Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamonds: Which One Should You Buy?

Graziela Oborn

Diamonds have long been symbols of love, commitment, and timeless beauty. But as technology advances and consumers become more conscious about ethical sourcing, many are now faced with an important choice: lab-grown or mined diamonds?

Both have their appeal, but they differ in terms of price, sustainability, sourcing ethics, and market perception. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision about which diamond best suits your needs.

At Dream Diamonds, we provide high-quality lab-grown diamonds that offer the same brilliance and durability as mined diamonds without the high costs and environmental concerns. Whether you’re buying for an engagement, a special occasion, or a personal collection, this guide will help you decide which diamond is the best fit for you.

Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, lab-grown and mined diamonds appear identical. The biggest differences lie in how they are formed, their cost, and their ethical implications.

Feature	Lab-Grown Diamonds	Mined Diamonds
Formation	Created in a lab using High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)	Formed naturally underground over millions of years
Price	Up to 75% more affordable	Expensive due to mining, rarity, and supply chain costs
Ethical Sourcing	100% conflict-free, transparent origin	Can be linked to unethical mining and human rights issues
Environmental Impact	Minimal impact, no land destruction or pollution	Mining causes deforestation, water contamination, and ecosystem disruption
Durability	Same hardness (10 on Mohs scale)	Identical hardness
Certification	Certified by GIA, IGI, GCAL with the same grading system as mined diamonds	Certified using the same industry standards

How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?

Lab-grown diamonds are created using two primary methods that mimic how natural diamonds form in the Earth's crust.

High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT)

A small diamond seed is placed in a chamber with high pressure and heat to encourage carbon growth.
Over weeks to months, carbon crystallizes around the seed, forming a full-sized diamond.
HPHT is commonly used for larger diamonds and can improve the colour of the diamond during processing.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

A diamond seed is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases.
Using microwaves or lasers, the gases are ionized, breaking the carbon bonds and allowing them to attach to the diamond seed.
The diamond grows layer by layer over several weeks, forming a high quality, pure diamond.

Both methods create real diamonds with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. Even trained gemologists require specialized tools to distinguish them.

Ethical Considerations: Which Diamond is More Responsible?

The Hidden Truth About Mined Diamonds

Mined diamonds have long been associated with:

Conflict Diamonds (Blood Diamonds) → Many diamonds have been sourced from war zones, funding violence and exploitation.
Human Rights Concerns → Mining operations often involve child labour and unsafe working conditions.
Environmental Damage → Mining causes deforestation, water pollution, and destruction of ecosystems.

Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Are the Ethical Choice

100% conflict-free and sustainably produced.
No human rights violations or unsafe working conditions.
A controlled production process that leaves zero impact on natural ecosystems.

Consumers today are more conscious about where their jewellery comes from. Lab-grown diamonds offer a guilt-free way to enjoy luxury without harming communities or the environment.

Grading & Certification: Are Lab Diamonds Evaluated the Same Way?

Yes! Both lab-grown and mined diamonds are graded using the same 4Cs standard.

The 4Cs of Diamond Grading

Cut – Determines the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond.
Colour – Graded from D (colourless) to Z (visible tint).
Clarity – Measures inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external marks).
Carat Weight – The weight and size of the diamond.

Diamond Certification

Lab-grown diamonds receive official certification from reputable institutions

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
International Gemological Institute (IGI)
Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL)

Every certified diamond has a unique identification number laser-engraved on the girdle, which matches the grading report.

Tip: Always check the certificate number to verify the authenticity of your diamond!

Pros and Cons of Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds have gained popularity as an ethical and budget-friendly alternative to mined diamonds. But are they the right choice for you? Let’s explore the pros and cons of both.

Feature	Lab-Grown Diamonds (Pros)	Lab-Grown Diamonds (Cons)	Mined Diamonds (Pros)	Mined Diamonds (Cons)
Affordability	Up to 75% cheaper than mined diamonds.	May have lower resale value.	Perceived as valuable due to rarity.	Very expensive due to high mining costs.
Ethics	100% conflict-free and cruelty-free.	Some consumers still prefer natural diamonds.	Traditional value and market acceptance.	Often linked to conflict and unethical mining.
Environmental Impact	No mining, no pollution, and minimal waste.	Requires energy to produce, but still lower impact.	A natural resource formed over millions of years.	Deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution.
Durability & Quality	Identical hardness (10 on Mohs scale).	Must verify certification to avoid low-quality diamonds.	Naturally formed and unique.	Some natural diamonds have visible flaws or imperfections.
Market Value	Still developing in resale value.	Perception of being "less rare".	Traditionally holds value longer.	Price fluctuations and potential loss in value.

Addressing Common Myths About Lab-Grown Diamonds

1. Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Fake?

No. Lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds with the same composition, hardness, and sparkle as mined diamonds.

2. Can a Jeweller Tell If a Diamond is Lab-Grown?

Not by eye. Even experienced jewellers need specialized equipment to identify lab-grown diamonds.

3. Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Have Flaws?

Yes. Just like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can have small inclusions and colour variations. However, due to controlled production, they often have higher clarity on average.

Who Should Buy a Lab-Grown Diamond?

Lab-grown diamonds have transformed the jewellery industry, but they are not for everyone. If you’re wondering whether they’re right for you, consider these points

Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Best For

✔ Budget-conscious shoppers who want a bigger, higher-quality diamond at a lower price.
✔ Ethical buyers who want a conflict-free, eco-friendly choice without harming the environment.
✔ Engagement ring shoppers who prioritize affordability and brilliance over resale value.
✔ People who want a colored diamond (e.g., pink, blue, yellow) at a fraction of the cost.
✔ Anyone who wants a modern, sustainable approach to luxury jewellery.

You May Prefer a Mined Diamond If

You prioritize traditional rarity and resale value over affordability.
You believe in the symbolism and legacy of natural diamonds.
You are looking for an investment-grade diamond that may appreciate in value.

Choosing Between Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds

Who Should Buy a Lab-Grown Diamond?

If you want the best value for your budget.
If you care about ethical and eco-friendly choices.
If you want a bigger diamond at a lower price.

Who Should Buy a Mined Diamond?

If you value tradition and rarity.
If you see diamonds as a long-term investment.
If the resale market matters to you.

At Dream Diamonds, we offer a stunning collection of Engagement and Wedding lab-grown diamonds for both that provide luxury, beauty, and responsibility in one perfect package.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Diamonds

The jewellery industry is changing, and lab-grown diamonds are leading the way. They offer affordable luxury, ethical production, and high-quality brilliance making them the perfect choice for modern buyers.

Looking for the perfect diamond? Browse our collection at Dream Diamonds and find a diamond that reflects your values and style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do lab-grown diamonds lose their sparkle over time?
No. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, meaning they maintain their brilliance and durability forever, just like mined diamonds.

2. Will a lab-grown diamond test as real on a diamond tester?
Yes. Since lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds, they test as real on diamond testers.

3. Do lab-grown diamonds have a resale value?
Lab-grown diamonds typically have a lower resale value compared to mined diamonds, but this is changing as demand grows.

4. Can a jeweler tell if a diamond is lab-grown?
Not without specialized equipment. Even expert jewelers need magnification tools or laser inscription details to differentiate them.

7. How Long Does It Take to Create a Lab-Grown Diamond?

A lab-grown diamond takes several weeks to a few months to grow, depending on its size and formation process. In contrast, a mined diamond takes millions of years to form naturally.