Lab grown diamond myths and facts
Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab Grown Diamonds: Busting The Myths

by Keyur Koshiya on Sep 04, 2024

Myth 1: Lab Grown Diamonds Aren't Real Diamonds

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real

The Truth:

First, there is a general misconception that lab grown diamonds are not the same as natural diamonds that has to be resolved. The United States of America is rather rich in this phenomenon. Between real diamonds and synthetic diamonds created in a laboratory, it is almost impossible to tell them apart.

These objects' physical characteristics, chemical content, and look have been discovered to be exactly like those of ground recovered diamonds. The results of the research have helped one to ascertain this. Not one thing stands out between the two that would be easy to pick out. At first in the relationship, they are the most unlike one another that you could fathom. Their first interaction with each other could be found at this point in time.

Natural diamonds arise deep inside the mantle of the earth, during a time span spanning billions of years, and at very high temperatures. This method requires high temperatures to be implemented. Regarding the temperature and the pressure, the present circumstances are quite high throughout this process.

Conversely, laboratory grown diamonds are created in an environment under strict control utilizing contemporary technology methods meant to replicate natural environments. Manufacturing the diamonds in a lab helps one do this. This environment was created to enable diamond production.

Diamond Property Mined Diamond Lab grown Diamond
Chemical Composition C (crystalline Carbon) C (crystalline Carbon)
Crystalline Structure Cubic Cubic
Refractive Index 2.42 2.42
Dispersion 0.044 0.044
Hardness 10 10
Density 3.52 3.52

Myth 2: Lab Grown Diamonds Are Fake or Imitation

Lab Grown Diamonds Fake

The Truth:

The second fallacy holds that most of the created diamonds in laboratories are either fakes or copies. This is so because many times laboratories create fake diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are created from real materials; they are diamonds, unlike diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia or moissanite.

This is so because genuine elements produce artificial diamonds. It is impossible to do so in any way since it cannot distinguish between the two. Comprising carbon atoms organized in a crystalline form, they are on par with actual diamonds. The fact that they are made of carbon accounts for everything.

The structure of diamonds is the same one they possess inside their framework. Made in a lab and categorized as lab grown diamond, laboratory grown diamond are One class of diamond are lab grown. Conversely, mining methods help us obtain natural diamonds from the ground.

One of the main differences between natural diamonds and lab grown diamonds is the presence of this feature, which defines both kinds of diamonds. Natural diamonds are those obtained from the earth; so, the phrase "natural diamond" refers to those gems.

Myth 3: Lab Grown Diamonds Are of Inferior Quality

The Truth:

The third story holds that real diamonds are thought to be better than synthetic diamonds created in a lab. Lab grown diamonds are well-known to have not only the same quality as natural diamonds but even better. One cannot argue in any way, shape, or form about the truthfulness of this topic. All things considered, this could turn out to be happening.

A correct simulation of the surroundings in which natural diamonds are found helps scientists lower the frequency of defects and impurities in lab grown diamonds. Real diamonds are discovered in the environment; hence, this is realistic. This procedure lowers the likelihood that lab grown diamonds will contain certain pollutants. Surrounding this location, one can find natural diamonds that can be unearthed here.

This helps them identify natural diamonds more frequently than they would be able to ascertain under any other condition. Given this, it is feasible for lab grown diamonds to show a very high degree of color purity. This is thus a result of this reality.

Quality Lab-Grown Diamonds Mined Diamonds
Chemical Composition Identical carbon structures (pure carbon) Identical carbon structures (pure carbon)
Physical Properties Same hardness (10 on Mohs scale), density, and refractive index Same hardness (10 on Mohs scale), density, and refractive index
Appearance Indistinguishable from mined diamonds to the naked eye Indistinguishable from lab-grown diamonds to the naked eye

Myth 4: Lab-Grown Diamonds Aren't Valuable

The Truth:

On the other hand, the fourth fallacy claims that lab grown diamonds have absolutely no worth whatsoever. The first mistake is not this; this is the reverse. Though their costs are usually lower than those of natural diamonds, the truth is that lab grown diamonds are real. This is true even if lab grown diamonds are not almost as valuable as naturally occurring diamonds.

The main cause of the cost difference is the result, which is both a shorter supply chain and less expensive manufacturing costs. This turns out to be the fundamental reason for the variation. Both of these aspects help to produce this lower cost. This is the plausible explanation that could be credited; hence, one might attribute most of the cost variation to this one.

Lab grown diamonds are an excellent and affordable alternative to natural diamonds. Created in a controlled environment, these synthetic diamonds offer the same beauty and quality as natural ones.

Aspect Lab-Grown Diamonds Mined Diamonds
Price Typically far less expensive than mined diamonds Generally more expensive due to extraction and supply chain costs
Quality Control Can be produced with fewer imperfections and higher quality Quality varies depending on the source and mining conditions
Environmental Impact Lower environmental impact (no mining, less energy-intensive) Higher environmental impact (mining, land disturbance, energy use)
Ethical Considerations No associated human rights issues or conflict zones Potential association with conflict zones and unethical labor practices
Availability More readily available and customizable in terms of size and quality Availability depends on mining yields and market supply

Myth 5: Lab Grown Diamonds Are All Identical

The Truth:

Every single lab created diamond challenges the fifth illusion since each one has its own characteristics. Lab-grown diamonds range in size and form much as naturally occurring diamonds do. They can also have a rather wide spectrum of unusual traits.

These unique features make lab grown diamond remarkable in comparison to natural diamond. Using the same standards as natural diamond, respected gemological laboratories grade lab grown diamond: the "4 Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight". These criteria define the diamond quality.

Lab-grown diamond is graded using the same technique applied for natural diamonds. These qualities help the diamond industry evaluate the quality of their sold diamonds. Consequently, one should anticipate the same strict quality assurance when purchasing lab grown diamond as with natural diamonds.

Fact
Lab grown diamonds can vary in terms of quality, size, color, and clarity, just like natural diamonds. Different production methods and technologies result in a range of characteristics and qualities.

Myth 6: Lab Grown Diamonds Turn Cloudy or Yellow Over Time

The Truth:

A lab grown diamond is as stable as any diamond. It does not get cloudy, change color or lose its sparkle with age. This myth usually comes from confusion with cheap simulants or plated jewelry, which can scratch, wear or discolor.

When a diamond does look dull, the cause is a film of skin oil, lotion, soap or dust on the stone, especially on the underside where light enters. A soak in warm water with mild dish soap and a gentle brush brings the sparkle straight back. Our jewelry care guide explains the routine, and do lab grown diamonds last forever covers long-term durability.

Myth 7: A Diamond Tester Will Expose a Lab Grown Diamond

The Truth:

Standard handheld diamond testers measure thermal conductivity, how quickly heat moves through the stone. Lab grown diamonds conduct heat exactly like mined diamonds, so they test as diamond. They are not tricking the tester; they simply are diamond.

Separating lab grown from mined requires advanced equipment at a gemological lab, which looks at growth patterns, fluorescence behavior and trace elements. For a graded stone, the simplest check is the laser inscription on the girdle, which can be matched to the grading report. Learn more in how to tell if a diamond is lab grown.

Myth 8: Lab Grown Diamonds Are Just Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia

The Truth:

These are three different materials. Moissanite and cubic zirconia are separate gemstones that can be used in place of diamond, while a lab grown diamond is diamond.

Property Lab grown diamond Moissanite Cubic zirconia
Material Carbon Silicon carbide Zirconium dioxide
Hardness (Mohs) 10 9.25 About 8 to 8.5
Refractive index About 2.42 About 2.65 About 2.15
Look Classic diamond sparkle More rainbow fire Bright at first, wears faster

Moissanite is a beautiful, durable choice in its own right; it simply is not diamond. Always check that a listing names the material clearly.

Myth 9: Lab Grown Diamonds Are Not Graded or Certified

The Truth:

Independent laboratories grade lab grown diamonds using the same cut, color, clarity and carat standards as mined diamonds. IGI and GIA both issue reports for lab grown diamonds, and the report clearly states that the stone is laboratory grown.

A report typically lists the shape, measurements, carat weight, color grade, clarity grade, polish, symmetry and fluorescence, and for round stones a cut grade. It may also note the growth method or any post-growth treatment. For a center stone, reading the report is the best way to know exactly what you are buying.

Shop the styles in this guide

Myth 10: Lab Grown Diamonds Cannot Handle Everyday Wear

The Truth:

At 10 on the Mohs scale, a lab grown diamond resists scratching better than any other gem, which makes it ideal for engagement rings, wedding bands and tennis bracelets worn every day. Like all diamonds, it can chip if a thin edge or sharp point takes a hard knock, so the setting matters more than the stone.

  • Choose prongs or V-tips that cover the points of pear, marquise and princess shapes.
  • Consider a bezel or lower-profile setting for very active hands.
  • Pick 10K or 14K gold for rings that take daily knocks; they are harder wearing than 18K gold or sterling silver.

Pieces like lab grown diamond wedding bands and lab diamond bracelets are designed for exactly this kind of daily wear.

Myth 11: Lab Grown Diamonds Have No Environmental Impact at All

The Truth:

This myth runs the other way. Lab grown diamonds avoid mining, but growing them takes a large amount of electricity, so the footprint depends on how that power is generated and how efficiently the grower operates. "Lab grown" alone does not make a stone carbon neutral.

If sustainability is a priority, ask whether the grower discloses its production and energy sources, and look for any independent rating that names who verified it. Be cautious with broad green claims that cannot be checked.

Myth 12: Because They Cost Less, You Should Buy the Highest Grades

The Truth:

Lower cost tempts many buyers to go straight for D color and flawless clarity. Once set, those grades usually look the same as a well-chosen near-colorless, eye-clean stone. The grade that most changes what you see is cut, because it controls how much light comes back to your eye.

A smarter order of priorities is cut first, then a color and clarity that look clean and white in your chosen metal, then carat weight. A classic lab diamond solitaire ring shows the difference a well-cut center stone makes.

Myth 13: CVD Diamonds Are Worse Than HPHT Diamonds (or the Other Way Around)

The Truth:

CVD (chemical vapor deposition) and HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) are simply two ways to grow a diamond crystal. CVD builds carbon onto a diamond seed layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas, while HPHT dissolves carbon in molten metal under intense heat and pressure so it crystallizes on a seed.

Each method can produce excellent stones and each can produce poor ones. CVD crystals sometimes receive a post-growth heat treatment to improve color, which is permanent and is usually noted on the grading report. HPHT crystals can contain small metallic inclusions, which are graded like any other clarity feature. Judge the finished diamond by its report and how it looks, not by the growth method alone.

Myth 14: Lab Grown Diamonds Are Only for Budget Engagement Rings

The Truth:

Engagement rings are the best-known use, but lab grown diamonds now appear across fine jewelry: stud earrings, tennis bracelets, pendants, wedding bands, men's rings and statement hip hop pieces. Because the stones are real diamonds, they bring the same hardness and sparkle to every one of these categories.

Lab grown diamonds also make high-impact designs practical, such as fully iced pendants and chains with many matched stones. Browse our lab grown diamond hip hop jewelry to see how far the material goes beyond bridal.

Myth vs Fact at a Glance

Myth Fact
They aren't real diamonds They are carbon with diamond's crystal structure, hardness and optics
They are fakes like cubic zirconia Simulants imitate diamond; lab grown diamonds are diamond
They are lower quality They are graded on the same scales, and quality varies stone to stone
They turn cloudy They don't; dirt and oil cause dullness
Testers catch them Standard testers read them as diamond; origin needs lab equipment
They aren't graded IGI and GIA both grade them
They can't take daily wear They are 10 on the Mohs scale; choose a protective setting
They have zero footprint Impact depends on energy use and how the grower operates

How to Shop Without Falling for Myths

  1. Confirm the listing names the stone as lab grown diamond, not moissanite or a simulant.
  2. For a center stone, ask for the grading report and check the laser inscription.
  3. Prioritize cut, then choose color and clarity that look clean in your metal.
  4. Pick a setting that protects points and edges for the way you live.
  5. Choose your metal: 925 sterling silver for lighter-wear pieces, 10K to 18K gold for daily rings.
  6. Measure your ring size carefully with our ring size chart; every Ivevar piece is made to order.
  7. Buy because you love it, and treat resale value as a bonus rather than a plan.

Ready to choose? Browse our lab grown diamond engagement rings or compare stones in our moissanite vs lab grown diamond guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are lab grown diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds created in a laboratory using advanced technological processes. They have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds.

How can I tell if a diamond is lab grown?

Lab grown diamonds can be identified through specialized equipment used by gemological laboratories. They often have microscopic laser inscriptions indicating their lab-grown origin, which can be verified with a loupe or microscope.

Are lab grown diamonds a good investment?

Lab grown diamonds offer excellent value for money and are a great choice for those looking for beautiful, ethical, and affordable diamonds. However, like most consumer goods, they may not appreciate over time like natural diamonds.

Do lab grown diamonds have a resale value?

Lab grown diamonds do have a resale value, though it may not be as high as that of natural diamonds. The resale market for lab-grown diamonds is still developing, but their popularity continues to grow.

Can lab grown diamonds be insured?

Yes, lab grown diamonds can be insured just like natural diamonds. Many insurance companies offer policies that cover lab-grown diamond jewelry.

Do lab grown diamonds fade or change color?

No. Their color is stable for life. If a stone looks dull, clean it; the cause is almost always oil and dirt.

Will a jeweler know my diamond is lab grown?

Not by looking or with a standard tester. A jeweler would need lab equipment, or would read the laser inscription and check the report.

Are lab grown diamonds and moissanite the same?

No. A lab grown diamond is carbon and rates 10 on the Mohs scale; moissanite is silicon carbide, rates 9.25 and shows more colorful fire.

Conclusion

Lab grown diamonds are an amazing and real substitute for naturally occurring diamonds. Understanding and clarifying these misconceptions allows you to make an informed choice. Lab grown diamonds are a gorgeous, premium, and reasonably priced alternative suitable for engagement rings, gifts, and personal use. Embrace their brilliance and let their shine brighten your life.