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

When you’re shopping for an engagement ring, settling on a design can be difficult. If you’re interested in the classic diamond, you have another decision to make—do you want mined stones or lab-grown diamonds? But what are lab diamonds, and are they actually real? At the Jewelry Design Gallery, this is one of the most common questions clients ask, and we share all the details here.

What Is A Lab-Created Diamond?

A lab-created diamond is chemically, physically, and visually the same as natural diamonds—the only difference is its origin. These man-made diamonds are “grown” inside a lab using cutting-edge technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process. The result is a beautiful stone that looks just as beautiful as those that grow beneath the Earth’s surface.

So are lab-grown diamonds real? Absolutely.  You would never know the difference. According to Stephen ­Morisseau, a spokesman for the Gemological Institute of America, they’re not fake or cubic zirconias. They have all the same physical and chemical properties of a mined diamond. So when you shop for lab diamond engagement rings, you can be sure you’re getting the real deal.

Benefits of Lab-Created Diamonds

  • Eco-Friendly: For every carat of diamond mined, nearly 100 sq. ft. of land is disturbed and nearly 6,000 pounds of mineral waste created
  • Ethically Sourced: Mined diamonds result in 1 injury for every 1,000 workers annually, while lab-grown diamonds result in zero
  • Competitively Priced: Due to the shorter supply chain, lab diamonds can be anywhere from 40-60% less expensive than mined diamonds

Shop for Your Lab Diamond Engagement Rings with Us

The Jewelry Design Gallery has a variety of lab-grown diamonds in stock, and we can custom order any design as needed. Stop in for a consultation today and browse our stunning collection.