Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Mined Diamonds: Everything You Need to Know

Many people still find investing in lab-developed diamonds daunting mainly because they think that they’re a fake replica of natural or mined diamonds. 

In this article, we’ll provide you with a general overview of what lab-diamonds are, how they are made, and what makes them different from mined diamonds. 

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds? 

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. 

They’re just like natural/mined diamonds, except for the fact that they’re grown and processed in a laboratory as opposed to being mined from the Earth's crust.  

There is essentially no difference between lab-grown and mined diamonds; they are visually, physically, and chemically the same.

Moreover, both types of diamonds give the same sparkle, have the same types of clarity and colour, and both come in the same shapes and sizes.

In terms of durability, lab diamonds offer the same strength, durability, and hardness as natural diamonds.

Are Lab Diamonds Considered Fake Diamonds? 

No. As mentioned earlier, lab-grown diamonds are diamonds. Although they are not found naturally in the Earth's crust, lab diamonds have the same visual, physical and chemical attributes as natural diamonds. 

In 2018, the Federal Trade Commission stated, “A diamond is a diamond no matter whether it is grown in a lab or comes out of the ground”. 

Lab-Grown Diamonds Vs Mined Diamonds 

There is essentially no difference between natural diamonds and premium quality lab diamonds in terms of appearance. However, there are some differences in terms of price, selection and the creation process.

Let’s cover their similarities first which are as follows:

1. Visual Attributes 

Although the timeline for the development process of lab diamonds and natural diamonds are completely different, both diamonds deliver the same visual beauty and timeless diamond design.

The process of creating lab diamonds involves duplicating the natural process of developing natural diamonds.  

Thus, it is nearly impossible to identify which diamond is lab-grown and which one is mined through the naked eye, and even through magnification. 

It generally takes advanced gemological testing to determine which diamond is lab-grown and which diamond is mined. 

Both types of diamonds have an almost or totally colourless appearance, but are also available in fancy colours. They both come in standard shapes including oval, round, cushion, pear, asscher, emerald, marquise, radiant, and princess.

Shop our lab grown and mined diamonds

2. Shine and Sparkle 

Lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds also provide the same shine and sparkle. Both high-quality lab stones and natural stones shine and spark the same way, and it is difficult to differentiate them. 

They also deliver the same fire, scintillation and brilliance. Either would make an excellent choice for an engagement ring, wedding ring, earrings and other jewellery.

3. Chemical Attributes 

Lab diamonds not only offer the same visual appearance, but they also have the same chemical attributes as mined diamonds.

Additionally, they possess the same level of durability, and hardness. 

Differences Between Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds 

1. Price 

When it comes to price, natural diamonds cost more than lab diamonds. 

As expected, lab diamonds typically cost roughly 30% less than mined diamonds of the same quality and size. 

This price difference comes because natural diamonds are grown under the crust for billions of years and, thus, will require a lot of resources to extract. 

The development of lab diamonds, on the other hand, relies on technology and science, making them a less expensive option.

2. Selection 

With both lab grown and natural diamonds, you get a wide range of selection in terms of size, clarity, colour and shape. 

3. Creation Process 

Diamonds that are developed from the crust of the Earth with top-notch quality are rare, making them highly sought-after. On the other hand, lab diamonds are created in a laboratory using various processes.  

The timeline for developing lab diamonds is significantly shorter than the acquisition and development process of natural diamonds.

It is impossible to extract and polish natural diamonds within a few weeks, unlike lab diamonds.

Although lab diamonds are developed in a shorter period, they offer just as much durability, sparkle, and elegance as natural diamonds.  

Check out the video below of how ALTR lab grown diamonds are made.

Final Thoughts 

Both lab-created and mined diamonds are diamonds that are guaranteed to last a lifetime. 

If you’re looking for something made by mother nature over a billion years ago then a mined diamond is the way to go. 

If you are planning to invest in a new diamond jewellery piece without breaking the bank, you might want to consider going for top-quality lab-grown diamonds. 

At Bogart's Jewellers we offer a wide range of beautiful diamonds, or you can even build your own ring, giving you your own custom piece. 

Can't find the exact piece you're looking for? We also offer custom jewellery, you dream it we can do it! 

Drop us a message by clicking the chat box in the bottom right corner or check out our contact us page for more ways to reach out (click here) and our gemologist would love to help you out!