Lab Grown Diamonds vs Mined Diamonds – Who Wins?
When shopping for a diamond—especially an engagement ring—you're faced with a growing choice:
Should you choose a lab grown diamond or a traditionally mined one?
Both are real, both sparkle brilliantly, and both can last a lifetime. But they differ in origin, ethics, cost, and sustainability. In this guide, we’ll compare lab grown and mined diamonds across the key factors that matter most to today’s buyers—and help you decide which diamond truly wins for you.
1. Origin – Above Ground vs Below the Earth
Mined Diamonds:
Formed 80–120 miles below the Earth’s surface over billions of years. Extracted through large-scale mining operations, often in Africa, Russia, Canada, or Australia.
Lab Grown Diamonds:
Created in advanced laboratories using HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) methods. Grown over 2–6 weeks in controlled conditions.
💡 Both have the same crystal structure: carbon atoms arranged in a cubic system.
2. Are They Real Diamonds?
Yes.
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds—chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined ones. They are:
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Certified by GIA or IGI
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Graded using the same 4Cs
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Just as hard (10 on the Mohs scale)
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Visually indistinguishable without specialised equipment
Simulants like moissanite or cubic zirconia are not real diamonds. But lab grown diamonds are—and they can be just as rare and beautiful.
3. Quality – Is There a Difference?
Both lab grown and mined diamonds can achieve the highest grades in cut, clarity, colour, and carat. However:
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Lab diamonds often have better clarity and colour because of controlled growth
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Mined diamonds may contain more natural inclusions due to geological formation
Ultimately, quality depends on individual grading, not origin. A GIA-certified lab diamond graded D/VVS1/Excellent is just as elite as a mined one.
💎 See premium clarity in the
👉 Elysian Pear Three-Stone Ring
4. Price – Lab Grown Offers Better Value
Lab grown diamonds are generally 30–50% less expensive than mined diamonds of the same size and quality.
Example:
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1.5ct mined diamond, D/VVS2 = $10,000+
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1.5ct lab grown diamond, D/VVS2 = $5,000–$6,000
Why the difference?
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Mined diamonds require extensive labour, energy, and land
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Lab diamonds have shorter supply chains and fewer middlemen
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No premium is paid for geological rarity
That means you can go bigger or cleaner without exceeding your budget.
5. Ethics – Conflict-Free & Transparent
Mined Diamonds:
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Some are conflict-free and responsibly sourced
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Others may be linked to environmental destruction or unethical labour
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Traceability is improving—but not guaranteed in all regions
Lab Grown Diamonds:
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Always conflict-free
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Created in regulated, controlled labs
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Transparent sourcing with full certification
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No communities displaced, no ecosystems destroyed
For many couples, lab diamonds offer peace of mind and integrity.
6. Environmental Impact – A Clear Winner
Mined diamonds can involve:
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Up to 100 tonnes of earth moved per carat
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Significant water and energy usage
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Carbon emissions and habitat loss
Lab grown diamonds use:
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Up to 90% less water
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Fewer emissions (especially from renewable-powered labs)
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No land disruption or mining-related waste
🌱 For the sustainability-conscious buyer, lab diamonds are the clear environmental choice.
7. Resale Value – The Most Misunderstood Factor
Mined diamonds traditionally hold slightly better resale value, especially antique or rare cuts. But it’s important to know:
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All diamond resale value is lower than purchase price
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Value depends on brand, certification, and condition
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Most people keep their diamonds, so resale isn’t a common priority
The better question is: Are you buying for beauty and meaning—or as a commodity?
So… Who Wins?
Category | Winner |
---|---|
Visual Beauty | Tie |
Ethics | Lab Grown ✅ |
Environmental Impact | Lab Grown ✅ |
Price & Value | Lab Grown ✅ |
Resale Potential | Slight edge to Mined |
Certification | Tie |
Durability | Tie |
Final Verdict
If you value ethics, sustainability, and modern luxury, lab grown diamonds offer equal beauty with greater peace of mind. They’re real, radiant, and responsibly made—perfect for couples who want their jewellery to reflect their values.
If your heart is set on a mined diamond for its rarity or tradition, that’s valid too. The key is being informed—so your choice is made with confidence.
Want to Compare Stones in Person?
We invite you to explore lab grown diamonds at our Perth showroom or via virtual consultation. We'll guide you through side-by-side comparisons so you can see the difference for yourself.
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