Lab-grown vs mined diamonds
Journal · Diamond Education
Lab-grown vs mined diamonds: what is the real difference?
There is a question we get asked a lot: are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds? The answer is yes. Completely, unequivocally yes.
What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is not a simulant. It is not cubic zirconia or moissanite. It is a diamond, grown in a controlled environment that replicates the natural conditions deep within the earth. The result is a stone that is physically, chemically, and optically identical to one pulled from the ground. The only difference is the story behind it.
Lab-grown vs mined: what actually differs?
| Lab-grown | Mined | |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 100% carbon crystal | 100% carbon crystal |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 — the hardest material on earth | 10 — identical |
| GIA certification | Yes — graded on same 4Cs scale | Yes |
| Environmental cost | Significantly lower | High — land disruption, carbon emissions |
| Conflict risk | None — fully traceable | Varies by source |
| Price | 30–50% less for equivalent stone | Higher |
Are lab-grown diamonds worth it?
Mined diamonds come with a cost that goes beyond the price tag. Traditional diamond mining is environmentally intensive — significant land disruption, high water and energy use, and carbon emissions. The ethical concerns, depending on source, can be significant too.
Lab-grown diamonds eliminate both. Same sparkle. Same hardness. Same grading criteria: cut, clarity, colour, and carat. None of the compromise.
Why Glasaje chooses lab-grown
At Glasaje, we choose lab-grown diamonds because what a piece is made from matters as much as how it looks. Every diamond we set is GIA certified, conflict-free, and created without harming the environment. When you wear a Glasaje diamond, you are not settling for second best. You are choosing something better.
Frequently asked questions
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds in every scientific sense — same carbon crystal structure, same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), same optical properties. They are graded by GIA using the same 4Cs criteria as mined diamonds.
Can you tell the difference between a lab-grown and mined diamond?
Not with the naked eye. Even professional gemologists cannot distinguish them visually — specialist equipment is required. The stones are physically and chemically identical.
Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value?
Lab-grown diamonds have followed a declining price trend as production has scaled. They are not typically purchased as investment assets — they are purchased because you want a beautiful, ethical diamond to wear. For that purpose, they are excellent value.
