Lab-grown vs. mined diamonds: what's actually different?

If you're shopping for an engagement ring or a special piece, you've almost certainly come across lab-grown diamonds. They've become one of the most popular choices in fine jewelry, and for good reason. But what actually separates a lab-grown diamond from one that was mined? Less than most people expect.

A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond

This is the most important thing to know. A lab-grown diamond isn't a simulant like cubic zirconia or moissanite. It is made of the same material as a mined diamond: pure carbon, arranged in the same crystal structure. That means it shares the same physical, chemical and optical properties.

• Hardness: both score a 10 on the Mohs scale, the hardest of any natural material. Your ring will stand up to everyday wear in exactly the same way.
• Brilliance and fire: light moves through a lab-grown diamond the same way it moves through a mined one, so the sparkle is the same.
• Appearance: side by side, the two can't be told apart with the naked eye. Even trained jewellers need specialized equipment to identify a diamond's origin.

The only real difference is origin

A mined diamond formed deep underground over millions of years and was extracted from the earth. A lab-grown diamond is created above ground, in a controlled environment that recreates the extreme conditions under which diamonds form naturally. There are two main methods:

• HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) uses intense pressure and heat to crystallize carbon, much like the conditions deep within the earth.
• CVD (chemical vapour deposition) grows a diamond layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas.

Either way, the result is a diamond with a known origin, grown in weeks rather than millions of years.

Graded the same way

Lab-grown diamonds are evaluated using the same "4 Cs" as mined diamonds:

• Cut: how well the diamond's facets are shaped and proportioned to reflect light. This has the biggest effect on sparkle.
• Colour: how colourless the diamond is. Lab-grown diamonds also come in beautiful fancy colours, such as yellow and pink.
• Clarity: how free the diamond is of tiny internal or surface characteristics.
• Carat: the diamond's weight, which relates to its size.

Why so many people are choosing lab-grown

Value. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost significantly less than mined diamonds of similar size and quality. For many couples, that means choosing the size, shape and quality they truly want, rather than compromising to fit a budget.

A known origin. Because every lab-grown diamond is created in a controlled environment, you know exactly where your stone came from.

More choice. The value of lab-grown opens the door to larger centre stones, statement earrings and tennis bracelets that might otherwise feel out of reach.

See the difference for yourself

At Lab Grown Diamond Centre, every diamond and gemstone we carry is lab-created. It's all we do, and we're always happy to walk you through the options. Browse our engagement rings, or visit us at West Edmonton Mall (Phase 1, Lower level) to see our pieces in person.