Lab grown and natural diamonds are the same material: both are pure crystallised carbon with identical hardness, brilliance and fire, and both are graded on the same 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity and carat). The only real difference is origin — a natural diamond forms underground over billions of years, while a lab grown diamond is created in a few weeks in a controlled environment that recreates those same conditions of heat and pressure. Because growing a diamond costs far less than mining one, lab grown diamonds offer the same certified quality for roughly 40–70% less as finished jewellery, and 70–90% less as loose stones. For most buyers today, that makes lab grown the practical and beautiful choice — especially for larger pieces.
This guide compares the two honestly: how they are made, whether they are truly identical, what they cost, how they last, certification, ethics, and how to choose.
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. A lab grown diamond is a real diamond — not a simulant like cubic zirconia or moissanite. It has the same chemical composition (pure carbon), the same crystal structure, the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and the same optical properties as a mined diamond. Even a trained jeweller cannot tell the difference by eye; it takes specialised laboratory equipment to distinguish them. This is why major gemological bodies, including the GIA and IGI, grade lab grown diamonds on the same scale as natural ones.
How they are made
- Natural diamonds form 150km below the earth's surface over one to three billion years, then are carried towards the surface by volcanic activity and mined.
- Lab grown diamonds are created in a few weeks using one of two methods: HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature), which mimics the earth's conditions, or CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition), which grows the crystal layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas. Both produce genuine diamond crystals.
The end result is chemically and physically identical — the difference is time and place, not substance.
Are they really identical?
Optically, chemically and physically: yes. Both sparkle the same way, both are equally hard and durable, and both can be cut into every shape and grade. The practical differences come down to three things: price, origin and ethics, and resale perception — covered below.
The price difference
This is the headline. Because lab grown diamonds don't require mining, you pay for the diamond itself rather than the cost of extraction. For the same carat weight, colour and clarity, expect to pay 40–70% less for finished lab grown jewellery, and as much as 70–90% less for loose lab grown stones.
What this means in practice: your budget buys a noticeably larger or higher-quality diamond. A buyer who could afford a 1-carat natural diamond can often afford a 2–3 carat lab grown stone of D–F colour and VVS–VS clarity for the same money — a meaningful difference for engagement rings and statement pieces like tennis bracelets.
Do lab grown diamonds last?
Yes — exactly as long as natural diamonds. They share the same 10/10 hardness, so they resist scratching and wear identically and will last several lifetimes with normal care. There is no truth to the myth that lab grown diamonds "fade" or "cloud" over time; they are the same crystal as a mined diamond.
What about resale value?
This is the one area where natural diamonds currently differ. Natural diamonds have a longer-established (though still modest) resale market. Lab grown diamonds are bought primarily for beauty and value rather than resale or investment — much like most fine jewellery. The honest framing: you should buy either type to wear and enjoy, not as a financial asset. The advantage of lab grown is that you get far more diamond for your money up front.
Certification
Reputable lab grown diamonds are graded by independent laboratories on the same 4Cs as natural diamonds. At Infinite Gems, we provide an IGI certificate on centre stones of 1 carat and above, confirming the diamond's exact grade and lab grown origin — so you know precisely what you are buying.
Ethics and sustainability
Lab grown diamonds avoid the land disruption and supply-chain concerns associated with mining, and their origin is fully traceable. They are not, however, "impact-free" — growing diamonds uses energy. The fair summary: for buyers who want a conflict-free, traceable stone without the footprint of mining, lab grown is a strong choice, while the energy source of the growing facility matters too. We focus on giving you a certified, traceable stone and an honest picture rather than overstating any single claim.
Which should you choose?
- Choose lab grown if you want maximum size and quality for your budget, a traceable origin, and the same beauty and durability as natural — ideal for larger carat weights and everyday fine jewellery.
- Choose natural if the billion-year geological origin and the established resale market matter most to you, and you are comfortable paying a significant premium for that provenance.
There is no wrong answer — only what matters most to you. For the overwhelming majority of our clients, lab grown delivers the look, certification and longevity they want at a fraction of the cost.
Why Infinite Gems
Every piece is handcrafted to order in our Hong Kong atelier within 15–25 working days depending on the piece, using IGI-certified D–F colour, VVS–VS clarity lab grown diamonds. Because we make to order, you choose the exact stone, carat weight, setting and metal. Want something entirely your own? Start a bespoke commission and we will prepare a personalised quotation.
Frequently asked questions
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. They are genuine diamonds with the same chemical, physical and optical properties as mined diamonds, graded on the same 4Cs. Only specialised laboratory equipment can tell them apart.
Are lab grown diamonds cheaper than natural?
Yes — typically 40–70% less for finished jewellery and up to 70–90% less for loose stones, for the same carat weight and quality.
Do lab grown diamonds pass a diamond tester?
Yes. Because they are real diamonds, they test as diamond on a standard thermal diamond tester.
Will a lab grown diamond last as long as a natural one?
Yes. Both rate 10 on the Mohs hardness scale and last several lifetimes with normal care. Lab grown diamonds do not fade or cloud.
Are lab grown diamonds certified?
Yes. We provide an IGI certificate on centre stones of 1 carat and above, confirming grade and origin.
Do lab grown diamonds hold their value?
They are bought mainly for beauty and value rather than resale. You receive far more certified carat weight for your budget, which is their main advantage.
Are lab grown diamonds more ethical?
They avoid the land disruption of mining and are fully traceable, which many buyers prefer; growing them does use energy. We provide a certified, traceable stone and an honest picture.
By the Infinite Gems Editorial Team. Infinite Gems Limited is a Hong Kong-based lab grown diamond and fine jewellery atelier specialising in handcrafted, IGI-certified pieces.