Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are completely real diamonds. A lab grown diamond is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a diamond mined from the earth. Both are pure carbon arranged in a cubic crystal lattice. Both score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Both have a refractive index of 2.417 and a dispersion of 0.044. The only difference between a lab grown diamond and a mined diamond is where it was formed — not what it is.
In 2018, the US Federal Trade Commission updated its official definition of a diamond to include lab grown diamonds, confirming that origin does not change the nature of the stone. Major gemological laboratories — IGI and GIA — grade lab grown diamonds using the same 4Cs criteria used for mined stones: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
If you are considering a lab grown diamond necklace, bracelet, or earrings for yourself or as a gift in Australia, this guide answers every question you are likely to have.
(Shop Diamond Solitaire Necklaces)
What Exactly Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a diamond grown in a controlled laboratory environment rather than extracted from the earth. The process replicates the conditions under which natural diamonds form — extreme heat and pressure applied to carbon — and produces a stone that is identical in every measurable property.
To be precise about what "identical" means:
| Property | Lab Grown Diamond | Mined Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Pure carbon (C) | Pure carbon (C) |
| Crystal structure | Cubic | Cubic |
| Mohs hardness | 10 | 10 |
| Refractive index | 2.417 | 2.417 |
| Dispersion (fire) | 0.044 | 0.044 |
| Thermal conductivity | ~2,000 W/m·K | ~2,000 W/m·K |
| Density | ~3.52 g/cm³ | ~3.52 g/cm³ |
| Certification | IGI / GIA | IGI / GIA |
These are not approximate similarities. They are measured physical properties — and they are the same.
A lab grown diamond is not a diamond simulant. It is not cubic zirconia (which is zirconium dioxide, ZrO₂). It is not moissanite (which is silicon carbide, SiC). Lab grown diamonds are the same material as mined diamonds: carbon.
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
There are two methods used to grow diamonds in a laboratory. Both produce genuine diamonds. Understanding the difference helps explain why lab grown diamonds carry the same grading and certification as mined stones.
CVD — Chemical Vapour Deposition
CVD is the more common method for fine jewellery diamonds. A thin slice of diamond — called a seed — is placed inside a vacuum chamber. A carbon-rich gas mixture (typically methane) is introduced and activated using microwave energy, which breaks the molecular bonds and allows pure carbon atoms to settle onto the seed, building up the diamond layer by layer.
A single high-quality CVD diamond takes approximately 3 to 8 weeks to grow. The process produces very pure diamonds — many CVD diamonds achieve Type IIa classification, a level of chemical purity found in less than 2% of all mined diamonds. CVD growth is well suited to producing fancy-cut diamonds such as oval, pear, and emerald shapes.
HPHT — High Pressure High Temperature
HPHT replicates the geological conditions of the earth's mantle. A carbon source is subjected to temperatures of approximately 1,500°C and pressures exceeding 5.5 gigapascals — the same extremes that form natural diamonds over billions of years, compressed into a matter of weeks in a controlled press.
HPHT is particularly effective at producing D, E, and F colour grades in round brilliant cuts, because the high-pressure environment can remove colour distortions from the crystal lattice during formation.
Does the method matter when buying? For a finished diamond necklace, the growth method has little practical impact on what you wear. What matters is the certified quality of the final stone — cut, colour, clarity, and carat — which is what your IGI certificate documents. Both CVD and HPHT diamonds can achieve top grades.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Identical to Mined Diamonds?
Yes. A trained jeweller cannot distinguish a lab grown diamond from a mined diamond using the naked eye or a standard loupe. Both stones present identically in terms of brilliance, fire, and scintillation. A standard diamond tester — which measures thermal and electrical conductivity — produces the same result for both, because both are pure carbon.
Specialised laboratory equipment, such as the GIA iD100 machine, can detect microscopic growth patterns unique to each method of diamond formation. In a laboratory setting with sophisticated instruments, origin can be identified. In the real world — in a jewellery setting, in a necklace, in a retailer's display — there is no visible or measurable difference.
This is not a matter of debate among gemologists. It is a documented fact. The FTC definition update, the GIA's grading policy, and the IGI's global certification program all reflect the same scientific consensus: a lab grown diamond is a diamond.
What About the "Fire" — Does a Lab Grown Diamond Sparkle the Same?
Yes. Sparkle is a function of a diamond's refractive index, dispersion, and cut quality — not its origin. Both lab grown and mined diamonds have a refractive index of 2.417 and a dispersion (fire) rating of 0.044. A well-cut lab grown diamond and a well-cut mined diamond of the same grade produce identical optical performance.
This is one of the reasons the question "can you tell the difference?" is so commonly asked because the answer surprises people. You genuinely cannot.
Do Lab Grown Diamonds Last? Durability and Daily Wear
Lab grown diamonds score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale — the maximum possible rating. Diamond is the hardest natural substance known. This means lab grown diamonds are just as scratch-resistant and durable as mined diamonds, and more resistant to surface abrasion than any other gemstone.
For everyday fine jewellery — a diamond solitaire necklace worn daily, diamond stud earrings, a diamond tennis bracelet — a lab grown diamond will not degrade, cloud, scratch, or change in appearance over time. They do not require any special care beyond routine jewellery cleaning.
Compare this to other popular gemstone alternatives:
- Moissanite: Mohs 9.25 — excellent durability, slightly below diamond
- Sapphire: Mohs 9 — very hard, commonly used in fine jewellery
- Cubic zirconia: Mohs 8–8.5 — noticeably softer, more prone to scratching and clouding over time
A lab grown diamond necklace purchased today will look exactly the same in thirty years. This is not a claim unique to any brand — it is a property of the material itself.
Will a Lab Grown Diamond Pass a Diamond Tester?
Yes. A lab grown diamond passes every standard diamond tester because it has the same thermal and electrical conductivity as a mined diamond. Diamond testers measure how heat or electrical current moves through the crystal lattice — and since both lab grown and mined diamonds are pure carbon with the same structure, the result is identical.
This is an important distinction from moissanite. A basic thermal tester will actually identify moissanite as diamond because moissanite also has very high thermal conductivity. More advanced dual-testers that measure both thermal and electrical properties can distinguish moissanite. However, these advanced testers cannot tell the difference between a lab grown diamond and a mined diamond — they test identically on both measures.
What Is IGI Certification and Why Does It Matter?
When you buy a lab grown diamond in Australia, the most important document to look for is an IGI certificate. Here is what it means and why it matters.
IGI stands for the International Gemological Institute, founded in Antwerp in 1975 and now one of the world's largest and most respected gemological laboratories. IGI has been grading lab grown diamonds since 2005 and is the global leader in lab grown diamond certification.
An IGI certificate is an independent third-party assessment of your diamond's quality. It is not the jeweller's opinion. It is a graded report produced by trained gemologists who assess the stone using standardised equipment under controlled laboratory conditions. The certificate documents:
- Cut — the quality of the diamond's proportions, symmetry, and polish (Excellent / Very Good / Good)
- Colour — on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow), with D–F being colourless and most desirable
- Clarity — the presence or absence of internal inclusions or surface blemishes, from FL (flawless) through VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2
- Carat weight — the precise weight of the diamond
Each certified diamond also receives a unique laser inscription on its girdle — the narrow band around the widest part of the stone — which matches the certificate number and allows the stone to be traced to its specific grading report.
When you purchase a lab grown diamond from Bellari, every stone comes with its individual IGI certificate. You can verify the certificate details directly on the IGI website using the certificate number.
IGI vs GIA — Which Is Better for Lab Grown Diamonds?
Both are reputable. IGI has been the dominant certification body for lab grown diamonds globally since 2005 and has developed more specialised grading protocols for the category. GIA expanded its lab grown diamond grading to full 4Cs reports in 2020. In Australia, IGI certification is the most widely used and accepted standard for lab grown diamonds in fine jewellery retail. Either certificate is a credible assurance of quality.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Ethical?
Lab grown diamonds are fully traceable, conflict-free, and produced with a significantly lower environmental footprint than mined diamonds.
The supply chain for a lab grown diamond is completely transparent by nature. There is no mining operation, no land disruption, and no connection to conflict diamond supply chains. Each stone's origin — the laboratory in which it was grown — is documented.
By comparison, traditional diamond mining moves approximately 250 tonnes of earth to produce a single polished carat of diamond. The environmental disruption, water usage, and land impact of large-scale diamond mining are substantial.
This does not mean all lab grown diamonds are produced with minimal energy use — the CVD and HPHT growth processes are energy-intensive. However, the supply chain is transparent, and the stones are not associated with the ethical concerns that have historically surrounded mined diamond sourcing.
For Australian buyers who are conscious of supply chain ethics, lab grown diamonds offer complete clarity of origin that mined diamonds cannot always provide, regardless of certification.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Worth It in Australia?
For fine jewellery, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pendants — lab grown diamonds offer exceptional value. You receive a certified, genuine diamond with the same physical and optical properties as a mined stone, at 50–80% less cost.
What this looks like in practice for Australian buyers:
A round brilliant solitaire diamond necklace in 18K gold that might cost $5,000–$8,000 with a mined diamond of comparable grade is available in lab grown form for a fraction of that. This price difference is not a reflection of the stone's quality, beauty, or durability, it is a function of supply chain length and production cost.
What lab grown diamonds are not: a financial investment. The resale market for lab grown diamonds is significantly weaker than for mined diamonds, and as production technology scales globally, prices continue to fall. If you are purchasing a diamond primarily to retain or grow its value, mined diamonds retain more resale value. If you are purchasing a diamond because you love diamonds and want to wear a beautiful, certified, genuine stone, lab grown diamonds are outstanding value.
Most buyers of lab grown diamond necklaces and fine jewellery are not buying to resell. They are buying to wear, to gift, and to keep. For that purpose, a lab grown diamond is not a compromise — it is a considered choice.
Lab Grown Diamond vs Moissanite: What's the Difference?
Both are excellent alternatives to mined diamonds, but they are different gemstones with different properties. If you are deciding between the two, here is a clear comparison.
| Property | Lab Grown Diamond | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Pure carbon (C) | Silicon carbide (SiC) |
| Mohs hardness | 10 | 9.25 |
| Refractive index | 2.417 | 2.65 |
| Dispersion (fire) | 0.044 | 0.104 |
| Colour (top grade) | D (colourless) | Near-colourless (slight tint possible) |
| Certification | IGI / GIA | Not individually certified |
| Price (relative) | Higher than moissanite | Lower than lab grown diamond |
| Origin | Laboratory grown | Laboratory grown |
| Passes diamond tester | Yes | Yes (advanced test required) |
Key differences in appearance:
Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, which means it bends and reflects light more intensely. This produces more coloured "fire" — the rainbow flashes of colour visible in bright light. Some buyers love this effect. Others prefer diamond's cooler, whiter brilliance. In larger stones (above 1 carat), the rainbow fire of moissanite becomes more visible and is the most reliable visual way to distinguish it from diamond.
Both are excellent choices. Moissanite offers beautiful sparkle at a lower price point. Lab grown diamonds offer a certified, genuine diamond. At Bellari, we carry both — read our full Moissanite vs Diamond guide if you're deciding between the two.
Bellari's Lab Grown Diamond Necklace Range
Bellari's lab grown diamond solitaire collection is made to order in Sydney. Every diamond is independently IGI certified, set in solid 18K gold — not gold-plated — and available in four cuts across two metal options.
Each piece is a single-stone solitaire: a classic design that highlights the diamond without competition, making it wearable as an everyday piece or dressed up for occasions.
Round Brilliant Cut
The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond cut in the world, engineered specifically for maximum light return. Its 58 precisely angled facets produce bright, white sparkle and colourless fire.
- Round Brilliant Diamond Necklace — 18K Yellow Gold
- Round Brilliant Diamond Necklace — 18K White Gold
Oval Cut
The oval cut elongates on the neck and often appears larger than its carat weight suggests. It retains most of the brilliance of a round cut while offering a softer, more distinctive silhouette.
Pear Cut
The pear also called teardrop combines the brilliance of a round cut with a pointed tip that hangs naturally at the base when worn as a necklace. It is one of the most flattering cuts for pendant jewellery.
Emerald Cut
The emerald cut is a step-cut design with long parallel facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect rather than traditional sparkle. It is architectural, minimal, and deeply elegant — and shows diamond clarity more transparently than brilliant cuts.
All diamonds in the Bellari collection are IGI certified. If you want to understand which cut and metal suits you, read our Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire Necklace Guide for a full breakdown of each option.
Final Thoughts
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are not simulants, substitutes, or imitations — they are chemically and physically the same material as mined diamonds, graded using identical standards, and certified by the same independent laboratories. They score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, have a refractive index of 2.417, and will not degrade, cloud, or change with time.
The differences between lab grown and mined diamonds are origin, price, and resale value — not quality, appearance, or durability. For fine jewellery buyers in Australia who want a genuine, certified diamond at a price that makes sense, lab grown diamonds are the most considered choice available.
If you have questions about Bellari's diamond collection, use our Sparkle Guide or contact the team directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds? Yes. Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds, both are pure carbon in a cubic crystal structure. The only difference is origin. The FTC officially confirmed in 2018 that lab grown diamonds meet the definition of a real diamond.
Can jewellers tell the difference between a lab grown diamond and a mined diamond? No jeweller can tell the difference with the naked eye or a standard loupe. Both share the same refractive index (2.417), Mohs hardness (10), and carbon crystal structure. Only specialised laboratory instruments,not used in retail settings, can identify origin.
Do lab grown diamonds last as long as mined diamonds? Yes. Lab grown diamonds score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the highest possible rating. They do not degrade, cloud, or lose brilliance over time. A lab grown diamond necklace worn daily will maintain its sparkle indefinitely with normal care.
Will a lab grown diamond pass a diamond tester? Yes. Lab grown diamonds have the same thermal and electrical conductivity as mined diamonds. Every standard diamond tester produces an identical result for both, because both are pure carbon.
What is the difference between a lab grown diamond and moissanite? They are different gemstones. Lab grown diamonds are pure carbon (same material as mined diamonds) with Mohs 10 and refractive index 2.417. Moissanite is silicon carbide with Mohs 9.25 and refractive index 2.65. Moissanite produces more coloured fire (dispersion 0.104 vs diamond's 0.044). Both are beautiful — the choice depends on your preferences and budget.
Are lab grown diamonds worth buying in Australia? For fine jewellery — necklaces, earrings, bracelets — lab grown diamonds offer the same optical and physical properties as mined diamonds at 50–80% less cost. They are independently IGI certified and carry the same 4Cs grading as mined diamonds. They are not strong financial investments (resale value is lower), but as fine jewellery they represent excellent value.
Are lab grown diamonds certified? Yes. Lab grown diamonds are certified by IGI (International Gemological Institute) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) using the same 4Cs grading criteria used for mined diamonds. Every Bellari lab grown diamond necklace is independently IGI certified.
Do lab grown diamonds have resale value? Lab grown diamonds have lower resale value than mined diamonds. As production has scaled globally, prices have dropped significantly. Most buyers purchase lab grown diamonds for their beauty and value at point of purchase — not as a financial investment.
How are lab grown diamonds made? Two methods are used: CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition), which grows diamonds atom by atom in a vacuum chamber over 3–8 weeks; and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature), which replicates the earth's mantle conditions — approximately 1,500°C and 5.5 GPa — to crystallise carbon into diamond. Both produce genuine diamonds identical in chemical composition to mined stones.
What is IGI certification for a lab grown diamond? IGI (International Gemological Institute) certification is an independent grading report documenting a diamond's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. IGI is the world's largest gemological laboratory and the global leader in lab grown diamond certification. Every Bellari lab grown diamond necklace is independently IGI certified.
Are lab grown diamonds ethical? Yes. Lab grown diamonds have a fully traceable, conflict-free supply chain. They require no large-scale earth excavation — traditional mining moves approximately 250 tonnes of earth per polished carat — and are not linked to conflict diamond supply chains. Supply chain origin is completely transparent.
Does Bellari sell lab grown diamond necklaces in Australia? Yes. Bellari's lab grown diamond solitaire collection is made to order in Sydney and features IGI certified diamonds in four cuts — round brilliant, oval, pear, and emerald — in 18K yellow gold and 18K white gold. View the full collection.
