Have you heard negative comments from friends about lab-grown diamonds? Perhaps you’ve read something online that makes you nervous about buying these gemstones? That’s not uncommon.
Like anything relatively new or nontraditional, myths about ethically-sourced diamonds have surfaced that can make you question their value, lifespan, or even their authenticity.
We want you to feel comfortable and confident when shopping for an engagement ring, so we’re addressing these myths head on and providing you with the truth about lab-grown diamonds.
For more than two decades, reputable, quality jewelers and luxury brands have been using lab-grown diamonds in engagement rings and fine jewelry. In fact, these diamonds have become increasingly more popular in recent years, especially with consumers who embrace them as ethically-sourced, environmentally-friendly alternatives to mined diamonds.
However, misconceptions about the gemstones persist. If you’ve heard any of the following rumors, we want to assure you that they are nothing more than myths.
| The Myth | The Truth | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Lab-grown diamonds aren’t “real” diamonds. | Lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They are visibly and structurally identical to mined diamonds. | Major gemological labs like IGI grade and certify lab-grown diamonds as real diamonds, subject to the same standards as mined diamonds. |
| Lab-grown diamonds don’t last as long as mined diamonds. | Lab-grown diamonds are just as hard and durable as mined diamonds. In fact, they are a 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, the same as mined diamonds. | Your lab-grown diamond will last a lifetime, just like a mined diamond. A lab-grown diamond is just as hard as a mined diamond and is resistant to scratches and abrasions to the same degree. You can be confident in its longevity because it’s designed to endure daily wear while retaining its sparkle and structural integrity for generations to come. |
| Lab-grown diamonds will turn cloudy over time. | Lab-grown diamonds do not turn cloudy over time. That’s because they are real diamonds with the same chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds. | Just like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds that are properly cared for will maintain their brilliance and sparkle for years to come. |
| Lab-grown diamonds are lower quality than mined diamonds. | Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same chemical makeup, crystal structure, and durability as mined diamonds. | Quality in a diamond is measured by the individual gem’s cut and 4Cs, not whether it was grown in a lab or mined. |
| Lab-grown diamonds aren’t used in high-end or luxury jewelry. | In response to high consumer demand, many fine jewelers and luxury brands now offer collections set with ethical, sustainable lab-grown diamonds. | Lab-grown diamonds are featured in both contemporary and traditional bridal collections, offering a variety of brilliant and eco-friendly options from which to choose. |
| Lab-grown diamonds aren’t environmentally friendly. | Because lab-grown diamonds are sourced in a lab, they have significantly lower environmental impact than mined diamonds. | Lab-grown diamonds are the preferred option for consumers who are eco-conscious. |
| Anyone can spot the difference between lab-grown and mined diamonds. | Even trained, professional gemologists cannot differentiate between the two without specialized equipment. Both lab-grown and mined diamonds have identical sparkle, clarity, hardness, and brilliance. | Lab-grown diamonds offer consumers the same sparkle as mined diamonds without compromising beauty or quality. |
Now that you know the truth about lab-grown diamonds, you can see why so many are choosing this affordable, ethically-sourced, and stunning option.
Are you ready to start designing your own lab-grown diamond engagement ring?
Begin the process now to create a beautiful ring you’ll cherish for a lifetime.