Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond formation process.
At their core, lab grown diamonds are made of pure carbon arranged in the same tetrahedral crystal structure found in mined diamonds. This means they are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. There is no visual or structural difference between the two without specialized equipment.
Lab grown diamonds are created by replicating the natural conditions under which diamonds form deep inside the Earth. If you’re wondering how are lab diamonds made, the answer comes down to two advanced methods: Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT). Both follow a precise lab diamond process that transforms carbon into real diamonds with the same structure and properties as mined stones.
Same diamond. Different origin. Here's how they compare.
| Factor | Lab Grown Diamond | Natural Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Pure carbon (C) Identical | Pure carbon (C) |
| Hardness | 10 Mohs Identical | 10 Mohs |
| Brilliance | RI 2.42 Identical | RI 2.42 |
| Origin | Lab (CVD / HPHT) | Earth's mantle |
| Formation | 2–4 weeks | 1–3 billion years |
| Price / Carat | $500–$2,500 Save 50-70% | $4,000–$10,000+ |
| Certification | GIA / IGI Identical | GIA / IGI |
| Conflict-Free | Always Guaranteed | Varies by source |
| Environment | No mining needed | Mining required |
| Resale Value | Limited Consider | Moderate (stable) |
| Rarity | Unlimited | Finite |
Both lab diamond vs moissanite options are excellent for fine jewelry. The difference is not about better or worse—it’s about how each stone looks, performs, and fits your priorities.
Lab grown diamonds are made of pure carbon, just like natural diamonds, while moissanite is made of silicon carbide (SiC). This affects how they handle light. Diamonds offer balanced white brilliance, while moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65 vs 2.42) and much stronger fire (0.104 vs 0.044), creating more rainbow flashes.
In terms of durability, diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs scale, while moissanite ranks 9.25, making both suitable for daily wear. Moissanite can show slight double refraction in larger stones, while diamonds appear sharper and more crisp.
Price is another key difference. Moissanite typically costs significantly less, allowing for a larger stone at the same budget, while lab diamonds offer the appeal of a real diamond with long-term value perception.
Lab diamond certification is an independent evaluation by a recognized gemological lab. It confirms the diamond is real and grades its quality using the same standards as natural diamonds.
Two leading labs dominate this space. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), known as the gold standard, created the 4Cs grading system and issues GIA lab grown diamond reports. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is widely used for IGI certified lab diamonds, providing detailed and consistent grading for lab-grown stones.
A certification report typically includes:
All GIA-graded lab diamonds are laser-inscribed with “Laboratory-Grown” on the girdle, making identification transparent. You can verify both GIA and IGI reports online using the report number, which adds an extra layer of trust—especially important for international and online purchases.
GIA created the 4Cs. IGI certifies more lab diamonds than any lab in the world. Every stone we sell carries one of their reports — independently graded, laser-inscribed, and verifiable online.
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same chemical composition (pure carbon), crystal structure, hardness (10 Mohs), and optical properties as mined diamonds. They are recognized as real diamonds by the FTC, GIA, and IGI.
Lab diamonds are created using two methods. CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) grows diamonds layer by layer from carbon-rich gas at 800–1,500°C. HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) crystallises carbon around a seed under ~1.5 million PSI and 1,300–1,600°C. Both produce real, certified diamonds.
No — not with the naked eye, a jeweler's loupe, or standard gemological tools. Even trained gemologists cannot distinguish them without advanced spectroscopy equipment. The only reliable way to identify a lab diamond is through its certification or laser inscription on the girdle.
Yes. Diamond testers measure thermal conductivity, and lab diamonds conduct heat identically to natural diamonds. They pass every standard diamond test. Note: moissanite can also pass basic thermal testers, which is why advanced testers also check electrical conductivity.
Lab diamonds typically cost 50–70% less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality. A 1 carat, G color, VS1 natural diamond priced at $6,000–$10,000 could be matched by a lab diamond at $500–$2,500. The saving lets you upgrade size or quality within the same budget.
Yes. Lab diamonds are graded by the same independent laboratories as natural diamonds primarily GIA and IGI. They are evaluated on the same 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Every EthicStone lab diamond ships with a GIA or IGI grading report.
No. Lab diamonds have the same durability and stability as natural diamonds. They will never cloud, yellow, fade, or lose brilliance. A diamond is the hardest known material — lab or natural, it maintains its optical properties permanently with normal care.
Lab diamonds are pure carbon (identical to mined diamonds). Moissanite is silicon carbide which is a different gemstone entirely. Moissanite has more fire (0.104 vs 0.044 dispersion) and scores 9.25 on Mohs. Both are excellent for jewelry. EthicStone sells both so you can choose what fits your priorities.
Yes, always. Every lab diamond is produced in a controlled laboratory environment and is fully traceable to its facility of origin. There is no mining involved, which means no association with conflict financing, blood diamonds, or exploitative labor practices.
Yes. Lab diamonds can be insured through most major jewelry insurance providers. You will need your GIA or IGI certificate and purchase receipt. Lab diamonds typically cost less to insure than natural diamonds because their replacement value is lower.
Honestly, lab diamonds currently have limited resale value. As production scales and prices trend downward, a stone bought today may cost less new in a few years. However, most buyers purchase diamond jewelry to wear not to resell. The 50–70% upfront saving is real value today.
The most popular range is 1 to 2 carats. Because lab diamonds cost 50–70% less, many buyers choose 1.5 to 2 carats, a size that would be significantly more expensive as a natural diamond. The best size ultimately depends on your partner's hand, the setting style, and your budget.
Visit gia.edu or igi.org and enter your diamond's report number. The database will display the full grading details like cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and measurements. You can also check the laser inscription on the diamond's girdle under magnification to match it against your report.
