What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab grown diamond, often just called lab diamond, is real diamond that’s made in controlled laboratory settings using advanced technology. Scientists use advanced methods to recreate the same conditions that require extreme heat and pressure that cause natural diamonds to form deep underground. So it's grown under the same conditions that natural diamonds form deep underground. 

Lab diamonds are chemically, physically and visually the same as mined diamonds. It has the same sparkle, hardness and structure as the ones that come from the earth. In short, a lab grown diamond is a genuine diamond. It just takes a modern, science-driven route to get to you.

How are Lab Grown Diamonds Made? 

Lab grown diamonds are made using high-tech processes that mimic how natural diamonds form in the earth, but way faster and in a controlled environment. Lab grown diamonds usually take just a few weeks to a couple of months to grow, depending on the size and method used. There are two main methods typically used to grow lab diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). 

• HPHT uses a tiny diamond seed that's placed into carbon and then exposed to intense pressure and heat, kind of like what happens deep inside the Earth. Over time, the carbon melts and starts to form around the seed, finally growing into a full diamond crystal.

• In the CVD method, a diamond seed that comes from a small piece of a real diamond is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. The gas is heated until it breaks down to its molecules, and the carbon atoms start to settle onto the seed layer by layer, slowly building up a diamond.

The crystalline form of carbon that is called diamond can only form under conditions of intense heat and constant pressure. Thanks to these two advanced methods, these exact conditions can be recreated in labs, which allows us to create diamonds without mining. This makes lab diamonds differ from mined ones in name only.

Lab Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds 

Here’s how lab grown diamonds compare to natural diamonds:

• In terms of durability, lab grown diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. So they are just as strong and scratch-resistant as natural diamonds.

• When it comes to brilliance, lab grown diamonds have the same refractive index as natural diamonds, meaning they sparkle just as beautifully.

• Colorwise lab diamonds are mostly colorless like natural diamonds, but available in a wide range of colors, often more vivid than natural stones. Natural diamonds are also found in fancy colors like pink, blue and yellow, although extremely rare. 

• Both lab diamonds and natural diamonds are graded based on the 4C’s, meaning cut, color, clarity and carat.

• Both diamonds are certified by reputable non profit gemological labs like IGI (International Gemological Institute) or GIA (Gemological Institute of America) to guarantee authenticity and grading.

  

• The biggest difference is the time it takes for them to form. Lab grown diamonds typically develop within a few weeks to a couple of months, whereas natural diamonds take millions of years to form deep underground.

• Lab grown diamonds are created in high-tech labs over a few weeks using HPHT or CVD methods, then cut and polished. Natural diamonds are formed deep in the Earth over billions of years, then mined, cut and polished.

• When it comes to rarity, lab diamond production can scale with technology, which makes lab diamonds more accessible. Natural diamonds, on the other hand, are naturally limited due to geological conditions and therefore rarer.

• In terms of price, lab diamonds come at a more affordable price because they’re easier to produce and less rare. Natural diamonds are generally more expensive due to mining, rarity and the time it takes to form.

Can You Tell the Difference Between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds? 

No, not with the naked eye at least. Lab grown and natural diamonds look exactly the same. This is because they're both made of pure carbon, have the same crystal structure and are cut and polished the same way. Even trained gemologists can’t spot the difference without specialized equipment. The only way to tell them apart is by using advanced tools that can detect tiny differences in how they were formed, like growth patterns or trace elements.

Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds 

One of the biggest benefits of lab grown diamonds is the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly where your diamond comes from. Unlike traditional diamonds, which are often linked to complex and sometimes controversial mining practices, lab diamonds are created in high-tech laboratories under precise, controlled conditions and completely without mining. This means their origin is fully traceable, transparent and conflict-free. That’s why lab grown diamonds offer a responsible and ethical option.

They're also a win when it comes to sustainability and cost. Since they don’t require mining, lab diamonds are produced with a smaller carbon footprint and less environmental disruption. Because they don’t go through as many middlemen, they’re also often more affordable without sacrificing quality. Add to that the variety in shapes, sizes and quality grades. All of these benefits make lab diamonds a compelling alternative to mined diamonds. 

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real? 

Yes, lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They’re made of pure carbon, just like natural diamonds, and have the exact same physical, chemical and optical properties. That means they’re just as hard, just as sparkly and just as durable.

The only difference is how they’re formed. While natural diamonds grow underground over billions of years, lab grown diamonds are created in high-tech labs in a matter of weeks using processes that mimic the conditions of the Earth. But in terms of what they are, how they look and how they perform, lab grown diamonds are the real deal.

Lab Grown Diamond Certification 

Lab grown diamonds are certified and graded using the exact same standards as mined diamonds. That means each one is evaluated based on the 4C’s (cut, color, clarity and carat weight) by reputable gemological labs like IGI or GIA.

Once graded, lab diamonds come with a certification that outlines all the details about the stone’s quality and specs. So when you’re buying a lab diamond, you still get that same level of trust, transparency and assurance you would with a natural diamond. At Eternate, all our diamonds, be it natural or lab grown, come with an official GIA certification. 

Got More Questions?

We hope this gave you a clear and easy introduction to lab grown diamonds, whether you’re just getting started or looking to learn a little more. If you’re still curious or have questions we didn’t cover, we’ve got more resources to help you out. You can check out our full Lab Diamond Guide or dive into our Lab vs. Natural Diamond Comparison for a deeper look.

If you’re ready to explore the beauty of lab diamonds for yourself, you’re welcomed to take a look at our Lab Diamond Engagement Rings and fine jewelry collections. Doesn’t matter if you're shopping, learning or just browsing, we're here to help. So feel free to reach out anytime. We’re always happy to chat and guide you through the process.