Lab grown diamonds have become one of the most talked-about topics in fine jewelry over the past several years — and understandably so. For many shoppers, they raise genuine questions: Are they real diamonds? How are they made? And are they the right choice? The answers are clearer than you might expect, and understanding them can help you make a confident, informed decision.
What Exactly Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond. It is not a simulant like cubic zirconia or moissanite — it is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a diamond formed in the earth. The difference lies entirely in origin: one grows over billions of years under the earth’s surface, while the other is created in a controlled laboratory environment over a matter of weeks.
Scientists replicate the extreme heat and pressure conditions that produce natural diamonds using one of two methods:
- High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): A small diamond seed is placed in carbon and subjected to intense pressure and temperature, causing the carbon to crystallize around the seed.
- Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): A diamond seed is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. The gas ionizes and carbon atoms bond to the seed layer by layer, growing the diamond upward.
The result in either case is a diamond — one that a gemologist cannot distinguish from a mined stone without specialized equipment.
How Do Lab Grown Diamonds Compare to Natural Diamonds?
When it comes to the 4 Cs — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — lab grown diamonds are graded by the same gemological standards as natural diamonds. Reputable grading laboratories such as the IGI and GIA certify lab grown diamonds just as they do mined ones, giving you a documented assessment of the stone’s quality.
Where the two diverge is in rarity and long-term value. Natural diamonds are finite, formed over geological timescales, and carry the provenance of the earth. Lab grown diamonds can be produced in greater volume, which is reflected in their price — typically significantly lower per carat than a comparable natural stone. This price difference allows many buyers to choose a larger or higher-quality stone within their budget.
Neither choice is universally better. It depends on what matters most to you: the geology and rarity of a natural diamond, or the value and accessibility of a lab grown one.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds a Good Value?
For shoppers prioritizing size, quality, or budget flexibility, lab grown diamonds offer a compelling value proposition. You can often achieve a noticeably larger stone — or step up in color and clarity — for the same investment as a smaller or lower-graded natural diamond.
It is worth noting, however, that the resale market for lab grown diamonds is still maturing, and their secondary market value has declined as production has become more efficient and widespread. If long-term resale value is a priority for you, that is an important part of the conversation to have with your jeweler before making a decision.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Lab Grown Diamond?
The same principles that guide a natural diamond purchase apply here. Look for a certified stone with a grading report from a recognized laboratory, and pay close attention to cut quality — cut has the greatest influence on how a diamond looks in person, regardless of its origin. A well-cut lab grown diamond will outshine a poorly cut natural one every time.
Be cautious of uncertified stones sold on the basis of verbal claims alone. A reputable jeweler will always be able to provide documentation and take the time to walk you through what you are looking at.
At our showrooms in Wildwood and Cape May Court House, we carry certified natural and lab grown diamonds side by side, so you can see the difference — or the lack of it — with your own eyes before making any decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab grown diamonds considered “real” diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds in every meaningful sense. They share the same carbon crystal structure, hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and optical properties as mined diamonds. The Federal Trade Commission has updated its guidelines to reflect this, recognizing lab grown diamonds as diamonds without qualification.
Can a jeweler tell the difference between a lab grown and natural diamond just by looking?
Not with the naked eye, and not with standard gemological tools like a loupe or microscope. Distinguishing between the two requires specialized screening equipment. Both types of diamonds look identical in normal viewing conditions, which is precisely why certification and trusted sourcing matter.
Do lab grown diamonds come in different shapes and sizes?
Absolutely. Lab grown diamonds are available in all the same shapes as natural diamonds — round brilliant, oval, cushion, emerald, pear, and more — and in a wide range of carat weights and quality grades. Whatever look you have in mind for an engagement ring or other piece, there is almost certainly a lab grown option to match it.
Will a lab grown diamond hold its value over time?
This is a fair and important question. As production technology has improved and supply has grown, the resale value of lab grown diamonds has decreased more quickly than that of natural diamonds. They remain a meaningful and beautiful choice, but if investment value is a significant factor in your purchase, we recommend discussing both options openly with your jeweler so you can weigh the full picture.
Whether you are drawn to a certified natural diamond, curious about lab grown stones, or simply want to talk through your options without any pressure, we would be glad to help. Stop in and see us at either of our Jersey Shore locations — in Wildwood on Pacific Avenue or at our Cape May Court House showroom — and let’s find the right diamond for you together.