Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

The question often comes up: Are lab-grown diamonds truly real? It's a reasonable doubt. Diamonds have always been prized as rare gifts of nature, so the idea of creating them in a lab might make some people question their worth.

To understand this better, let’s dive into what lab-grown diamonds are and how they’ve earned their place in the world of diamonds.

The Start of Diamond Engagement Rings

In 1477, Mary of Burgundy received the first known diamond engagement ring. That moment started a trend among noble families, where diamonds became a key part of engagement rings. Over time, engagement ring styles evolved—some incorporating floral designs or other gemstones—but diamonds remained the primary attraction.

In 1947, De Beers launched their famous slogan, “A Diamond is Forever,” which made diamond engagement rings even more popular around the world. A few years later, in 1953, Marilyn Monroe famously sang “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, helping cement diamonds as a symbol of love and glamour.

Are “Lab-Grown” and “Synthetic” Diamonds the Same Thing?

You may have heard lab-grown diamonds being called “synthetic diamonds.” While that term is sometimes used, it's misleading. The word "synthetic" often evokes images of something fake or low-quality, such as fake leather or synthetic fabric. But when it comes to diamonds, that’s not true.

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds that are mined from the Earth. The only real difference is where they come from. Natural diamonds form deep underground over billions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled lab environments using advanced technology within weeks or months.

Therefore, labeling them as “synthetic” doesn’t accurately reflect their true value or quality. That’s why experts and jewelers now prefer the term “lab-grown” or “man-made” diamonds, because it’s more accurate and avoids confusion.

What About Fake Diamonds? Are There Such Things?

Yes, there are gemstones that look like diamonds but are not real diamonds at all. These are often known as “diamond simulants” or “fake diamonds.” The two most common examples are Cubic Zirconia (CZ) and Moissanite.

These stones may look similar to diamonds at first glance, but they are completely different in composition and quality. They do not have the same hardness, durability, or sparkle as a real diamond. 

Let’s look at both in more detail.

Cubic Zirconia (CZ) – The Most Common Diamond Look-Alike

Cubic zirconia is one of the most popular diamond substitutes. It is entirely man-made, created in a lab by mixing zirconium oxide with stabilizing agents like magnesium and calcium. The result is a clear, shiny stone that closely resembles a diamond.

While CZ can look very sparkly and beautiful, it’s not as hard or durable. It tends to scratch easily, become cloudy over time, and lose its shine. That’s why cubic zirconia is much cheaper than both real diamonds and Moissanite.

Even though natural CZ does exist in rare conditions, almost all CZ jewelry you see in stores is lab-created. The process to grow cubic zirconia only takes a few hours to a few days, making it an affordable option for costume jewelry or short-term use.

Moissanite – A More Durable Alternative

Moissanite is another lab-created gemstone that resembles a diamond. It is made from silicon carbide, and it’s also rarely found in nature—usually discovered in meteorites! As a result, all commercial Moissanite is manufactured in a laboratory.

Unlike cubic zirconia, Moissanite is much harder and more durable, making it a better long-term diamond substitute. It’s known for having a very bright sparkle, even more than diamonds in some lighting. Moissanite takes several months to grow in a lab and is cut and graded similarly to diamonds, which is why it’s more expensive than cubic zirconia, but still more affordable than real diamonds.

However, Moissanite still isn’t a real diamond. While it’s a popular alternative, its chemical structure and brilliance are different. It has a rainbow-like sparkle, which can be a giveaway to trained eyes.

Let’s break it down simply:

How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Created?

There are two primary methods for creating lab-grown diamonds: CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature). Both methods utilize advanced technology to replicate the natural diamond-forming process in a laboratory.

The CVD Method – Building Diamonds with Gas

The Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method begins with a small, high-quality diamond known as a "seed." This seed is placed in a special machine called a vacuum plasma reactor, which is filled with carbon-rich gases.

The machine heats up the gases until the carbon atoms break apart. These free carbon atoms then begin to settle on the diamond seed, slowly building up layers in a strong, crystal structure. Over time, this process forms a rough diamond, which can later be cut and polished just like a natural one.

The HPHT Method – Mimicking the Earth’s Pressure and Heat

The High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) method imitates the natural conditions deep inside the Earth where diamonds are formed. In this process, scientists use highly refined graphite, which is made of carbon, and place it in a special machine that applies extreme heat and pressure.

Under these powerful conditions, the graphite turns into liquid carbon, which then slowly cools over several days. As it cools, the carbon atoms form a crystal structure, resulting in a real diamond.

Besides creating lab-grown diamonds, the HPHT process is also used to enhance natural diamonds. It can make them brighter, clearer, or even change their color. 

For example, some diamonds are treated to become pink, blue, or yellow, making them highly desirable.

Sometimes, lab-grown diamonds produced using the CVD method are subjected to the HPHT process afterward to enhance their color and quality further.

Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Look Different from Natural Diamonds?

No, not really. Lab-grown and natural diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties. That means they look, feel, and shine the same. The only real difference is how and where they were made—one grows deep underground over billions of years, while the other is created in a lab in just a few weeks.

Of course, there’s something magical about a diamond that formed naturally over such a long time. That mystery and rarity are part of what makes natural diamonds so special to some people. 

However, lab-grown diamonds have their own appeal, particularly for modern buyers seeking something more affordable, ethical, and environmentally friendly.

Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds? The Key Benefits

• Ethical and Conflict-Free: No mining or connection to conflict zones—grown in safe, controlled environments.
  

• Environmentally Friendly: No land damage, water waste, or ecosystem disruption.
  

• High Quality and Purity: Most are Type IIA—the purest form of diamond, with no impurities.
  

• Affordable: Costs 30–50% less than natural diamonds; get more size and sparkle for your budget.
  

• Traceable Origin: Easy to track where and how they were made, offering full transparency.
  

• Modern and Trendy: A popular choice for eco-conscious buyers and younger generations.
  

• Customizable: Can be grown in different colors and tailored for specific designs.

Elevate Your Jewelry Experience with Jewels of NYC

Lab-grown diamonds offer a perfect blend of beauty, value, and responsibility. They are real diamonds—just created more ethically and sustainably. With high quality, affordability, and conflict-free origins, they’re a smart choice for today’s conscious buyers.

At Jewels of NYC, we specialize in offering stunning lab-grown diamonds that suit every style and budget. Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, a timeless gift, or a custom piece, our team is here to help you find the perfect diamond—without compromising on quality or values.

Contact us today to explore our collection or speak with one of our diamond experts!