When shopping for fine jewelry, particularly engagement rings, one of the most common questions that arises is, “Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?” The answer is unequivocal: yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, making them indistinguishable to the naked eye. You need some serious gemological knowhow and sophisticated and costly equipment to know if a diamond is lab grown.
In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the authenticity and quality of lab-grown diamonds and how they compare to natural diamonds.
What Makes a Diamond “Real”?
Diamonds, regardless of their origin, are made up entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure. This arrangement is what sets diamonds apart from other gemstones, giving them their unique properties that make them highly coveted in the world of fine jewelry. Whether a diamond is formed naturally over billions of years deep within the Earth or grown in a state-of-the-art laboratory, its structure remains identical. This is why lab-grown diamonds are considered real diamonds—they share the same atomic composition and characteristics that define a diamond’s beauty and durability.
Properties of a Real Diamond
Diamonds are defined by a unique set of physical and chemical properties that make them stand out from other gemstones. Whether formed naturally beneath the Earth’s surface or created in a laboratory, these properties remain the same, making lab-grown diamonds just as real as their natural counterparts. Here are the key properties of real diamonds that lab-grown diamonds share:
1. Hardness
Diamonds are known for being the hardest natural substance, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes them highly resistant to scratching—only another diamond can scratch a diamond. Lab-grown diamonds possess the exact same crystal structure as natural diamonds, ensuring they are just as hard and durable. Whether naturally occurring or grown in a lab, both types of diamonds can withstand everyday wear and tear without losing their integrity.
2. Brilliance
A diamond’s brilliance comes from its ability to reflect light in a dazzling way. Both natural and lab-grown diamonds have the same high refractive index of 2.42, which allows them to bend and reflect light with incredible intensity. They also are very reflective. The surface of a diamond when polished reflects 17 times more light than glass. This property combined with the right proportions and angles is what gives diamonds their famous sparkle. Lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from natural diamonds in terms of brilliance because they have the same atomic structure. The bigger the diamond the faster the light travels inside the stone and the more sparkle it has.
3. Fire
Fire refers to the flashes of rainbow-colored light that diamonds emit when exposed to light. This occurs due to dispersion, where light is split into its component colors as it passes through the diamond. Lab-grown diamonds exhibit the same level of fire as natural diamonds, providing the same captivating visual effect that has made diamonds so prized in jewelry.
4. Thermal Conductivity
Diamonds are excellent conductors of heat, which is one of the key properties gemologists use to identify real diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds conduct heat in the same way as natural diamonds, which is why they pass the same heat conductivity tests used to verify a diamond’s authenticity.
5. Chemical Composition
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are made entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure. This composition gives diamonds their incredible hardness, durability, and beauty. Lab-grown diamonds are not imitations or synthetic stones—they are chemically identical to natural diamonds, making them real diamonds in every sense.
Quality and Authenticity of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Authenticity of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are just as authentic as natural diamonds, with the key difference being their origin. While natural diamonds form over billions of years beneath the Earth’s surface, lab-grown diamonds are created in laboratories over a matter of weeks. However, they share the same chemical composition, consisting of pure carbon crystals arranged in a specific atomic structure. This identical structure gives lab-grown diamonds the same physical properties as natural diamonds—meaning they look and feel exactly the same.
In terms of authenticity, lab-grown diamonds are certified by the same renowned institutions that certify natural diamonds, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These certifications guarantee that lab-grown diamonds meet the same strict standards of quality, including the “4 Cs”—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. This ensures that buyers receive a genuine, high-quality diamond that can be directly compared to a natural stone.
Quality of Lab-Grown Diamonds
One of the main concerns for buyers is whether lab-grown diamonds are of lower quality than natural diamonds. The truth is, lab-grown diamonds are available in the same range of quality as natural diamonds. They are cut, polished, and graded using the same rigorous standards. Here’s how lab-grown diamonds are evaluated:
- Cut: A diamond’s cut directly influences its sparkle. A well-cut lab-grown diamond can display the same brilliance and fire as a natural diamond. The precision of the cut ensures that both types of diamonds shine beautifully.
- Color: Lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same color scale as natural diamonds, ranging from D (completely colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). High-quality lab-grown diamonds can be as colorless and visually appealing as their natural counterparts.
- Clarity: Both natural and lab-grown diamonds may have inclusions (internal imperfections) or blemishes (external imperfections). These are graded on the same clarity scale, providing transparency about the diamond’s appearance.
- Carat Weight: Lab-grown diamonds come in a wide range of carat weights, just like natural diamonds. The carat weight affects the size and price, but both types of diamonds are measured and valued using the same system.
Lab-grown diamonds are every bit as authentic as natural diamonds, and their quality is held to the same rigorous standards. At Simone & Son, we make sure that every lab-grown diamond in our collection meets the highest standards of quality. Certified by reputable organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and Gem Quality Assurance Lab (GCAL), our lab-grown diamonds undergo the same grading process as natural diamonds, ensuring they deliver the same level of excellence.
Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Becoming So Popular
Since lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, sharing the same structure, brilliance, and durability as their natural counterparts, they come with several unique benefits that contribute to their growing popularity:
Affordability
One of the biggest advantages of lab-grown diamonds is their cost. Typically, lab-grown diamonds are roughly 75% less expensive than natural diamonds of the same quality. This makes them a budget-friendly option for those seeking a large, high-quality stone without exceeding their price range. With lab-grown diamonds, you can often afford a bigger or higher-quality diamond at a more accessible price point.
Customization
Lab-grown diamonds offer greater flexibility in terms of size, shape, and availability. This makes it easier to find or create a diamond that perfectly suits your preferences. At Simone & Son, we specialize in custom jewelry design, allowing you to craft a truly one-of-a-kind piece featuring a lab-grown diamond. Whether you’re after a unique cut, specific carat size, or intricate design, lab-grown diamonds offer endless possibilities for customization.
Durability
Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means they are just as durable and resistant to scratching or chipping, making them an excellent choice for everyday wear in engagement rings or other fine jewelry pieces. You can trust that your lab-grown diamond will maintain its beauty and strength over time.
Modern Appeal
Lab-grown diamonds represent the perfect marriage of technology and luxury. As more buyers embrace modern advances in jewelry-making, lab-grown diamonds have become a symbol of cutting-edge innovation. This blend of science and elegance makes them particularly appealing to fashion-forward buyers who are looking for something that not only dazzles but also represents the future of fine jewelry.
Conclusion
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, possessing the same beauty, durability, and brilliance as natural diamonds. Whether you’re considering a lab-grown diamond for an engagement ring or a special piece of custom jewelry, you can rest assured that you are choosing an authentic, high-quality gem.
At Simone & Son, we are committed to providing the best in craftsmanship, quality, and personalized service. Our team of gemologists and master craftsmen is here to help you select or design the perfect piece with the diamond that best suits your needs. Whether it’s natural or lab-grown, your diamond will be treated with the care and precision that has defined our legacy for decades.