You've probably heard that lab-grown diamonds can be a great option if you're looking for a gem with all the sparkle of a diamond but without the high cost to your wallet (or the environment). But what are the key differences between a lab grown diamond vs natural diamonds? Let's take a look.
What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
A perfect blend of sparkle, science, and sustainability, lab grown diamonds are created using high-tech processes that replicate the way diamonds are made by the Earth. These are not “imitation" diamonds like cubic zirconia, but rather gems that are manmade with the same (or better) properties as diamonds mined from the Earth. The only real difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is where they come from.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are, technically, real diamonds. The biggest difference is that one was formed naturally over millions of years, and the other was created in a lab over just a few weeks. You can't tell them apart with the naked eye, and even experts need special tools to spot the difference.
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds Comparison Chart
FEATURE |
LAB-GROWN DIAMOND |
NATURAL DIAMOND |
|---|---|---|
| Cost/Price | 30-70% less than natural diamonds | More costly due to rarity and mining costs |
| Lifetime Value | Great value, but resale options are still growing | Retains value better in the long run |
| Chemical Composition | 100% pure carbon | 100% pure carbon |
| Shine | Same sparkle and brilliance | Same sparkle and brilliance |
| Clarity | Often clearer with fewer imperfections | Can have natural inclusions |
| Color | Made to order in specific colors | Natural variations; rare fancy colors are expensive |
| Hardness | 10/10 on the Mohs scale | 10/10 on the Mohs scale |
| Durability | Durable for everyday wear | Durable for everyday wear |
| Certification | Certified by labs like GIA and IGI | Certified by labs like GIA and IGI |
| Traceability | Fully traceable; you know where it came from | Harder to track origins |
| Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly; no mining involved | Mining can have a big environmental footprint |
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
Scientist have been studying diamond creation and making them in labs since the 1950s. There are two common methods used to grow diamonds in a lab setting:
- High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT): HPHT is a process that applies very high pressure and heat to a diamond seed to create diamonds, just like the Earth's crust does. The diamond seed is placed in a chamber and the high pressure and heat bond the atoms in the chamber to the seed, creating a diamond.
- Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): This is a high-tech approach where a diamond seed grows layer by layer in a chamber filled with carbon gas. It's sort of like 3D printing but for diamonds, and the results are known for producing super clear and consistent results.
Alternatives to Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are not diamond simulants. Some gems look like diamonds, but they don't have the same exact same characteristics. Gems that are sometimes confused with diamonds include:
- Moissanite
- White sapphire
- Cubic-zirconia
- White topaz
- Zircon
These gemstones are all softer than diamonds (whether lab created or natural). And while they all range from colorless to near colorless none have the fire and refractive index of diamonds (with the exception of moissanite - which is actually higher).
Finding the Right Diamond for You
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds that are as hard and as sparkly as natural diamonds. Whether you're looking for lab grown diamonds or natural diamonds, the perfect stone is the one that sparks joy. And if you're looking for a deal from reputable jewelers, checkout today's deal on Marketplace, where our partners come together to offer limited time deals on brands you love.
