Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Short answer: yes—lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. If you’re comparing options for an engagement ring or fine jewelry, you’re not choosing between “real” and “fake.” You’re deciding how your diamond was formed: naturally underground or carefully grown in a laboratory. At PHD Jewelers, we help you compare both with clarity, so you can choose confidently.
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. They have the same crystal structure (pure carbon in a diamond lattice), the same hardness (Mohs 10), the same optical properties (refractive index ~2.42, dispersion ~0.044), and they’re graded by the same gem labs that certify natural-mined diamonds.
Bottom line:
Lab grown = real diamond. Simulants (moissanite, cubic zirconia) ≠ diamond.
Myths & Misconceptions—Answered Clearly
Myth 1: “Lab grown” means fake or synthetic like CZ.
Reality:
In gemology, synthetic means “created by humans but chemically and physically identical to the natural gem.” Lab grown diamonds are pure carbon diamonds. Simulants—like cubic zirconia (CZ) or moissanite—only look diamond-like; they’re different materials with different properties.
Myth 2: You can spot lab grown diamonds with the naked eye.
Reality:
You can’t. Even seasoned professionals need specialized instruments. Both mined and lab grown diamonds can be GIA/IGI-certified and laser-inscribed for transparency.
Myth 3: Lab grown diamonds won’t last.
Reality:
They’re diamonds. They’re forever-durable, suitable for daily wear, heirloom-worthy, and set and cared for exactly the same way as natural-mined diamonds.
Why They’re 100% Diamonds
A diamond is defined by what it is, not where it formed.
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Composition: Pure carbon atoms arranged in a cubic crystal lattice—identical in both lab grown and natural.
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Hardness: Mohs 10 (the hardest natural substance). That legendary scratch resistance is the same.
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Optics: The same refractive index (~2.42) and dispersion (~0.044) that create fire and brilliance.
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Thermal Conductivity & Density: Matching physical signatures—another reason labs identify simulants easily but treat both lab grown and natural as true diamonds.
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Grading & Certification: Leading labs (e.g., GIA, IGI) grade cut, color, clarity, and carat for both. Reports may note origin (“laboratory-grown”) for transparency, and stones often carry a laser inscription along the girdle.
Key insight: Lab grown diamonds are created via HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)—modern methods that replicate diamond-forming conditions. Different journey, same destination: a real diamond.
Lab Grown vs. Simulants (Quick Reference)
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Lab Grown Diamond: Pure carbon diamond. Real. Same properties as mined.
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Moissanite: Silicon carbide; different sparkle pattern (higher fire), different hardness (9.25).
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Cubic Zirconia (CZ): Zirconium dioxide; softer, different brilliance, not diamond.
If you want a 100% diamond, choose natural-mined or lab grown. If you want a look-alike, you’re in simulant territory.
What This Means for Your Jewelry
When you choose a lab grown diamond, you’re choosing a 100% diamond—with all the same beauty and performance you expect:
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Same settings: Solitaire, halo, three-stone, pavé—everything applies.
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Same care: Gentle cleaning, periodic inspections, prong checks—identical routine.
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Same sparkle: Cut quality drives brilliance in both lab grown and mined.
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Same design freedom: From classic rounds to ovals, emeralds, and cushions, you can create any look you love.
Many clients appreciate that lab grown diamonds often allow for more carat weight or higher color/clarity at a given budget—without compromising that “real diamond” experience.
Choosing the Diamond That’s Right for You
At PHD Jewelers, our approach is expert and friendly—we place you at the center of the process.
Compare Side by Side
We’ll show you natural-mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds in the shapes and sizes you’re considering, under multiple lighting conditions, so you can see the difference (or the similarity) for yourself.
Focus on Cut for Maximum Beauty
A precise cut brings out the brilliance that makes a diamond unforgettable. Whether mined or lab grown, cut quality is the single biggest visual factor.
Build the Ring Around Your Life
Choose metals (platinum, yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold), band style, and setting details that fit your style and everyday wear. We’ll guide you through durability and design so it looks extraordinary—and lasts.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Are lab grown diamonds certified?
Yes. We offer GIA and IGI certifications with full grading details and, often, a girdle inscription for easy identification.
Do lab grown diamonds test as real?
Yes. They test as diamond because they are diamond.
Can I insure and appraise a lab grown diamond?
Absolutely. We provide appraisals and can help you with insurance documentation.
Do lab grown diamonds retain the same care requirements?
Yes—cleaning, inspections, and maintenance are identical to natural-mined diamonds.
Welcome to PHD Jewelers
Discover your perfect piece with us. Our team will walk you through the Four Cs, certification, and side-by-side comparisons so you can choose the diamond—lab grown or mined—that feels right for your moment.
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Custom engagement rings designed around your story
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Loose diamonds (lab grown and natural-mined) curated for beauty and value
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Expert diamond guidance from a team that makes everything clear and enjoyable
PHD Jewelers
379 W Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041
(610) 679-9191
Discover Your Perfect Diamond. Visit our showroom, or get in touch to begin designing. Bring your idea to life with our Ring Builder Tool, and share your moment with #PHDMoments.
Closing Thoughts
If you remember just one thing, let it be this: lab grown diamonds are real diamonds—chemically, physically, and visually. When you choose one at PHD Jewelers, you’re choosing a diamond that shines with the same brilliance, romance, and legacy as any mined stone—crafted into a piece you’ll love for a lifetime.