Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

One of the most common questions we’re asked at Diamond Lab is:
“Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds, or are they just imitations?”

It’s a fair question—especially when you’re making a once-in-a-lifetime purchase like an engagement ring.

The short answer?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds.

In this blog, we’ll explain why, break down what “real” means in the jewellery industry, and clarify the key differences between lab grown and mined diamonds—without the myths or marketing noise.

What Makes a Diamond 'Real'?

The word “real” can mean different things to different people. In gemology, a real diamond is defined by its atomic structure, physical properties, and optical characteristics.

Lab grown diamonds are:

• Pure crystallised carbon, arranged in the same cubic crystal system

• Graded by top institutes like GIA and IGI

• Visually, physically, and chemically identical to mined diamonds

They are not cubic zirconia, moissanite, or diamond simulants.
They are actual diamonds, just grown above ground.

How Are Lab Diamonds Made?

Lab grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that replicates the Earth’s natural diamond-forming environment. There are two primary methods:

1. HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature)

Simulates the natural forces beneath the Earth’s crust—extreme heat and pressure—to form a diamond around a small carbon seed.

2. CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition)

Uses carbon-rich gas in a plasma chamber to grow a diamond layer by layer on a seed, allowing for precise control over clarity and size.

Both methods produce authentic, certifiable diamonds, suitable for fine jewellery.

Lab Grown vs Mined Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

The biggest difference is how the diamond is formed—not what it is.

💎 Curious to see the real beauty of lab grown diamonds?
Explore the Luna Pear Solitaire Ring—available with certified lab or moissanite centre stones.

What Do the Experts Say?

Leading institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and International Gemological Institute (IGI) recognise lab diamonds as real diamonds. They are graded with the same standards for:

• Cut

• Colour

• Clarity

• Carat

Both mined and lab grown diamonds can be flawless, or contain inclusions. Both are laser inscribed with certificate numbers. Both can last a lifetime.

Are They as Durable and Brilliant?

Absolutely.

Lab grown diamonds score a 10/10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them just as suitable for daily wear, including engagement rings and heirlooms. They are:

• Scratch-resistant

• Heat-resistant

• Brilliant and fiery (thanks to precise cutting)

A well-cut lab diamond will deliver the same sparkle, fire, and elegance as a top-quality mined diamond.

Common Myths, Debunked

❌ Myth: “Lab diamonds are fake”
✅ Truth: They are chemically identical to mined diamonds.

❌ Myth: “They don’t hold value”
✅ Truth: Value is tied to demand, quality, and resale options—just like mined diamonds.

❌ Myth: “You can tell the difference”
✅ Truth: Only a diamond tester or grading lab can tell lab from mined.

Why Choose Lab Grown Diamonds?

Choosing lab grown means:

• Ethical sourcing with no environmental destruction

• Transparent pricing

• Better value for carat, colour, and clarity

• Access to larger, cleaner stones at a lower cost

Many of our clients choose lab diamonds not just for what they are—but for what they represent: modern values, smart luxury, and conscious craftsmanship.

Final Thoughts: Real, Responsible, Radiant

To call lab diamonds “not real” is to misunderstand their nature. They are born from science, not substitution. They sparkle, endure, and celebrate love just as beautifully as any stone pulled from the earth.

So, yes—lab grown diamonds are real.
And they’re redefining what luxury can be.

Want to See a Lab Diamond in Person?

Visit our Perth showroom or book a virtual consultation. We’ll walk you through certified stones, help you understand the differences, and create a design that reflects your values and vision.

📍 Book Your Appointment