Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds? A Guide for Golden, CO Couples
Yes — lab grown diamonds are real diamonds.
They have the same chemical makeup, crystal structure, and physical properties as mined diamonds. They are not simulants, imitations, or substitutes. When you're looking at a lab grown diamond, you're looking at actual diamond material, simply created in a laboratory rather than extracted from the earth.
At The Golden Gem in Golden, CO, this question comes up almost every time couples compare engagement rings side by side and try to understand what truly separates one option from another. The short answer is simple: lab grown diamonds are real diamonds — the difference is origin, not authenticity. What matters next is how that difference affects value, appearance, and how confident you feel about your choice.
What "Real Diamond" Actually Means When You're Buying an Engagement Ring
When you ask if a diamond is "real," you're usually asking one of three things:
- Is it chemically diamond?
- Does it look and perform like diamond?
- Is it recognized and graded as diamond?
Lab grown diamonds meet all three criteria.
They are made of pure carbon arranged in the same crystal structure as mined diamonds. They sparkle, refract light, and wear exactly the same. And they are graded by the same gemological laboratories using the same standards.
From a jeweler's perspective, there is no functional difference once the stone is cut, set, and worn in your ring.
How Lab Grown Diamonds Are Created (And Why That Matters to You)
Lab grown diamonds are created using advanced processes that replicate the conditions under which diamonds naturally form.
What matters to you isn't the science — it's the result. The finished stone has the same hardness, brilliance, and durability as a mined diamond. It can be set into engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, and custom designs without limitation.
In real consultations, the deciding factor is rarely how the diamond was grown. It's how it looks, how it fits your budget, and how confident you feel wearing it long-term.
Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: What Couples Usually Want to Know
Rather than focusing on abstract differences, most couples compare lab grown and natural diamonds based on practical considerations:
| Consideration | Lab Grown Diamonds | Natural Diamonds |
| Material | Pure carbon diamond | Pure carbon diamond |
| Appearance | Identical | Identical |
| Durability | Identical | Identical |
| Grading Standards | Same industry standards | Same industry standards |
| Price Range | Lower for comparable size and quality | Higher due to rarity |
| Origin | Laboratory-grown | Earth-mined |
For most buyers, the decision comes down to size preference, design goals, and overall budget — not whether the diamond is "real." Both options are genuine diamonds; the difference is simply how they are formed.
Common Misunderstandings We Hear About Lab Grown Diamonds
"Lab Diamonds Are Fake"
They are not fake. Cubic zirconia and moissanite are simulants. Lab grown diamonds are diamonds.
"They Won't Last As Long"
A lab grown diamond is just as hard and durable as a mined diamond. It will last generations when properly cared for.
"They Look Different In Person"
Once mounted, even trained eyes cannot distinguish origin without specialized equipment.
Understanding Cost and Long-Term Value
One of the most practical differences between lab grown and natural diamonds is how they behave in the marketplace over time.
Lab grown diamonds typically cost significantly less for comparable size and quality. That price advantage allows many couples to choose a larger stone or a more intricate setting while staying within budget. For couples focused primarily on visual impact and design flexibility, that can be a meaningful benefit.
However, lab grown diamond prices have declined steadily over the past several years as production technology has advanced and supply has increased. As manufacturing becomes more efficient, wholesale prices continue to soften. Because of that, resale values for lab grown diamonds are currently unpredictable and, in many cases, lower than the original purchase price.
Natural diamonds have historically held their value more consistently. While no diamond should be viewed strictly as an investment, natural diamonds are a finite resource, and that rarity has supported long-term pricing stability. That said, no one can guarantee how any market will perform in the future, and pricing trends can shift.
For couples weighing both options, it is worth considering not only what you pay today, but how the stone may hold value over time. Lab grown diamonds often offer more immediate size for the money. Natural diamonds have shown more stable long-term value. The right choice depends on what matters most to you.
How This Choice Affects Engagement Ring Design
This is where the conversation usually shifts.
If you want a larger center stone, intricate halo work, or a custom setting with more visual impact, lab grown diamonds often give you more flexibility. For many couples, that flexibility allows them to focus on craftsmanship and design rather than compromise on size or clarity.
Couples often assume they need to decide "lab or natural" first. In reality, design goals usually clarify the choice naturally.
Our Perspective as a Golden, CO Bridal Jeweler
When it comes to engagement rings, we've found that confidence matters more than categories.
Some couples value geological origin. Others prioritize visual presence or design freedom. Both approaches are valid. Our role is not to steer you — it's to explain the differences clearly so you can decide without second-guessing.
Expert Tip
Choose the diamond that aligns with how you plan to wear and enjoy it, not how it's labeled.
What to Do If You're Still Unsure
If you're comparing options online, uncertainty is normal. Diamonds are difficult to evaluate without seeing them in person, especially when differences are subtle.
At our Golden, CO showroom, we walk through these conversations every day — placing stones side by side, discussing design goals, and answering questions without pressure.
Whether you're exploring engagement rings, wedding bands, or a custom design, clarity usually comes quickly once you can see and feel the difference for yourself.
If you'd like to continue the conversation, visit The Golden Gem in Golden, CO — we're always happy to help you move from uncertainty to confidence.
Visit The Golden Gem: 1111 Washington Ave, Suite 215, Golden, CO 80401. Call 720-761-5956.
