The diamond industry has changed dramatically over the past decade. Lab-grown diamonds have gone from a niche curiosity to a mainstream choice, now accounting for roughly half of all diamond engagement ring sales in North America. Yet there's still plenty of confusion — and some misinformation — about what lab-grown diamonds actually are.
This guide gives you an honest, balanced comparison so you can make the choice that's right for you.
What Exactly Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. Full stop. It has the same chemical composition (pure carbon), the same crystal structure, the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and the same optical properties as a diamond formed in the Earth's mantle.
The difference is origin: instead of forming under extreme heat and pressure over one to three billion years deep underground, lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory environment over a period of weeks to months.
There are two primary methods:
- HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature): Mimics the natural geological process. A small diamond seed is placed in a press and subjected to temperatures above 1,400 degrees Celsius and pressures of roughly 60,000 atmospheres. Carbon dissolves and crystallises around the seed.
- CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition): A diamond seed is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas (typically methane). The gas is ionised into plasma, and carbon atoms deposit onto the seed layer by layer, growing the diamond upward.
Both methods produce gem-quality diamonds that are indistinguishable from mined diamonds without specialised laboratory equipment.
Are They "Real" Diamonds?
Yes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States and the Competition Bureau of Canada both recognise lab-grown diamonds as real diamonds. They're graded by the same independent laboratories — IGI and GIA — using the same 4C criteria (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat).
A jeweller cannot tell the difference by looking at a lab-grown diamond under a loupe. The distinction can only be made with advanced spectroscopic equipment that detects subtle differences in trace element patterns.
The Price Difference
This is where the conversation gets interesting. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 60-80% less than comparable mined diamonds. A 1.5-carat, excellent-cut, G-colour, VS2-clarity lab-grown diamond might cost $2,500-$4,000, while an equivalent mined diamond could run $12,000-$18,000.
Why the gap? It comes down to supply economics:
- Mined diamonds require massive infrastructure: mining operations, processing plants, and a long supply chain with many intermediaries.
- Lab-grown diamonds have a shorter supply chain and production costs that continue to decrease as technology improves.
- The mined diamond industry also benefits from decades of marketing that established diamonds as rare luxury goods.
What this means for you: With a lab-grown diamond, you can afford a significantly larger and higher-quality stone — or save the difference for other priorities.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
This is a nuanced topic, and we want to be straightforward about it.
Lab-grown advantages:
- No land disruption from mining operations
- No displacement of communities
- Fully traceable supply chain — you know exactly where your diamond was made
- No concerns about conflict diamonds or questionable labour practices
The full picture:
- Lab-grown diamond production is energy-intensive. However, many producers now use renewable energy sources, and the carbon footprint per carat is generally lower than mining.
- The mined diamond industry has made significant improvements through the Kimberley Process and responsible sourcing initiatives.
- Some mining operations provide vital employment in developing economies.
Neither option is perfect, but lab-grown diamonds do eliminate the most significant ethical concerns associated with diamond sourcing.
Durability and Longevity
Lab-grown diamonds are equally durable. They score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale (the maximum), just like mined diamonds. They won't cloud, fade, or degrade over time. Your grandchildren could wear a lab-grown diamond ring, and it would look exactly the same as the day it was purchased.
The Resale Question
Let's address the elephant in the room: resale value. Lab-grown diamonds currently have lower resale value than mined diamonds. However, it's worth noting that mined diamonds also lose significant value the moment you buy them — typically 30-50% or more. Diamonds of any kind are not financial investments.
If you're buying a diamond as a symbol of love and commitment (which is why most people buy them), the resale question is largely academic. You're not planning to sell your engagement ring.
Who Chooses Lab-Grown?
The lab-grown market is growing fastest among:
- Young professionals (25-40) who want quality without overspending
- Environmentally conscious buyers who prefer the smaller ecological footprint
- Value-focused couples who'd rather put the savings toward a home, travel, or wedding
- Design enthusiasts who want a larger centre stone to make their dream design possible
In Toronto and across the GTA, we've seen the shift firsthand. Many of our clients come in expecting to compromise on size or quality — then discover that lab-grown diamonds let them have everything they wanted.
Who Chooses Natural?
And that's perfectly valid too. Some buyers prefer mined diamonds for:
- The romance of a stone formed billions of years ago
- Tradition and family expectations
- Perceived long-term value
- The rarity factor
There's no wrong choice. What matters is that you're making an informed decision rather than one based on outdated assumptions.
How to Tell Them Apart
You can't — not with the naked eye, not with a jeweller's loupe, and not with standard gemological tools. Lab-grown diamonds are laser-inscribed on the girdle (the thin edge) with a report number and often the letters "LG" to indicate their origin. This inscription is microscopic and invisible during normal wear.
Both types come with independent grading reports from IGI or GIA, which clearly state the diamond's origin.
Our Approach at 6ix of Diamonds
We specialise in lab-grown diamonds because we believe they offer the best combination of quality, value, and ethics for our clients. Every diamond we sell comes with full IGI or GIA certification, and we're always transparent about what you're buying.
That said, we respect every buyer's choice. If you prefer a mined diamond, we can help with that too.
Ready to See the Difference?
The best way to appreciate a lab-grown diamond is to see one in person. Visit our by-appointment showroom in Toronto's Diamond District, and we'll show you exactly what's possible within your budget.
Book your free consultation today — no pressure, just honest guidance.