Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds — chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined ones. In 2018, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) made it official. Here is an honest, side-by-side look at lab-grown vs natural diamonds, and why so many people are choosing lab-grown.
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. A lab-grown diamond is the same carbon crystal as a mined diamond, with the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and the same fire and brilliance. The only real difference is origin: one is grown in a lab in a few weeks, the other forms deep underground over a billion years or more. In 2018, the FTC updated its Jewelry Guides and removed the word “natural” from its definition of a diamond — officially recognizing lab-grown diamonds as diamonds. Even a trained gemologist needs specialized equipment to tell the two apart.
Lab-grown vs natural diamonds, side by side
| Lab-grown diamond | Natural (mined) diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Real diamond (carbon), grown in a lab | Real diamond (carbon), mined from the earth |
| Look & hardness | Identical — 10 on the Mohs scale, same fire | Identical |
| How to tell apart | Specialized equipment only | Specialized equipment only |
| Origin | Grown in weeks | Formed over ~1–3 billion years |
| Typical price | 30–50%+ less | Higher |
| Mining | None | Required |
| Conflict-free | Yes, by nature | Varies by source |
Why a new generation is choosing lab-grown
- The same sparkle, a real diamond — no compromise on beauty or durability.
- No mining, conflict-free by nature — a clear conscience, with none of the worry tied to “blood diamonds.”
- A smaller footprint — no large-scale digging of the earth.
- A price you can actually afford — more diamond for your budget.
Is a lab-grown diamond worth it?
If you want the look, hardness, and feel of a real diamond without the mined-diamond price, lab-grown is worth it. One honest note: like most jewelry, diamonds — lab-grown or natural — are not an investment, and lab-grown resale value is lower. Buy one to wear and love, not to resell.
Lab-grown diamonds at QIGE
Today, our ready-to-wear pieces are lab-created moissanite set in sterling silver. Lab-grown diamonds and natural gemstones are available made-to-order through our custom service — our partner workshops craft them every day. Start a custom inquiry to design yours.
Want a lab-grown diamond or natural-gemstone piece? We make them to order.
Start a custom inquiry