Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds: What Is Actually Different?

Same carbon, same crystal, same sparkle. Here is what separates a lab grown diamond from a mined one — and what does not.

A lab grown diamond is a real diamond. It is made of pure carbon arranged in the same cubic crystal lattice as a diamond mined from the earth, which means it has the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), the same refractive index and the same fire.

The difference is origin. Mined diamonds formed over billions of years deep underground; lab grown diamonds are grown in weeks using either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), recreating those conditions above ground.

Even trained gemologists cannot tell them apart with the naked eye — specialised equipment is needed to detect growth patterns. That is why every certified lab grown diamond carries a laser inscription and a report from a lab such as IGI or SGL stating its origin.

Price is where they part ways. A lab grown diamond typically costs 70–85% less than a mined diamond of equivalent size and quality, letting you choose a bigger or better stone for the same budget.

They also avoid the large-scale earth displacement and water use of mining. For many buyers the combination of value, ethics and beauty makes lab grown the obvious choice.