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What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds produced in a controlled setting. They are grown in two ways: a High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) process that mimics their natural formation in the Earth, or a Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process. Both processes begin with a pure carbon seed arranged in a crystalline structure and result in a lab diamond that is identical to a mined diamond. Lab grown diamonds are available in colorless ranges and rare fancy colors.

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Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?

Absolutely! Lab-grown diamonds are just as real as natural diamonds—the only difference lies in their origin. While natural diamonds form deep within the Earth over millions of years, lab-created diamonds are cultivated in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology.

Chemically, physically, and optically, lab diamonds are identical to their natural counterparts. They possess the same brilliance, fire, and durability, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. Despite common misconceptions, lab-created diamonds do not lack any of the qualities found in mined diamonds. In fact, only expert gemologists using specialized equipment can distinguish the unique growth characteristics of each type.

Lab-grown diamonds also undergo the same rigorous grading process as natural diamonds. Reputable gemological institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) assess them based on the four Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—ensuring the same standards of quality and certification.

Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds

  • Mining Free

    Lab diamonds are a responsible choice as they are grown with precise technology that doesn't involve mining.

  • Beauty

    Lab diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.

  • Value

    Lab diamonds offer excellent value—so you can maximize your budget across the 4 C's.

Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamond

The only difference between natural and lab created diamonds is where they come from. Natural diamonds form deep beneath the Earth’s surface under extreme conditions of heat and pressure over billions of years. In contrast, lab diamonds are produced in weeks to months from diamond seeds with the same chemical composition as natural diamonds. Without specialized equipment, it’s nearly impossible to tell lab created diamonds apart from natural ones. Though there are no physical differences between the two, here's how they contrast:

Origin 

Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a controlled laboratory setting, whereas natural diamonds are extracted through mining from the Earth.

Price 

Lab grown diamonds typically cost less than natural diamonds of comparable quality.

Rarity 

Natural diamonds are much rarer than lab-grown diamonds. Because of their limited quantity, natural diamonds have been cherished for their enduring value and passed from generation to generation.

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How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Created?

Lab-grown diamonds originate from small carbon seeds derived from existing diamonds. Using cutting-edge technology, scientists replicate the natural diamond formation process through either intense heat and pressure or a technique called Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Over a period of six to ten weeks, these conditions encourage the growth of a rough diamond, which is then expertly cut, polished, and transformed into stunning jewelry—whether it be rings, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets.

There are two primary techniques used to create lab-grown diamonds:

  • High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) Lab Diamonds

    This process replicates the extreme conditions deep within the Earth where natural diamonds are formed. A small diamond seed is placed inside a specialized chamber and exposed to extreme heat exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius and immense pressure of around 1.5 million pounds per square inch. Under these conditions, carbon atoms surrounding the seed begin to bond and crystallize, gradually growing into a fully formed diamond.

  • Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Lab Diamonds

    CVD diamonds are grown by placing a thin diamond seed inside a vacuum chamber filled with a carbon-rich gas, such as methane and hydrogen. The chamber is heated to high temperatures, causing the gas molecules to break apart. As this process occurs, carbon atoms gradually bond to the seed, forming layers that build up over time until the diamond reaches its full size. Some CVD diamonds undergo additional high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) treatment after growth to further enhance their quality.

You can’t tell the difference between natural diamonds, lab diamonds grown via HPHT method, and lab diamonds grown via CVD method with the naked eye, only scientists can distinguish the differences by analyzing identifying markers caused by the growth conditions.

Distinguishing Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds

To the unaided eye, lab grown and natural diamonds appear identical. However, skilled gemologists can detect subtle differences under high magnification, such as variations in growth structure and inclusions. Advanced gemological instruments can also reveal specific growth patterns unique to lab created diamonds, along with fluorescence characteristics and distinct internal features.

Key Identifiers of Lab Grown Diamonds

Growth Patterns: HPHT and CVD diamonds display growth structures that slightly differ from the octahedral patterns found in natural diamonds. These variations are only visible through specialized equipment.

Inclusions: Natural diamonds often contain inclusions from earth-formed minerals, while lab grown diamonds may exhibit metallic inclusions or other trace markers from their creation process.

Laser Inscription: Many lab created diamonds feature a microscopic engraving on the girdle, indicating their lab origin for transparency and authentication.

Think you can spot the difference? Test your eye with these side-by-side comparisons and see if you can distinguish between nature’s masterpiece and human innovation.

Lab Grown Diamond FAQ

What’s the main difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?

The main difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is origin: lab grown diamonds are created in laboratories, while natural diamonds are mined from the Earth.

Can jewelers tell the difference between diamonds and lab created diamonds?

Most jewelers cannot tell the difference between lab created and natural diamonds without specialized tools. Gemologists use advanced equipment, like UV light and high-magnification microscopes, to detect growth characteristics unique to lab diamonds.

What are lab grown diamonds made of?

Lab grown diamonds are composed almost entirely of carbon, arranged in a crystalline structure identical to that of natural diamonds. This structure gives diamonds their signature hardness, brilliance, and light-reflecting properties.

Can you tell if a diamond is lab grown?

Yes, but only with specialized equipment and training. Under high magnification, gemologists look for certain growth patterns, fluorescence, or inclusions unique to the CVD or HPHT process to determine if a diamond is lab grown. Many lab diamonds also carry laser inscriptions indicating they were created in a lab.

What are lab grown diamonds called?

Lab grown diamonds are also referred to as lab created diamonds, man-made diamonds, engineered diamonds, or cultured diamonds. “Lab grown” emphasizes that these diamonds are real, created in a laboratory rather than mined.

What is a man made diamond?

A man-made diamond is another term for a lab grown diamond, referring to a diamond created in a controlled environment rather than found in nature.

Are lab grown diamonds fake?

No, lab grown diamonds are not fake. They are real diamonds with the same chemical, optical, and physical properties as natural diamonds, both sharing the same carbon-based structure.

Are lab grown diamonds as hard as natural diamonds?

Yes, lab grown diamonds are as hard as natural diamonds, with a rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This hardness makes both lab grown and natural diamonds highly resistant to scratching and ideal for long-lasting jewelry.

Are lab diamonds as good as real diamonds?

Lab diamonds match natural diamonds in brilliance, durability, and quality, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a genuine diamond at a more affordable price.

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