Lab Grown vs Mined Diamonds

Lab vs Mined Diamonds

Unsure whether to choose a lab-grown or mined diamond engagement ring? This guide outlines the pros and cons, including quality, price, and key differences, to help you decide.

What Are They

Lab diamonds are real diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are created in a lab instead of being mined from the Earth. They share the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural diamonds.

How are they made

Lab Diamonds are made not mined

Lab-grown diamonds are made using two methods: HPHT, which replicates Earth's high pressure and heat, and CVD, which layers carbon atoms in a vacuum. Both produce diamonds identical to natural ones

Do They Have Value?

Yes, lab grown diamonds have value

Influenced by factors like carat, cut, color, and clarity. They are generally more affordable than mined diamonds, but their value also depends on market demand, brand, and quality.

Will people tell the difference?

Even an expert can't tell by sight alone

Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical composition and properties as natural ones, making them just as real as mined diamonds. Trained diamond experts can't can't distinguish a lab-grown diamond by sight alone. They need advanced tools and techniques to determine if a diamond is lab-grown or natural.

FAQ's

Google's most common lab grown diamond questions.
Answered by our expert.

How can you tell the difference?

Even our head gemologist can’t tell them apart without using specialist laboratory equipment.

Do lab grown diamonds test as real diamonds?

Yes, lab diamonds test as real diamonds, because they are authentic and identical to those found in nature, with the exact same chemical makeup. However, specialist laboratory equipment can tell lab diamonds from natural diamonds.

Do lab grown diamonds with any certification?

Just like mined diamonds, lab grown are graded and certified. At Olivia Green, we carefully handpick only the finest lab grown diamonds. But don’t just take our word for it. To give you complete peace of mind, all our diamonds that are above 0.50ct are sent to the IGI, one of the world's most renowned grading labs.

How to buy a lab grown diamond?

Just like mined diamonds, lab grown are graded and certified. At Olivia Green, we carefully handpick only the finest lab grown diamonds. But don’t just take our word for it. To give you complete peace of mind, all our diamonds that are above 0.50ct are sent to the IGI, one of the world's most renowned grading labs.