What Makes a Lab-Grown Diamond “Real”? Debunking the Myths
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Spoiler: It’s not grown in the ground—but it is very much the real thing.
Diamonds have long been symbols of love, strength, and celebration. But as technology has evolved, so has the way we create them—and with that, a wave of misunderstanding.
Enter the lab-grown diamond, a gemstone that shares everything with its mined counterpart—except for its origin story. Despite being chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds still face an unfair question: “But is it real?”
Let’s clear that up once and for all.
What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond, Really?
A lab-grown diamond is a diamond. Not a simulant. Not a knockoff. Not “fake.”
It’s created using carbon, the same element found in natural diamonds, and grown under conditions that replicate what happens deep within the earth—only in a lab, using modern science.
There are two main processes used:
• High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) – mimics the intense conditions of the Earth’s mantle
• Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) – uses carbon-rich gas and plasma to form diamond layers
The result? A gemstone with the same crystal structure, hardness, brilliance, and fire as a mined diamond.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Lab-Grown Diamond | Natural Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 100% Carbon | 100% Carbon |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 | 10 |
| Refractive Index | 2.42 | 2.42 |
| Visual Appearance | Identical | Identical |
| Creation Time | Weeks in a lab | Billions of years in Earth |
| Ethical Impact | Conflict-free, low footprint | Varies (may involve mining) |
| Price | 30–50% less | $$$ |
In short: one takes billions of years. The other takes brilliance and innovation.
Why the “Real” Question Still Comes Up
Let’s be honest—marketing plays a big role here.
For decades, traditional diamond companies promoted the idea that rarity equals romance, and that only a natural diamond could symbolize lasting love. But what really makes something “real” isn’t how long it took to form—it’s what it is and what it means to you.
And in truth? Many mined diamonds go through so many treatments, laser enhancements, and clarity corrections that they’re far from untouched.
Lab diamonds offer transparency, traceability, and ethical peace of mind—all while looking stunning.
Who’s Wearing Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Everyone from eco-conscious couples to stylists on red carpets have embraced lab-grown diamonds.
They’re being used in engagement rings, tennis bracelets, and pendant necklaces across the jewelry industry—often indistinguishable from mined diamonds unless viewed with specialized lab equipment.
Some major luxury brands are now offering lab-grown options in their high-end collections. Because at the end of the day, brilliance speaks for itself.
The Emotional Side of “Real”
Love isn’t measured in the depth of the mine. It’s measured in meaning.
When you choose a lab diamond, you’re not settling. You’re selecting consciously. You’re investing in craftsmanship, clarity (both literal and ethical), and in a stone that mirrors your values as much as your style.
Final Thoughts
A lab-grown diamond is every bit as real as the love it’s chosen to represent.
It sparkles. It endures. It tells a story—not of pressure and time, but of progress and intention.
And maybe that’s the most brilliant part of all.
Written by Mia Laurent
Content Editor, Altura Diamond Blog