"Are lab grown diamonds real?" is one of the most common questions we hear. The short answer: yes. A lab grown diamond is a real diamond. So the more useful question is, "What's the difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond, and which one is right for me?"
This guide compares lab grown and natural diamonds side by side, honestly, so you can make the decision that fits your priorities.
The Short Version
| Factor | Lab grown diamond | Natural diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Crystallized carbon | Crystallized carbon |
| Hardness | Same as natural | Same as lab grown |
| Appearance | Indistinguishable to the eye | Indistinguishable to the eye |
| Origin | Grown in a lab | Formed in the earth |
| Grading | 4Cs, report notes lab grown | 4Cs |
| Typical price | Lower for comparable size and quality | Higher |
| Resale value | Generally limited | Generally stronger |
What Makes Them the Same
Chemistry
Both are pure carbon arranged in a diamond crystal structure. A lab grown diamond is not a coating, a simulant, or a composite.
Hardness and durability
Both have the same hardness and durability for everyday wear.
Sparkle
Brilliance, fire, and scintillation depend on cut quality, not origin. A well-cut lab grown diamond sparkles just as much as a well-cut natural diamond.
Grading
Both are graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat. Gemological labs issue reports for both, with lab grown reports identifying the stone's origin.
What Makes Them Different
Origin
Natural diamonds formed deep in the earth over a very long period and were brought to the surface by geologic activity. Lab grown diamonds are created in weeks using HPHT or CVD technology. Learn more about how diamonds are made.
Price
Lab grown diamonds typically cost significantly less than natural diamonds of similar size and quality. Prices for both vary by seller and change over time, so compare current options side by side.
Resale and long-term value
Natural diamonds generally hold more resale value than lab grown diamonds, though no diamond is guaranteed to appreciate. Lab grown prices have tended to decline over time, which affects future resale.
Rarity
Natural diamonds are finite. Lab grown diamonds can be produced as needed. For some buyers, rarity is part of the meaning.
Identification
Neither can be reliably identified by eye or by a basic handheld tester. Advanced lab equipment determines origin. Many lab grown diamonds carry a laser inscription on the girdle.
Lab Grown vs. Simulants
It's important not to confuse lab grown diamonds with simulants:
- Cubic zirconia - a different material, softer and less durable than diamond.
- Moissanite - silicon carbide, very hard with more colorful fire than diamond. See our comparison of lab grown diamonds vs. moissanite.
- White sapphire - corundum, durable but less brilliant than diamond.
A lab grown diamond is a diamond. Simulants are not.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose lab grown if:
- You want the largest, highest-quality diamond for your budget
- Resale value isn't a priority
- You'd rather spend savings on the setting, wedding bands, or other priorities
Choose natural if:
- Long-term value and resale matter to you
- Rarity and natural origin are meaningful to you
- You're buying a piece you hope to pass down as a store of value
Either way:
Prioritize cut quality. A poorly cut diamond, lab grown or natural, will look dull compared to a well-cut stone.
Ethics and Environment
Both lab grown and natural diamonds have environmental and ethical considerations, and claims in both directions vary by producer. If this matters to you, ask about the source of the specific diamond you're considering and what documentation is available.
Seeing the Difference in Person
Numbers on a page only go so far. At a consultation, we can show you lab grown and natural diamonds side by side in your budget. Most people find they can't tell them apart visually, which helps clarify that the decision is really about price, value, and meaning.
Setting and Care
Both lab grown and natural diamonds can go in any setting, and care is identical: regular cleaning, periodic prong checks, and removing rings for heavy work. See our engagement ring buying guide.
Appraisals and Insurance
Both should be appraised and insured. Your appraisal should state the diamond's origin and grading characteristics.
Compare Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds in Mesa
Brilliant Jewelry is a fourth-generation, family-owned private jeweler at 1237 S Val Vista Dr Ste 204, Mesa, AZ 85204. We carry both and will show you the differences honestly, without pressure, so you can choose with confidence.
Book a free diamond consultation or call or text (480) 331-8652.