A lab-grown diamond is the same diamond. The same material, the same chemical formula, the same brilliance. But it is created in a lab within a few weeks, rather than over millions of years in the earth. Here is the complete guide to the question everyone choosing an engagement ring asks today.
On this page
- What is a lab-grown diamond?
- How it is made, two methods
- Comparison table: lab-grown vs. natural diamond
- Pros and cons
- Is it a “real diamond”?
- Price and what’s worth knowing
- How to identify a lab-grown diamond
- When to choose lab-grown and when natural
What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab-grown diamond (LGD) is a real diamond, identical in chemical, physical, and optical structure to a natural diamond. Both are made of crystalline carbon. The only difference is the origin: a natural diamond forms deep within the earth over millions of years, while a lab-grown diamond is created in a lab within weeks or months.
How is a lab-grown diamond made?
Two common technologies, both requiring advanced science:
HPHT, high pressure and high temperature
Mimicking the natural conditions deep within the earth: immense pressure (over 50,000 atmospheres) and a temperature of 1,500°C. A small carbon seed grows into a full diamond within a few weeks. This is the older method.
CVD, chemical vapor deposition
The modern method. A carbon-rich gas (methane) is released into a chamber, and carbon atoms are layered one upon another onto a small diamond seed. It grows slowly and precisely, producing especially pure crystals.
In both methods, the carbon ultimately arranges into the same crystalline structure as a natural diamond. That is why an optical test cannot distinguish between the two, it requires specialized professional instruments.
Comparison table
Natural and lab-grown diamonds are more alike than they seem. Here are the differences, and the similarities:
| Parameter | Natural diamond | Lab-grown diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Crystalline carbon (C) | Crystalline carbon (C), identical |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 10 out of 10 | 10 out of 10, identical |
| Brilliance and appearance | Identical | Identical |
| Rarity | Very rare | Can be produced on demand |
| Creation time | 1-3 billion years | 2-8 weeks |
| Price | “Full” | About 30-50% of a natural diamond |
| Resale value | Retains its value | Lower value in most cases |
| Certification | GIA, IGI, etc. | GIA, IGI (marked “Lab-Grown”) |
| Environmental impact | Targeted mining | High electricity consumption |
Pros and cons
Pros
- A real diamond at a far lower price
- You can get a larger diamond for the same budget
- No concern over “blood diamonds” or conflict zones
- Cleaner diamonds (fewer inclusions)
- Ability to match size and color to demand
- Optically identical to a natural diamond, no one will notice
Cons
- Lower resale value
- Not “rare”, can be produced in quantity
- Lacks the “magic” of millions of years in the earth
- High electricity consumption in the process
- A relatively new market, demand less predictable
Is it a “real diamond”?
This is the most important question, and the answer is yes. A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond, this is what the FTC (the U.S. regulator) officially ruled in 2018. It meets every criterion a diamond must meet: material (carbon), hardness, brilliance, and the ability to be cut and polished.
The only difference: the origin. Natural, from the earth. Lab-grown, from a lab. But to the question of whether “a lab-grown diamond is a diamond”, the answer is unequivocal: yes.
Price, the big difference
Price is the biggest practical difference. Lab-grown diamonds are significantly cheaper than natural diamonds of the same size:
| Size | Natural diamond | Lab-grown diamond | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 carat | ~₪4,500 | ~₪500 | ~89% |
| 1.0 carat | ~₪14,000 | ~₪1,000 | ~93% |
| 1.5 carat | ~₪22,000 | ~₪1,500 | ~93% |
| 2.0 carat | ~₪42,000 | ~₪2,000 | ~95% |
* Prices are approximate and for illustration only. The actual price varies by the quality and grade of the stone (color, clarity and cut) and whether the diamond includes a certificate (GIA / IGI). For an accurate quote, please get in touch.
How do you identify a lab-grown diamond?
With the naked eye, you can’t. No jeweler can tell with the naked eye. It requires:
1. A certificate: every lab-grown diamond comes with a certificate from GIA, IGI or a similar lab, bearing the inscription “Laboratory-Grown Diamond”.
2. Specialized instruments: FTIR and Raman spectroscopy devices detect signs of artificial growth.
3. Microscopic engraving: lab-grown diamond makers engrave a tiny mark on the edge of the diamond (visible only under magnification) indicating its origin.
When to choose lab-grown and when natural?
A lab-grown diamond is right if:
you want a large diamond on a limited budget, you care about environmental/ethical issues, or you want a cleaner stone for the same price.
A natural diamond is right if:
you see the piece as a long-term investment, a “story” and rarity matter to you, or you plan to pass the piece down as an heirloom.
Want to consult before deciding?
Come to our factory store in Kfar Chabad, we have samples of lab-grown and natural diamonds in the same size. You can see and decide without pressure. WhatsApp · 03-9601463
