Lab-Grown vs Mined Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are not simulants—they are real diamonds with identical chemical, physical, and optical properties. The only difference is their origin. See the detailed comparison below.

Characteristic
Natural Diamonds
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Formation
Formed in Earth over billions of years
Created in lab in weeks to months
Chemical Composition
Carbon
Carbon
Crystal Structure
Cubic
Cubic
Hardness (Mohs Scale)
10/10
10/10
Refractive Index
2.417 - 2.419
2.417 - 2.419
Dispersion
0.044
0.044
Density
3.52 g/cm³
3.52 g/cm³
Price (2ct VS1-E Color)
$15,000 - $29,000
$1,900 - $3,900
Environmental Impact
High - Mining disturbs land
Minimal - Lab production
Ethical Concerns
Potential conflict diamonds
Conflict-free guaranteed
GIA Certification
✓ Yes
✓ Yes
Visual Difference
None - Cannot tell apart
None - Cannot tell apart
Brilliance & Fire
Exceptional
Exceptional
Resale Value
30-50% of retail
30-50% of retail

Identical Properties

Lab-grown diamonds have the exact same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as mined diamonds. Even gemologists require specialized equipment to distinguish them.

Better Value

Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 30-40% less than mined diamonds of comparable quality. You get the same beauty and durability at a fraction of the price.

Ethical & Sustainable

Lab-grown diamonds are 100% conflict-free and have minimal environmental impact compared to mining. Choose beauty without compromise.

The Science Behind It

Lab-grown diamonds are created using two main processes: CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature). Both methods replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the Earth, resulting in diamonds that are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recognizes lab-grown diamonds as real diamonds, and they are graded using the same 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat) system by the same gemological laboratories, including GIA.