
Five misconceptions about lab-grown diamonds
Five common misconceptions about lab-grown diamonds, from a jeweler and jewelry designer.
1. Lab-grown diamonds are fake
This is probably the most common misconception. In reality, lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds, as both are made of carbon atoms in a crystalline structure.
2. Lab diamonds are less durable than natural diamonds
This misconception may stem from confusion with diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite, which look similar to diamonds but have different physical properties and are softer.
Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable as natural diamonds: both have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale and have no difference in toughness, longevity, and resistance to scratches and breakage.
3. Lab-grown diamonds have no resale value
While lab diamonds may have a lower resale value compared to mined diamonds, they do retain some value and are increasingly being accepted in resale markets. It's important to point out that most commercial mined diamonds are not an "investment", simply because they do not appreciate overtime, they have a minimum 50% higher upfront cost and they are in fact not rare.
4. Lab diamonds are perfect and flawless
Although lab-grown diamonds can be manufactured to high-quality standards, they are not always flawless, but they generally have fewer inclusions because the controlled environment in which they are created minimizes the likelihood of inclusions.
5. Lab-grown diamonds are cheap
Lab diamonds are generally more affordable than mined diamonds (about 30-50% less), but they are not “cheap.” Their cost reflects the advanced technology and time required to create them, and reflects their value as a luxury good.
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