This guide explains the differences between lab grown and mined diamonds. Both are real diamonds, with the same chemical, physical and optical properties. They differ in where they come from, how rare they are and what they cost.

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds produced in a controlled laboratory setting. Chemically, physically, and optically, lab diamonds are identical to natural diamonds, with the same hardness, brilliance, and fire. Unlike natural diamonds that form over billions of years deep within the Earth’s mantle, lab diamonds can be created in just weeks to months.

Types of Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds start as tiny carbon seeds from pre-existing diamonds. There are two primary techniques used to create lab diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

  • HPHT Lab Grown Diamonds: This method mimics the natural conditions under which diamonds form inside the Earth. A diamond seed is placed in a chamber and subjected to intense heat (over 2,000 degrees Celsius) and pressure (1.5 million pounds per square inch). The carbon atoms in the chamber bond with the seed, crystallizing into a diamond.
  • CVD Lab Grown Diamonds: This method starts with a thin piece of diamond seed being placed in a vacuum chamber filled with a carbon-rich gas mixture (typically methane and hydrogen) that’s heated to break down the gas molecules. Carbon atoms settle onto the seed, building layer by layer until the diamond reaches its desired size. Some CVD diamonds undergo additional pressure and heat treatment after growth.

Both methods simulate part of the natural diamond-forming process, resulting in high-quality diamonds that are identical to mined diamonds in every way. After several days, a rough diamond is created, then cut, polished, and set in jewelry. Both methods yield real diamonds with no differences in durability or quality, differing only in growth patterns and production time.

With the naked eye, it’s impossible to differentiate between natural diamonds, HPHT lab diamonds, and CVD lab diamonds; only experts can identify subtle markers related to growth patterns.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?

Yes — lab-grown diamonds are just as real as natural diamonds. Despite common misconceptions, they share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties.

Some of the most common myths include:

  • Lab-grown diamonds are “fake.”
    This is false. Lab-grown diamonds are genuine diamonds with the same atomic structure as natural diamonds.
  • Lab-grown diamonds look different.
    This is untrue. To the naked eye, and even to trained professionals, lab-grown and natural diamonds are indistinguishable without specialized equipment.
  • Lab-grown diamonds are less durable.
    This is incorrect. Lab-grown diamonds have the same hardness as natural diamonds — a 10 on the Mohs scale.
  • Lab-grown diamonds are flawless.
    Not true. Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can contain inclusions and natural variations.

The only true difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds is how they are formed. Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments, while natural diamonds develop deep within the Earth over millions of years. In every other way, lab-grown diamonds are identical — and 100% real.

Lab Grown vs Natural Diamond vs Moissanite

Compare lab grown diamonds, natural diamonds, and moissanite side by side to understand their brilliance, durability, rarity, and value.

Diamond Comparison Chart
Lab Grown Diamond Natural Diamond Moissanite
Durability 10 on the Mohs scale 10 on the Mohs scale 9.25 on the Mohs scale
Brilliance Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 Higher brilliance with a refractive index around 2.65
Color Primarily colorless, but can also be created in vivid fancy color options. Primarily colorless, but can also naturally occur in pink, blue, yellow, and rare shades. Usually colorless or near-colorless, but may show rainbow-like reflections.
Grading Graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat. Graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat. Typically graded by cut, color, clarity, and size.
Certification Certified by reputable gemological institutions. Certified by reputable gemological institutions. Can be certified by select gemological laboratories.
Origin Grown in controlled laboratories over several days to weeks and then cut and polished. Formed naturally deep within the Earth over billions of years before mining and polishing. Usually lab-created from silicon carbide specifically for jewelry purposes.
Rarity Can be produced in increasing quantities as technology advances. Limited quantities based on geological availability. Widely available because most moissanite used in jewelry is lab-created.
Price Lower cost than natural diamonds. Higher cost due to rarity and mining processes. Generally the most affordable option among all three.

Benefits of Lab Created Diamonds

The truth is that there is no need to take diamonds from nature because they can be created in laboratories, making them a conflict free, modern luxury that exudes ethical beauty — all while being an ethically sourced alternative to mined diamonds.

What are the main benefits of buying a lab grown diamond vs natural diamonds?

Affordable

The first is that they are more affordable. Lab grown diamonds are made in a laboratory instead of being mined, so they do not carry the costs of finding and mining rare stones. A lab grown diamond usually costs much less than a mined diamond of a similar size and grade. See real prices by carat in our lab grown diamond price guide.

Quality

Still, many consumers may share the same question: Are lab grown diamonds as strong as real diamonds? When you compare the two, they are exactly the same. So, if you're looking for a high-quality diamond that is more affordable and has less of an environmental impact, then a lab grown diamond is the perfect choice for you.

No Impact from Mining

Another benefit is that they don't have the negative environmental impact that comes with mining. The process of mining can damage the environment and the ecosystem in the area where the mining is taking place. It can also have a negative impact on the people who live near the mine through water and air pollution. On the other hand, lab created diamonds are made in a lab where no mining is required, making lab grown diamonds an ethically minded and socially responsible alternative.

In addition to all these great features, with a lab grown diamond, you’ll have a conflict-free diamond stone. Conflict diamonds, often known as "blood diamonds," are gemstones mined in territories controlled by rebel forces opposed to internationally recognized governments. The rebels sell these diamonds and use the proceeds to buy weapons or support military operations.

Lab grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds, which means they are just as hard and just as durable. The only difference appears in the trace elements found within the diamond. It takes specialized equipment to identify a lab grown diamond vs natural grown diamonds.

Impact on Nature

Soil erosion, deforestation, and ecosystem damage are only a few of the many negative effects of diamond mining on the environment. Water resources are also impacted by the extraction. The ecosystem’s water supplies and water quality are both impacted by mining.

In the end, these facts mean that many effects of extracting diamonds are very bad for the environment. This brings us to another good question, what's the bottom line? If you're looking for a high-quality diamond that is both ethical and more affordable then a lab grown diamond is the perfect choice for you. Lab grown diamonds offer the same intrinsic beauty and durability as traditional, mined diamonds, only with fewer downsides.

The truth is that a lab grown diamond is indistinguishable from a mined diamond in nearly all ways, offering buyers an ethical, yet affordable mined diamond alternative that will make the perfect focal point of any engagement ring or other piece of fine jewelry.

Lab Grown Diamond FAQ

Q: How do companies create lab grown diamonds?

Two methods can produce jewelry-quality diamonds: HPHT and CVD.

HPHT is an abbreviation for High Pressure/High Temperature. This method replicates the natural formation of diamonds by subjecting carbon to high temperatures and pressing it together.

CVD is an abbreviation for Chemical Vapor Deposition. A seed crystal chamber is filled with a mixture of hydrogen and methane gas. Microwave power often heats the chamber to a high temperature, which excites the gas. The diamond grows on the seed crystal.

Q: What is a lab grown diamond certificate?

A lab grown diamond certificate (or grading report) is an independent lab’s description of one specific diamond: its carat weight, measurements, color, clarity and cut, and a clear statement that it is laboratory-grown.

IGI (the International Gemological Institute) grades lab grown diamonds on the full 4 Cs. Since October 2025, GIA places lab grown diamonds in a “Premium” or “Standard” group instead of giving exact color and clarity grades. Every Milagros center stone comes with its own IGI report. Learn how to read and check an IGI report.

Q: What is the main difference between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds?

The main difference is how each one is made. The mined diamond is formed by a natural process dependent on extremely long, natural factors. On the other hand, the laboratory diamond is a more efficient approach to producing diamonds with the same appearance and physical, chemical, optical, and atomic properties.

Furthermore, there are many difficulties in extracting mineral diamonds, while those made in laboratories are much conflict-free and ethically sourced.

Q: What is the main difference between lab grown diamonds vs natural diamonds?

The main difference is how each one is made. The mineral diamond is formed by a natural process dependent on extremely long natural factors. On the other hand, the laboratory diamond is a more efficient approach to producing diamonds with the same appearance and physical, chemical, optical, and atomic properties.

Furthermore, there are many difficulties in extracting mineral diamonds, while those made in laboratories are much more ethical and budget-friendly.

Q: Are lab grown diamonds worth it?

For most people, yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds and usually cost much less than mined diamonds of the same size and quality, so your budget goes further. See our price guide by carat.

Q: What is the future of lab grown diamonds?

They are real diamonds, they usually cost less than mined diamonds of the same size and quality, and they do not require mining. That is why many couples now choose them.