7 Common Myths About Lab-Grown Diamonds Debunked

Lab-grown diamond rings have quickly become a popular and ethical alternative to mined diamonds, captivating consumers with their brilliance and responsible origins. However, like any disruptive innovation, lab-grown diamonds have become the subject of numerous myths and misconceptions. So, let's debunk the most common myths and reveal the truth about these stunning gems.

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Myth 1: "Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Fake"

This is arguably the most persistent and misleading myth. Many believe that because a diamond is grown in a lab, it's artificial, fake, or not genuine.

The Truth: Lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds - chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds.

Same composition: Both lab-grown and natural diamonds are made of pure carbon that has crystallized in a cubic structure. The only difference? Their origin.
Certified by gemological labs: Reputable institutions like the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and the IGI (International Gemological Institute) grade lab-grown diamonds using the same 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) as mined diamonds.
Indistinguishable to the naked eye: Even jewelers need specialized equipment to tell them apart.

Why it matters: Calling them "fake" is like saying ice from a freezer isn’t real ice just because it wasn't harvested from a glacier.

Myth 2: Lab-Grown Diamonds are "Cubic Zirconia" or "Moissanite"

Due to a lack of understanding, some people incorrectly group lab-grown diamonds with diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia (CZ) and Moissanite.

The Truth: Diamonds, Not Simulants

This is a crucial distinction. Cubic zirconia and Moissanite are diamond simulants, meaning they resemble diamonds but are composed of entirely different materials with different chemical and physical properties.

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is zirconium dioxide, a soft, relatively inexpensive material that loses its sparkle over time.
Moissanite is silicon carbide, which is harder than cubic zirconia but still chemically and structurally distinct from diamonds. It also has a higher refractive index and often exhibits a more rainbow-like "fire" than diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are diamonds. They aren't substitutes; they are alternative sources of the same magnificent gem. Lab-grown diamonds pass diamond testers, have the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and share all the properties characteristic of natural diamonds.

Myth 3: "Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Lower Quality"

The Truth: Lab-grown diamonds often have fewer flaws and better clarity than mined diamonds.

Controlled growth environment: Since they’re created in labs, they avoid the natural imperfections (e.g., inclusions and cracks) that are common in mined diamonds.
Higher purity options: Many lab-grown diamonds achieve flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF) grades at a fraction of the cost of mined diamonds.
Same sparkle and brilliance: They refract light identically, meaning they have just as much fire and scintillation.

Myth 4: Lab-Grown Diamonds Have No Resale Value

Many people are concerned that lab-grown diamonds are a poor investment because, unlike mined diamonds, they won't hold their value over time.

The Truth: A Developing Market with Evolving Value

The resale market for lab-grown diamonds is still developing, and it's important to understand its nuances. The value proposition for lab-grown diamonds is fundamentally different from that of mined diamonds. Their affordability, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility are key factors in their appeal, as they are often 50-70% less than comparable mined diamonds.

While you shouldn't expect a lab-grown diamond to appreciate like a rare antique or certain collectible mined diamonds, its value is not "zero." Like many manufactured goods, their initial purchase price reflects production costs and market demand. As production methods become more efficient, the cost may continue to decrease.

However, an increasing number of reputable jewelers and online platforms are offering buyback or trade-up programs for lab-grown diamonds, which indicates a growing secondary market. Lab-grown diamonds are a beautiful, durable, and significantly more affordable alternative for exquisite jewelry rather than a speculative investment asset.

Myth 5: "Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Bad for the Environment"

Some argue that, although lab-grown diamonds avoid the environmental impact of mining, the energy required to grow them makes them equally, if not more, detrimental to the environment.

The Truth: Lab-grown diamonds have a much smaller environmental footprint than mining.

No earth displacement: Traditional diamond mining moves thousands of tons of earth per carat, whereas lab diamonds require minimal land disruption.
Lower carbon emissions: While energy-intensive, many labs use renewable energy, thereby reducing their carbon footprint.
No ethical concerns: Lab diamonds are conflict-free, avoiding the human rights issues associated with some mined diamonds.

Lab-grown diamond production, especially by companies that use renewable energy sources, dramatically reduces these environmental impacts. Factories are usually located in urban or industrial areas, thus avoiding pristine natural landscapes. The process consumes less water and produces significantly less waste. Many leading lab-grown diamond producers are working toward carbon-neutral or carbon-negative operations, making lab-grown diamonds a sustainable, eco-conscious choice for consumers.

Myth 6: "The Diamond Industry Hates Lab-Grown Diamonds"

The Truth: The jewelry industry is embracing lab-grown diamonds - even luxury brands like De Beers (Lightbox) and Pandora now offer them.

Consumer demand is shifting: Millennials and Gen Z prefer ethical and affordable options.
More design flexibility: Lab-grown diamonds allow for larger, higher-quality stones in custom designs.
Jewelers are adapting: Many traditional retailers now offer both types of diamonds. PattiRing not only offers natural diamond jewelry, but also lab-grown diamond rings!

Myth 7: Lab-Grown Diamonds Have No Inclusions or Flaws

Some believe that, due to their controlled environment, lab-grown diamonds are always internally flawless. This implies that any inclusion means it's a natural diamond.

The Truth: They Can and Do Have Inclusions

While the controlled environment can lead to fewer and smaller inclusions compared to some mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are not always flawless. They are still subject to the laws of crystal growth and can develop inclusions.

These inclusions can include:

Metallic inclusions (tiny specks of the metal catalyst used in HPHT growth)
Pinpoints, clouds, or feathers, which are similar to those found in natural diamonds.
Growth lines that may differ from natural growth lines.

Like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are graded based on the 4Cs (carat, color, clarity, and cut) by independent gemological laboratories such as IGI, GIA, and GCAL. A range of clarity grades is available for lab-grown diamonds, from internally flawless to included, just as with natural diamonds. This means you can select a diamond that fits your clarity preference and budget.

Conclusion: Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Are the Future

Lab-grown diamonds are real, ethical, and stunning. Debunking the myths proves that they are a smart, modern choice. Whether you want:

A larger diamond for less
An eco-friendly alternative
A conflict-free guarantee

…lab-grown diamonds deliver.