One of the first questions that comes to mind when talking about diamonds is: are lab grown diamonds real? The answer is a resounding yes. 

Lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to their earth-mined counterparts; the only difference between them lies in the process in which they’re formed. For example, lab grown diamonds are made in a laboratory setting, where conditions are made to mimic those deep within the earth. 

The method: There are two key methods for growing lab diamonds: CVD and HPHT. Both processes start with a diamond ‘seed’ which is heated in a chamber that reaches temperatures of up to 800 degrees Celsius. The two methods differ slightly, but both are, in essence, highly sped-up versions of the natural diamond formation process. 

The process of creating earth-mined diamonds is not dissimilar to that of a lab grown diamond, in that extremely high temperatures form diamond crystals. The main difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is that with natural diamonds, this process occurs in the earth over a very long period — often billions of years. 

Did you know? An earth-mined diamond is formed deep underground by pressure and natural heating of the earth, and the fully-formed rough diamonds are then mined, manufactured and polished. 

So what is the difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond? The answer might be surprising, but the differences are very few. The two types of diamonds will be indistinguishable to the naked eye, and even under a microscope, only a trained eye can detect the difference. 

The differences are more centred around personal choice, with one of the most notable being the price tag. Lab grown diamonds are easier and significantly quicker to produce (by a couple of billion years), meaning their market value is lower. This means they're more affordable; the choice is evident when you can secure real ethical diamonds at a fraction of the price.

Lab grown diamonds also offer a more sustainable option for the conscious-minded; it’s well-known that earth-mined diamonds cause harm and displacement to land and communities and are linked to unacceptable human labour. Lab grown diamonds avoid all of these sad realities.

A note from Fyne: Sadly, the lab grown diamond market still exists in nations currently at war, such as Russia and Israel, which allows them to continue to profit from this industry. By choosing Fyne jewellery with lab grown diamonds, you can be sure you’re making a sustainable and ethical choice, as we don’t source our lab diamonds from either of these countries.

On any test, lab grown diamonds do show up as real diamonds, simply because they are. Research by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recommended the disuse of the word ‘synthetic’, as lab grown diamonds are real — by every possible measure. The GIA now assesses lab grown diamonds in terms of colour, clarity and cut, which are identical to the measures used for their earth-mined counterparts.

Some specific lab tests can tell the difference between the two types of diamonds. For example, One of the key indicators is a difference in inclusions and blemishes seen in lab grown diamonds. These are incredibly subtle and can be as simple as a differing graining pattern. Despite these differences, a lab created diamond will not be of lesser quality; every diamond (regardless of origin) will vary in terms of quality, and this is purely down to how they form. 

One of the key advantages of lab grown diamonds vs natural diamonds is their much more reasonable price tag. This is mainly led by the commercial availability of lab diamonds; there is no limit to how many lab grown diamonds can be produced, and the whole process, from diamond seed to fully-grown diamond, can take less than a month. 

For this reason, lab grown diamonds are a much more affordable option. This allows you to explore a broader range of options, including a higher grade of diamond, more expensive cuts or colours, or a bigger carat of diamond — all for noticeably less than a natural diamond. 

Note: The larger the lab grown diamond, the harder it is to control the strength of factors like colour or clarity. This means that while technically an infinite amount of lab diamonds can be made, this may influence the quality overall. 

Like anything, there are pros and cons to buying lab grown diamonds vs natural diamonds. Many of these ultimately come down to personal preference, so it’s worth weighing up what is important to you when deciding what type of diamond to buy. 

Competitive Market

Due to the availability of lab grown diamonds (which aren’t limited like earth-mined diamonds), they are often more competitively priced. Lab grown diamonds are typically cheaper, meaning you can have a real diamond for significantly less. This is an essential factor in your decision-making, perhaps allowing you to opt for a higher grade or larger-sized diamond for your budget. 

Sustainability & Ethics 

The dark side of natural diamonds is quite well-known, from forced labour to displacing land and wildlife for mining purposes. In light of this, lab created diamonds offer a real diamond that is physically identical but without the devastating impacts associated with diamond mining. That being said, it’s important to research your jeweller's approach to renewable energy and processes before you purchase. Not all companies take this into consideration, even though it’s an essential part of slow and sustainable fashion.  

Traceability

One of the most significant advantages of a lab grown diamond is that it is easy to trace — the supply chain and process are often much more transparent, with many companies offering lab-grown diamond certificates. These general certificates show their origin, with many companies going a step further to provide an SGS certification that shows compliance with the correct legal processes. Note: We offer SGS certification for all of our jewellery on request.

Browse our rings with lab grown diamonds to find your dream piece, perfect for engagements, anniversaries, or special occasions.

Resale Value

While there are very few cons to choosing lab created diamonds, it is worth noting that their market resale value is lower than their earth-mined equivalents. Natural diamonds are rarer, and there is a finite amount, something which can be an important factor for buyers. That being said, it’s a myth that the resale value of earth-mined diamonds is a worthy investment. The only investment-grade diamonds are in ultra-rare colours or sizes, usually costing tens of millions of dollars.

Natural diamonds also have their own pros and cons. The key advantages lie in their market and resale value, while the cons are rooted in ethics and sustainability.

Greater resale value

Arguably, the biggest advantage of a natural diamond is its value. These diamonds tend to retain their value better than lab grown equivalents, although it’s important to note that the resale value will usually always be less. This means that if you buy an earth-mined diamond engagement ring, you will never get the wholesale value of the diamonds back. This is down to a few factors, such as jewellers (understandably) putting a margin on the item and trends that have seen weaker demand for earth-mined diamonds — leading to a steady decline in their value over the last few years.

Rarity

There are many natural diamonds in existence (the ones you’ll usually find in engagement rings), and this abundance means they’re not necessarily considered ‘rarer’ than lab grown. The only truly ‘rare’ diamond is the ultra-rare kind, known for its unusual sizes and colours. These unique gems are usually worth tens of millions of dollars and are not typically accessible to the average consumer. 

Higher Price Tag

Considering that lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds are chemically identical, natural diamonds carry a significantly higher price tag, as high as 60-85%. Although for some, this may feel worth it (due to the reasons mentioned above), for many, it’s simply not worth paying the extra for an identical diamond. 

Less sustainable

Natural diamonds are often viewed as problematic in terms of their environmental impact; the carbon footprint of a diamond is usually considerable as they are traded across the world. Additionally, diamond mining often causes whole communities and livestock to be displaced, with a huge environmental impact. 

Modern slavery risk

Across the world, diamond mining processes involve slavery and child labour, making natural diamonds a morally dubious option. 

For those concerned with the story behind their jewellery purchase, lab grown diamonds are the way forward. As detailed above, lab created diamonds are more traceable, cause less damage to land and natural habitats, and don’t involve slavery or child labour in their journey. 

Sustainability is the driving force of everything we do; we have the steadfast mindset that jewellery cannot feel good unless it comes hand-in-hand with solid ethics. Join us in leading the way to a more sustainable future by choosing an option with the smallest carbon footprint, with traceability and accountability considered at every stage.