Can lab-grown diamonds replace the real diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds aren’t new - they’ve been around since the 1940s.

By the 1980s, advancements in lab procedures had become sophisticated enough to produce diamonds that could compete with mined stones in the renowned 4 Cs used for pricing and selection: cut, clarity, color, and carat.

When it comes to buying diamonds, two key factors often take center stage: quality and cost. Although concerns about the negative environmental and human impacts of mined diamonds are rising, the choice to switch to lab-grown diamonds isn’t entirely straightforward.

Lab-grown diamonds are not fake

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and structurally identical to natural diamonds. This sets them apart from alternatives like cubic zirconia or moissanite, which may resemble diamonds but have different chemical and physical properties. For instance, breathing on these imitation gems will cause them to fog up, making them easy to distinguish.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments that replicate the extreme heat and pressure conditions under which natural diamonds form.

Two primary methods are used: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). These advanced processes produce diamonds with the same chemical and structural makeup as mined diamonds—just in a shorter time and with a smaller carbon footprint.

Because lab-grown diamonds are made from the same carbon material as mined ones, they share the same physical, optical, and chemical properties. They are also graded on the same universal 4C scale: cut, carat, clarity, and color.

The exceptional quality of this new generation of lab-grown diamonds has given fine jewelers an alternative to mined diamonds. Despite the lack of any visible difference between the two, the choice has sparked strong opinions among consumers, with preferences often rooted in ethical considerations.

What's the difference?

Appearance

Visually, lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from mined diamonds. Specialized tools and expert analysis are required to tell them apart. Both types come in the same range of colors (including near-colorless varieties) and standard shapes.

To confirm the origin of a diamond, you can check its grading report, which indicates whether it’s lab-grown or mined, along with its 4C ratings for quality assurance.

Brilliance

A common concern is whether lab-grown diamonds shine as brightly as mined diamonds. The answer is a resounding yes! Since both types share identical chemical and physical properties, their brilliance, fire, and sparkle are the same.

Lab-grown diamonds, like their mined counterparts, may have inclusions that can affect their brilliance, but this is consistent across both types. Importantly, lab-grown diamonds also match mined diamonds in strength and durability, scoring equally on the Mohs Hardness Scale.

Cost

Lab-grown diamonds offer a significant cost advantage. With the same sparkle and quality as mined diamonds, they typically cost a fraction of the price—potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This affordability allows you to opt for a larger carat size or allocate the savings toward your wedding, honeymoon, or first home.

Moreover, the value of a lab-grown diamond is determined by its 4C grading, allowing you to maximize your budget while still obtaining a high-quality stone.

What’s not to love about that?

The timeless beauty of mined diamonds is undeniable, but lab-grown diamonds present a compelling alternative. They are brilliant, durable, environmentally friendly, and significantly more affordable. Whether lab-grown diamonds will completely replace mined diamonds remains to be seen, but for now, they offer consumers a sustainable and luxurious option to consider.

Kedai Emas Sri Berlian offers a variety of 999 Pure Gold and 916 Gold jewellery collections with timeless and modern styles to suit any occasion. Explore the finest gold pieces for you by browsing our jewellery online or scheduling a visit to our physical store!

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