natural diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Where it comes from | A controlled laboratory environment | Deep within the Earth |
| How long it takes | A matter of weeks or months | Billions of years |
| Chemical composition | The same | The same |
| Crystal structure | The same | The same |
| Physical properties | The same | The same |
| Price | A more wallet friendly price tag | Higher |
To see the full comparison, read our guide to the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds, or learn how lab grown diamonds are made.
Can You Tell the Difference?
From a chemical and physical standpoint, lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds. However, gemological laboratories can identify whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown through advanced testing.
Lab-grown diamonds often have unique growth patterns or features that can help distinguish them from natural diamonds. Without that testing, the two are very hard to tell apart.
- To the eye: virtually indistinguishable.
- Under advanced testing: gemological laboratories can tell them apart.
- Growth patterns: lab-grown diamonds often have unique growth patterns or features.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Diamond Simulants
It's important to know that lab-grown diamonds are different from diamond simulants or imitations like cubic zirconia or moissanite, which have different chemical compositions and properties.
| Stone | Is it a diamond? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lab-grown diamond | Yes | The same chemical composition and properties as a natural diamond |
| Cubic zirconia | No | A simulant with a different chemical composition and properties |
| Moissanite | No | A different stone with a different chemical composition and properties |
If you are weighing the two, read our guide to moissanite vs lab grown diamonds.
Why Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds are a real alternative to natural diamonds and are becoming more popular due to their ethical and sustainable production methods. They also have a more wallet friendly price tag making them the perfect option for modern day jewellery.
- Real diamond: the same chemical composition and properties as a natural diamond.
- Ethical: ethical and sustainable production methods. See our guide to choosing an ethical engagement ring.
- Wallet friendly: a more wallet friendly price tag.
- Modern: the perfect option for modern day jewellery.
Common Questions About Lab-Grown Diamonds
Many people ask the same few things before they buy, so here is a quick myth versus fact guide.
| What people say | The fact |
|---|---|
| "They are fake diamonds." | They are real diamonds, with the same chemical composition, crystal structure and physical properties as natural diamonds. |
| "They are the same as cubic zirconia." | No, cubic zirconia is a simulant with different chemical composition and properties. |
| "They take as long as natural diamonds." | They are created in a matter of weeks or months. |
| "Nobody can tell the difference." | Gemological laboratories can tell through advanced testing. |
Lab-Grown or Natural: Which Should You Choose?
Both are real diamonds, so the choice comes down to what matters most to you, whether that is the story behind the stone, the price, or the way it was made. These pointers can help you decide.
- Choose lab-grown if: you want a real diamond with ethical and sustainable production methods, at a more wallet friendly price.
- Choose natural if: you prefer a stone formed deep within the Earth over billions of years.
- Not sure: call or email us and we will talk through the options.
What You Get When You Buy From Us
Every ring we make is handcrafted by us in Perth, and we use recycled gold. Here is what comes with your order.
- Free express shipping: on all orders.
- Lifetime warranty: on every ring.
- Free ring resizing: so you can order with confidence.
- 5 trees planted: with every order.
- Custom designs: we can talk you through a custom option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are indeed real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as naturally occurring diamonds. The main difference is where they come from, because they are created in a controlled laboratory environment. If you would like to see one, browse our lab diamond rings.
How are lab-grown diamonds made?
They are created in a lab setting through a process called chemical vapour deposition or high-pressure, high-temperature methods. These copy the conditions under which natural diamonds are formed in the Earth, and they take a matter of weeks or months rather than billions of years.
Can you tell a lab-grown diamond from a natural diamond?
Not by eye, because lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds. However, gemological laboratories can identify whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown through advanced testing, as lab-grown diamonds often have unique growth patterns or features. Ask us if you would like to know more.
Is a lab-grown diamond the same as moissanite or cubic zirconia?
No. Lab-grown diamonds are different from diamond simulants or imitations like cubic zirconia or moissanite, which have different chemical compositions and properties. A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond, while a simulant only looks similar. We are happy to talk through the differences with you.
Are lab-grown diamonds cheaper than natural diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds have a more wallet friendly price tag, which makes them the perfect option for modern day jewellery. Browse our lab grown diamond engagement rings, or call or email us to talk through your budget and the ring you have in mind.
Shop Lab Grown Diamond Rings
Browse our lab grown diamond engagement rings or contact us about bringing your dream creation to life!
Every ring is handcrafted by us in Perth, and every order comes with free express shipping and a lifetime warranty. If you have a design in mind, we can talk you through a custom option. Call us on +61 8 6323 8494 or email info@vinnyandcharles.com.
