One of the most common questions we get in the store is: “Are lab-grown diamonds actually real?” We love this question, because it gives us the chance to share something exciting—and maybe surprising: Yes, lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds in every way!
So, What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is simply a diamond that’s created in a laboratory rather than mined from the earth. It’s formed using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process, meaning extreme heat, high pressure, and lots of time.
The result? A stone that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a diamond mined from the ground. Even the Federal Trade Commission says they are the same.
We like to say that diamonds are like tomatoes. Some are grown in a field, others in a greenhouse. The only difference is where they are grown, not what they are. It’s pretty simple.
In fact, if you put a mined diamond and a lab-grown diamond side by side, even a trained gemologist can’t tell the difference without specialized equipment. Same sparkle, same hardness, same durability, same wow factor. But not the exact cost!
Are Lab Diamonds Less Expensive Than Mined Diamonds?
Absolutely! Lab-grown diamonds are generally less expensive than mined diamonds—often by 50% to 80% or more for a comparable stone.
Here’s why:
- Lower production costs: Creating diamonds in a lab doesn’t require massive mining operations, which makes it more efficient and less costly.
- Shorter supply chain: Lab diamonds typically go from lab to jeweler with fewer middle steps than mined diamonds.
- Not as rare: Mined diamonds take billions of years to form; lab diamonds can be grown in weeks. Since they’re more accessible to produce, prices are more competitive.
- Market perception: Some buyers still prefer the “romance” of mined stones, which affects demand and pricing, though this is changing fast!
The bottom line:
You can get a larger, higher-quality lab-grown diamond for the same budget you’d spend on a smaller mined one, without compromising beauty or durability.
Then What’s the Difference?
The main difference between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond is the origin of the diamond.
A mined diamond comes from deep underground and has been formed over billions of years. A lab-grown diamond is created in a controlled lab environment in weeks. But both are made of carbon atoms arranged in the same crystal structure.
The same independent labs (like GIA or IGI) grade both types of diamonds using the same 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. That means you’ll get the same official certification and guaranteed quality if your diamond was grown on Earth or in a lab.
Why Choose Lab Grown?
We made the decision to sell lab diamonds about 7 years ago, when they came into the market for engagement rings. The reality is that lab diamonds have been made for years for industrial uses (drills, technology). They just weren’t made for jewelry. And with all of the social issues surrounding mined gemstones, we decided to offer a sustainable, conflict-free option in our custom jewelry store.
Many of our customers love lab-grown diamonds for the following reasons:
- More Diamond for Your Budget: Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 50–80% less than mined ones, meaning you can often go bigger, or get better quality, or both.
- Sustainability: They’re a more eco-conscious option, using fewer natural resources and causing less environmental disruption. The labs we source our diamonds from use solar and wind to power their plants too, reducing their carbon footprint even more!
- Ethics: Since they’re grown in labs, there are no concerns about conflict diamonds or questionable mining practices.
The Bottom Line: Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Real Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds aren’t “fake,” “synthetic,” or “imitations.” Those terms belong to cubic zirconia or Moissanite—stones that look like diamonds but are made of entirely different materials.
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds. And whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, a custom necklace, or a sparkling pair of earrings, they’re a beautiful, modern choice that we’re proud to offer.
Is a Lab-Grown Diamond a Real Diamond? Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab-grown diamonds considered fake?
No, lab-grown diamonds are not fake. They are real diamonds with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. Only their origin differs.
What are the disadvantages of lab-grown diamonds?
Disadvantages include lower resale value, limited rarity, and market perception. Lab diamonds may not appreciate over time and are less favored by traditional collectors.
Is it better to buy a real diamond or a lab-grown diamond?
It depends on your priorities. Lab diamonds offer better value, ethics, and sustainability. Mined diamonds may appeal more for tradition, rarity, or investment.
Can a jeweler identify a lab-grown diamond from a mined diamond?
Not with the naked eye. Even trained gemologists need specialized equipment to distinguish lab grown from mined diamonds, as they are identical in appearance.
Find Your Perfect Lab-Grown Diamond with Scott’s Custom Jewelers
Ready to dazzle with a diamond that’s ethical, affordable, and just as brilliant? Let Scott’s Custom Jewelers create a custom lab-grown piece just for you!