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Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real? | Diamonds by Magnús James

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real? | Diamonds by Magnús James

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?

Yes—lab grown diamonds are 100% real. Here’s the science, the myths, and why our clients love them.

Short answer: Yes—lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They have the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), brilliance, and fire. Even expert gemologists need specialized equipment to tell origin.

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds produced in a controlled environment that replicates the conditions found deep within the Earth. The result is the same crystal structure of pure carbon—diamond—cut and polished to scintillate with unmistakable brilliance.

How Are Lab Diamonds Made?

All lab diamonds begin as a tiny diamond seed. Two advanced methods grow the crystal:

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)

  • Simulates natural formation with temperatures over ~2,000°C and ~1.5 million PSI.
  • Carbon atoms bond to the seed and crystallize into diamond.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

  • A diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber with carbon‑rich gas (methane + hydrogen).
  • Heat breaks the gas; carbon layers deposit on the seed, growing the diamond.

Both methods create high‑quality diamonds. Differences are limited to growth patterns—not durability or beauty.

HPHT and CVD lab diamond growth process comparison

Common Myths—Debunked

  • “Lab diamonds are fake.” False. Simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite are different materials; lab diamonds are real diamond.
  • “They look different.” To the naked eye, no. Only advanced testing reveals origin.
  • “They’re softer.” No—both are a 10 on the Mohs scale.
  • “They’re flawless.” Like mined stones, lab diamonds can have inclusions and are graded on the 4Cs.

Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds

Feature Lab Grown Natural
Composition Pure carbon (diamond) Pure carbon (diamond)
Hardness 10 on Mohs 10 on Mohs
Brilliance Refractive index ~2.417–2.419 Refractive index ~2.417–2.419
Origin Grown in laboratory Formed over billions of years in Earth
Certification Graded by IGI or GIA Graded by IGI or GIA
Price Typically lower for comparable quality Higher due to rarity & mining
Sustainability No mining; smaller footprint Mining required

Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds

  1. Sustainable luxury: No mining and typically a smaller carbon footprint.
  2. Value: Often 30–40% less than mined for the same size/quality.
  3. Creative freedom: Exceptional fancy colors (pink, yellow, blue) at accessible prices.
  4. Certified quality: Every DMJ diamond is graded by IGI.
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FAQ

Are lab grown diamonds real?

Yes. They are real diamonds with identical physical, chemical, and optical properties to mined diamonds.

Can you tell the difference?

Not by eye. Only advanced equipment and trained gemologists can determine origin.

Do lab diamonds hold value?

Resale depends on market demand for any diamond. Most clients choose lab diamonds for maximum beauty and size at a given budget, not for speculation.

Are they durable enough for daily wear?

Absolutely—diamonds are the hardest known natural material (Mohs 10).

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