Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?

Separating Fact from Fiction

If you're shopping for a diamond engagement ring, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by all the choices available to you. Styles, settings, carats, colors…the options are endless. 

And when it comes to choosing between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds, you may feel even more confused. Because lab-grown diamonds don’t come from the earth, some people worry that they’re not "real" diamonds. What’s more, lab-grown diamonds can cost significantly less than mined diamonds. Does that make them a "cheap" or "low quality" alternative?

We’re here to separate fact from fiction. Discover the truth about lab-grown diamonds and learn what a very real and valuable alternative they are to mined diamonds.
Fiction Fact Why It Matters
Lab-grown diamonds aren’t “real” diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. When you choose a lab-grown diamond you’re getting a real diamond. The only distinction between lab-grown and mined diamonds is their origin.
Lab-grown diamonds are low quality. Because the process is controlled in a lab, many lab-grown diamonds are graded higher in quality and color than mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are of exceptional quality often at a price that’s more affordable than mined diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are cheap. The lower cost of lab-grown diamonds compared to mined diamonds is a result of several elements: a more efficient and shorter supply chain, faster production times, the elimination of mining costs, and a greater overall availability. Lab-grown diamonds offer a significant advantage in affordability compared to mined diamonds, allowing you to select a larger stone of superior grade for an equivalent price.
Lab-grown diamonds are not certified. Lab-grown diamonds are in fact, certified by leading gem labs like the IGI and GIA using the same certification standards as mined diamonds. Certification of lab-grown diamond quality allows you to shop with confidence.
Lab-grown diamonds aren’t sustainable. Lab-grown diamonds are sustainable because they are created in a lab using cutting-edge technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process. The use of eco-friendly energy sources in their production contributes to the sustainability of these ethically-created gems. Lab-grown diamonds are a more ethical choice over mined diamonds.
Only mined diamonds are used in engagement rings. Lab-grown diamonds continue to be increasingly more popular for engagement rings. More couples are choosing lab-grown diamond engagement rings for their ethical appeal and brilliance.
Lab-grown diamonds are easily spotted. Lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from mined diamonds without the use of specific tools and by a qualified gem expert. Only you and your jeweler will ever know that your diamond is lab grown, unless you choose to share that information with others.
Lab-grown diamonds are mass produced and generic. Every lab-grown diamond is unique and grown under controlled, but variable conditions. When you purchase a lab-grown diamond, you’re getting a one-of-a-kind gemstone with its own unique characteristics.

Browse Our Collection of Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

By dispelling myths about lab-grown diamonds, we hope you’ll see that lab-grown diamond engagement rings are the more affordable, ethically-sourced choice for this important statement about your love and your lifelong commitment.

Learn more about how to choose your engagement ring or start designing your own lab-grown diamond engagement ring today.