If you’ve ever looked for an engagement ring or piece of diamond jewellery recently, you’ve probably come across the phrase “lab-grown diamonds.” They’ve become one of the biggest talking points in the jewellery world — but also one of the most misunderstood.
Some people still believe lab-grown diamonds are “fake,” “synthetic,” or “not the real thing.” Others say they’re exactly the same as mined diamonds but better for your wallet and the planet. So, what’s the truth?
Let’s set the record straight: lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition, the same structure, and the same sparkle. The only difference is where they’re formed — in a controlled lab environment rather than deep beneath the earth.
But because this new technology has grown so fast, myths and confusion have followed. In this post, we’ll cut through the noise with a simple breakdown of the most common myths — and the real facts that every jewellery buyer should know.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how lab-grown diamonds compare, why they’ve become so popular in 2025, and how to choose one with confidence.
“They look the same — because they are the same.”
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
To understand lab-grown diamonds, you first need to understand what a diamond actually is. A diamond is made from a single element — carbon — crystallised under extreme heat and pressure. In nature, this process happens deep within the earth over billions of years. In a lab, scientists recreate those exact same conditions using advanced technology.
There are two main methods:
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HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature): carbon is exposed to intense heat and pressure, just like in nature.
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CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition): a thin slice of diamond (called a seed) is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. The carbon atoms gradually bond to the seed, growing layer by layer into a full diamond crystal.
Both processes produce real diamonds — not imitations or simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. The final result is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond. Even professional gemmologists need specialised equipment to tell them apart.
Every lab-grown diamond can be certified by the same top grading labs — like the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute) — and graded on the same “4 Cs”: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat.
The main difference between lab-grown and mined diamonds isn’t what they are, but how they’re made — and what they represent. Lab-grown diamonds offer a modern, transparent alternative: no mining, no environmental disruption, and no hidden mark-ups.
For today’s buyers, that makes them more than just a diamond. It makes them a statement — one that says you value ethics, innovation, and quality.
“Lab-grown diamonds are made using the same element and structure — only the origin is different.”
Myth #1: Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Fake
Let’s clear this up once and for all — lab-grown diamonds are not fake.
They’re real diamonds. Full stop.
When people hear the term “lab-grown,” they often think of imitation stones like cubic zirconia or moissanite — materials designed to look like diamonds but made from completely different substances. Lab-grown diamonds, however, are made from the same element as natural diamonds — pure carbon — and have the same crystal structure.
If you put a lab-grown and a mined diamond side by side, even professional jewellers can’t tell the difference with the naked eye. They’re identical in hardness, sparkle, and brilliance. Both will score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning they’ll last forever and can be set, polished, or cut in exactly the same way.
The only real difference is where they come from:
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Mined diamonds are formed underground over billions of years.
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Lab-grown diamonds are formed in a controlled environment over a few weeks — using advanced technology that mimics nature’s process perfectly.
Both are graded by the same gemmological labs (like GI and IGI) and come with certificates verifying their cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight.
So why the confusion? Mostly marketing. The traditional diamond industry spent decades framing “lab-grown” as synthetic or fake to protect their market share. But science — and consumer experience — says otherwise.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we see lab-grown diamonds for what they really are: the future of fine jewellery — real, ethical, and stunning.
👉 Want to see how real lab-grown diamonds compare to mined ones? Visit our stores in Maidstone, Gravesend and Bexleyheath, or shop online.
“Can you tell which one is lab-grown? Neither can most jewellers — because both are real.”
Myth #2: Lab-Grown Diamonds Look Different
One of the biggest myths about lab-grown diamonds is that they “look different” or somehow lack the brilliance of mined diamonds. The truth? They look exactly the same.
That’s because both lab-grown and mined diamonds share the same crystal structure and refractive index — the property that gives diamonds their sparkle. Light enters, bounces around inside the perfectly cut facets, and flashes back out in that unmistakable diamond fire. Whether it was formed under the earth or in a lab, the sparkle is identical.
Every lab-grown diamond is graded by the same internationally recognised standards as mined ones — the 4 Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat. In fact, many lab-grown diamonds score higher on these scales because they’re created in a controlled environment where conditions are perfectly stable. That means fewer natural inclusions or irregularities, resulting in stones that often appear even cleaner and brighter than their mined counterparts.
Some people worry that lab-grown diamonds are “too perfect” — that they won’t have the same character as natural stones. But just like mined diamonds, every lab-grown diamond is unique. No two are exactly alike, even if they’re grown in the same lab.
In short: if you put a mined and a lab-grown diamond next to each other, even an expert would need specialised lab equipment to tell which is which.
So if you’re choosing your engagement ring based on beauty and sparkle alone, the origin doesn’t matter — what matters is the quality of the cut, and that’s something we perfect at Blackwell Jewellers.
👉 Want to see the difference with your own eyes? Visit our stores in Maidstone, Gravesend and Bexleyheath, or shop online.
“Identical sparkle, identical structure — lab-grown and mined diamonds are visually the same.”
Myth #3: Lab-Grown Diamonds Don’t Hold Value
This is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — myths about lab-grown diamonds. You’ll often hear that lab-grown diamonds “don’t hold their value.” But the truth is a bit more nuanced.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are typically less expensive than mined ones — usually by 40–60%, depending on the size and quality. That’s because they bypass the huge costs of mining, transportation, and middlemen. But that doesn’t mean they’re “worthless.” In fact, lab-grown diamonds offer value in a different way.
Think of it like this: when you buy a mined diamond, a big portion of what you’re paying for is rarity and marketing. When you buy a lab-grown diamond, you’re paying for purity, precision, and ethics — not the mine it came from.
While resale values for lab-grown stones can fluctuate (just like mined ones), most people don’t buy engagement rings as short-term investments — they buy them as symbols of love and commitment. From that perspective, what matters most is the quality and meaning behind the piece, not what it might resell for years later.
Here’s the other reality: the price gap between mined and lab-grown diamonds is exactly why so many couples are switching. They can afford a bigger, higher-quality stone for the same budget — often with better colour, clarity, and certification.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we see lab-grown diamonds as the smartest modern choice — not because they’re cheaper, but because they’re honest value. They give you luxury without compromise.
👉 Want to learn how to choose the perfect lab-grown diamond for your budget? Visit our stores in Maidstone, Gravesend and Bexleyheath, or shop online.
“Lab-grown diamonds offer the same beauty and quality — at a fraction of the cost.”
Why People Are Switching to Lab-Grown
Over the past few years, lab-grown diamonds have gone from niche to mainstream — and it’s easy to see why. For a new generation of buyers, they just make sense.
First, there’s value. Lab-grown diamonds offer the same brilliance and quality as mined diamonds but cost up to 60% less. That means couples can afford a larger stone, a better cut, or a more intricate setting without stretching their budget. It’s not about going cheap — it’s about getting more for your money.
Then there’s ethics. Many people feel uneasy about traditional diamond mining. Lab-grown diamonds eliminate those concerns. They’re traceable, conflict-free, and made in controlled environments with minimal environmental impact. There’s no question about where your diamond came from — and that peace of mind means everything to a lot of modern couples.
Finally, there’s innovation. Lab-grown diamonds represent progress — a sign that technology and craftsmanship can work together to create something extraordinary. It’s jewellery for people who appreciate both tradition and change.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we’ve seen this shift first-hand. More and more of our customers are choosing lab-grown diamonds not just for the savings, but for what they stand for — clarity, conscience, and confidence.
The best part? Once they see the quality in person, most can’t believe how stunning these stones are.
“Lab-grown diamonds are changing the way people think about quality, value, and ethics.”
The Truth About Lab-Grown Diamonds
So, are lab-grown diamonds real? Absolutely — and they’re redefining what it means to buy fine jewellery in 2025.
They’re not fake, not “synthetic,” and not second best. They’re real diamonds created through innovation rather than excavation — same sparkle, same structure, same strength. The only difference is how they’re made and what they stand for.
Choosing a lab-grown diamond isn’t just about price; it’s about principle. It’s a choice that reflects modern values — transparency, sustainability, and smart decision-making. For many couples today, it’s also a way to get more beauty and brilliance for their budget without compromising quality.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we believe in giving our customers all the facts — not myths. That’s why we’ve built our Engagement Ring Webinar: a free, no-pressure session where you’ll see exactly how lab-grown and mined diamonds compare. You’ll learn how to evaluate cut, clarity, colour, and carat — and discover insider tips to help you choose with total confidence.
Because when you understand what’s real, you don’t just buy a diamond — you buy with confidence.
“Same beauty. Same sparkle. Same diamond — just a smarter choice.”
