Lab Grown Diamonds

A Quick Guide to Understanding Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds

We are often asked whether lab grown diamonds are real, how they compare to natural diamonds, and whether they offer good value. Here is a quick breakdown to help you decide what feels right for you.

1. Are They Real?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, so they are considered real diamonds.

2. What Is the Same?

Both are made of carbon and share more than 99 percent of the same chemical composition. Both rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, have the same specific gravity and refractive index, and are graded using the same 4Cs of quality.

A diamond screener is needed to tell them apart consistently.

3. What Is Different?

The main difference is how they are created. Natural diamonds formed in the Earth’s mantle and were brought to the crust through volcanic activity. Lab-grown diamonds are created using processes that replicate those conditions. The best analogy we've heard is to think of it like ice. One comes from a glacier, and one comes from your freezer, but both are still ice.

4. What They Are Not

Imitation stones such as cubic zirconia, white topaz, white sapphire, white quartz, Swarovski crystals, and rhinestones are not synthetic diamonds.

Moissanite is also a popular diamond alternative, but it is not a diamond. We only deal with reputable diamond sellers and always provide documentation indicating whether a diamond is lab-grown or natural, so you know exactly what you're getting!

5. Price Difference

Natural diamonds generally hold a higher and more stable value. Lab grown diamonds are usually much more affordable, but their pricing has been dropping over time as supply and demand change.

6. Which Is Best for Me?

It depends on your values and your budget. Some people love the romance and history of a natural diamond, especially one that can be traced. Some Canadians also prefer Canadian-mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds fit more easily into many budgets and look the same to the naked eye. There are currently no lab-grown diamonds grown in Canada.

At Tompkins Jewellers, we offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds, and we are happy to help you understand the difference.