Most people still believe lab-grown diamonds are “fake” or somehow inferior to mined diamonds. In reality, they are chemically, physically, and optically identical. The only difference is how they’re created: one deep in the earth over billions of years, the other inside a controlled laboratory in just a matter of weeks.
This confusion has left many couples and buyers unsure of what to choose. Should you pay the premium for a mined stone because of its history and tradition? Or is a lab-grown diamond the smarter choice, giving you more size and sparkle for your budget? Add in the questions around environmental impact, resale value, and quality grading, and it’s easy to see why so many people feel stuck.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we’ve worked with both mined and lab-grown diamonds for years. We design and manufacture jewellery in-house, so we see the real differences — and similarities — every single day. That’s why we created this guide: to cut through the noise and give you the facts in plain English.
In the next sections, you’ll discover exactly what lab-grown and mined diamonds are, how they compare in quality and price, the myths you need to ignore, and a simple framework to help you decide which is right for you. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to choose a diamond that fits your style, your values, and your budget.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
When people first hear the phrase lab-grown diamond, many imagine something artificial, like cubic zirconia or glass. The truth is far more impressive: lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, made of pure carbon, with the same chemical, optical, and physical properties as those formed underground. To the naked eye, and even under a jeweller’s loupe, they are indistinguishable from mined stones.
So how are they created? There are two main methods:
1. HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
This process mimics the conditions found deep within the earth where natural diamonds are formed. A small diamond “seed” is placed under extreme pressure and heat, allowing carbon atoms to grow around it. The result is a diamond crystal with the same hardness, sparkle, and brilliance as one mined from the ground.
2. CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition)
This is the newer method and the one most lab-grown suppliers now prefer. A diamond seed is placed inside a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas, which is heated until carbon particles break down and deposit onto the seed, layer by layer. Over a few weeks, this builds into a fully grown diamond crystal.
Both methods produce stones that can be cut and polished into dazzling diamonds for engagement rings, earrings, and all kinds of fine jewellery. Importantly, lab-grown diamonds also come with the same grading reports (GIA, IGI, etc.) that mined diamonds receive. These reports detail the famous 4Cs — cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight — so you know exactly what you’re buying.
For many buyers, the appeal is simple: lab-grown diamonds offer the same beauty as mined stones but usually cost less, allowing you to buy a larger carat size for the same budget. They also give you peace of mind around sourcing, since their origin is fully traceable.
“Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, created in controlled conditions to deliver the same sparkle as mined stones.”
What Are Mined Diamonds?
Mined diamonds are the traditional choice — the stones most people picture when they think of engagements, weddings, and heirloom jewellery. They are natural diamonds that formed billions of years ago, deep beneath the earth’s crust, under conditions of extreme heat and pressure. Over time, volcanic eruptions carried these crystals closer to the surface, where they could eventually be discovered and mined.
Every mined diamond has taken millions, sometimes billions, of years to form. This age and natural process is what gives them their reputation as something rare and timeless. For many buyers, it’s not just about the sparkle — it’s the romance of wearing a gem that nature itself created over unimaginable timescales.
Where Do They Come From?
Diamonds are mined in several regions around the world, including Botswana, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and Russia. Each country has its own mining practices, regulations, and standards. Some areas, such as Botswana and Canada, are recognised for their efforts to run ethical mining operations that support local economies. Others have faced criticism for environmental impact or historical issues with conflict diamonds.
The industry has worked hard in recent decades to improve transparency. Today, mined diamonds are often sold with guarantees through initiatives like the Kimberley Process, which aims to ensure that stones are conflict-free.
The Appeal of Mined Diamonds
For many, mined diamonds carry a sense of tradition and prestige. They have long been seen as symbols of eternal love and wealth, and they continue to be the choice for people who want their diamond to feel “classic.”
Mined diamonds also have an established resale and second-hand market, which gives them a certain perceived value retention. That said, the second-hand jewellery market is complex, and resale values depend heavily on quality, brand, and demand.
Certification and Quality
Like lab-grown stones, mined diamonds are graded by independent laboratories such as GIA and IGI. Each stone is measured on the 4Cs — cut, colour, clarity, and carat. This ensures that buyers know exactly what they’re purchasing.
Because mined diamonds are natural, they sometimes carry inclusions or unique marks that add to their character. Many customers view these as proof of authenticity — a reminder that their stone is one of a kind.
The Other Side of the Story
While mined diamonds are valued for their history, there are also challenges. Mining has a significant environmental footprint, and the industry has faced ongoing debates around sustainability. For buyers who prioritise environmental concerns, this can be a deciding factor in choosing a lab-grown diamond instead.
That said, many customers still prefer mined stones precisely because they carry that deep connection to the earth and human history. For them, the story behind the diamond is just as important as the gem itself.
Image Example: A raw diamond crystal just extracted from rock, or a wide shot of an open-pit diamond mine. Caption: “Mined diamonds formed deep within the earth over billions of years, making them symbols of rarity and tradition.”
Lab-Grown vs Mined: Side-by-Side Comparison
Now that we know what lab-grown and mined diamonds are, let’s put them head-to-head. People don’t want endless waffle; they want to know, what’s the actual difference? So here it is, broken down into the key things that matter when you’re buying.
1. Price
This is the biggest difference most people notice straight away. Lab-grown diamonds generally cost 30–40% less than a mined diamond of the same size and quality. That means, for the same budget, you could get a lab-grown diamond that’s half a carat or even a whole carat larger.
Mined diamonds, on the other hand, carry a premium because of their rarity and tradition. They’ve been sold as “forever rare” for decades, and that’s baked into the pricing.
Plain truth: If you want maximum sparkle for your money, lab-grown gives you more stone for the same spend.
2. Quality
Here’s the thing: lab-grown and mined diamonds are graded in exactly the same way — the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, carat). You’ll get a lab report with both.
In fact, some jewellers find lab-grown diamonds often come out slightly “cleaner” (fewer inclusions) because of the controlled way they’re made. But it’s worth saying: a great mined diamond can be just as clean and beautiful.
Plain truth: Both can be excellent. It’s not about which is better — it’s about the individual stone.
3. Environmental Impact
Lab-grown diamonds are often marketed as the eco-friendly option. And in many ways, they are: no giant open-pit mines, no heavy machinery digging into the earth.
But… it’s not quite that simple. Lab-grown diamonds are grown in labs that use a huge amount of energy. The carbon footprint depends on where that energy comes from (renewable vs coal-fired power stations).
Mined diamonds, meanwhile, do leave a big environmental mark. But the industry has improved massively in recent decades, with some countries (like Botswana and Canada) working hard to make mining more sustainable and to put money back into local communities.
Plain truth: Neither option is completely impact-free. But lab-grown generally has the edge here — especially if grown with renewable energy.
4. Resale Value
This is where mined diamonds still hold the upper hand. They’ve had an established second-hand market for decades, with jewellers, auction houses, and pawnbrokers all buying and selling them.
Lab-grown diamonds are newer, and their resale market is still finding its feet. Right now, if you buy a lab-grown, you’re buying it for its beauty, size, and price advantage — not for future resale.
Plain truth: Buy a lab-grown diamond because you love it, not because you plan to resell it.
5. Tradition vs Modern Choice
For many people, buying a mined diamond is about tradition. It’s what their parents and grandparents had. There’s a sense of history and legacy in owning something that formed in the earth billions of years ago.
For others, lab-grown feels like the smarter, modern choice. It fits today’s world: more transparent, better value, and less tied to old-school marketing.
Plain truth: Neither choice is wrong. It comes down to what feels right for you.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
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Price: Lab-grown = lower / Mined = higher
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Quality: Both graded the same, lab-grown often cleaner
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Environment: Lab-grown lighter footprint (but energy heavy)
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Resale: Mined has the advantage
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Tradition: Mined = history / Lab-grown = modern
👉 Want to see the difference for yourself? Browse our Lab-Grown Diamond Collection here
Myths About Lab-Grown Diamonds (Busted)
If there’s one thing that confuses buyers more than anything else, it’s the myths. You’ll hear them everywhere — from jewellers who don’t stock lab-grown, from old blogs, even from friends or family who “heard something once.” Most of these ideas are outdated or plain wrong. Let’s clear them up one by one.
Myth 1: Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Fake
This is the number one myth, and it’s flat-out wrong. Lab-grown diamonds are not fake. They’re not cubic zirconia, not moissanite, not glass, not plastic. They are diamonds — pure carbon crystal, just like those pulled from the earth.
The only difference is where they’re made: one in the ground over billions of years, the other in a laboratory over a few weeks. Both sparkle, both pass a diamond tester, both can be certified by GIA or IGI.
Plain truth: Lab-grown diamonds are real. Full stop.
Myth 2: They Don’t Last as Long
A diamond is the hardest natural material known to man. Whether it’s mined or lab-grown, it has the exact same hardness — a 10 on the Mohs scale. That means it will last forever, unless you smash it with a hammer or damage the setting.
We often joke in the workshop: the gold band will wear out before the diamond does. That’s true for both lab-grown and mined.
Plain truth: Both last a lifetime — and then some.
Myth 3: They’re All Poor Quality
Another myth is that lab-grown diamonds are somehow “less sparkly” or “cloudy.” That might have been true when labs were still experimenting years ago, but not anymore.
Modern lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same 4Cs as mined — cut, colour, clarity, and carat. And in fact, many lab-grown stones come out cleaner because they’re grown in a controlled environment.
Like mined diamonds, you can get poor-quality lab-grown stones too — badly cut or with visible inclusions. But you can also get the highest grades, the same as mined.
Plain truth: Quality depends on the stone, not where it’s from.
Myth 4: They’re Bad for the Environment
Some critics argue that lab-grown diamonds use a lot of energy. That’s true — the growing process takes heat, pressure, and time. But compare that to mining, which can involve moving millions of tonnes of earth, huge amounts of water, and heavy machinery.
More and more labs are switching to renewable energy, which cuts their footprint massively. Meanwhile, mining has improved too, but it will always leave a big mark on the land.
Plain truth: Lab-grown diamonds generally have a smaller environmental impact, especially when grown with clean energy.
Myth 5: They Won’t Be Worth Anything
This one is more complicated. It’s true that mined diamonds have a long-established resale market, while lab-grown diamonds are newer. Right now, lab-grown diamonds don’t hold value in the same way if you try to resell them.
But here’s the key: most people don’t buy a diamond as an investment. They buy it as a symbol of love, commitment, or celebration. If you’re buying with your heart, the question isn’t “will it resell in 20 years?” — it’s “do I love this stone today?”
And if price is a concern, remember: you’ll often save thousands upfront by choosing lab-grown, which makes it better value right now.
Plain truth: Buy a lab-grown diamond because you love it, not because you plan to trade it later.
Myth 6: Jewellers Can Spot Them Instantly
Another common one: “A jeweller will know straight away if it’s lab-grown.” Wrong again. To the naked eye, and even under magnification, they look identical.
The only way to tell is with specialist lab equipment or by checking the grading report. That’s why all reputable jewellers sell lab-grown diamonds with certificates, just like mined.
Plain truth: If someone tells you they can spot the difference across the counter, they’re bluffing.
The Bottom Line
Myths stick around because they make good stories, but when you actually test them, they don’t hold up. Lab-grown diamonds aren’t fake, they don’t wear out, they can be top quality, they have a lower footprint, and no — nobody can just “spot them.”
At the end of the day, the real question is simple: What matters to you? Do you want tradition and resale? Or do you want value, size, and modern choice? Either way, you’re still buying a real diamond.
💎 Curious about lab-grown diamonds? Download Your Free Lab-Grown Diamond Guide Now — we’ll walk you through real examples, answer your questions, and give you a simple framework to make the right choice. https://www.blackwelljewels.com/ethical-dia-
“Myth: You can tell the difference. Truth: You can’t.”
How to Choose the Right Diamond
So by now you know lab-grown and mined diamonds are both real, both beautiful, and both have pros and cons. But how do you actually decide which is right for you?
The truth is, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer. It comes down to a few simple steps. Think of this as your decision framework — something you can run through in five minutes to see which way you lean.
Step 1: Be Honest About Your Budget
This is where most people start, and rightly so. Diamonds are emotional purchases, but money matters.
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With a lab-grown diamond, your budget stretches further. You could get a bigger carat size or a higher quality stone for the same price.
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With a mined diamond, you’re paying for rarity and tradition, and you might sacrifice size for the same spend.
👉 Ask yourself: Do I want maximum sparkle for my budget, or am I happy to pay more for something that feels traditional?
“Same price, different size.”
Step 2: Decide What Matters Most to You
Some people care most about tradition. Others care about size and sparkle. Others care about the environment. Write down your top priority.
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If tradition and resale value matter, mined may feel like the safer choice.
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If modern value, more size, and lower footprint matter, lab-grown ticks the boxes.
There’s no right or wrong answer. It’s about what feels right for you and your partner.
Step 3: Think About Your Lifestyle
Diamonds are meant to be worn every day. So think about how you’ll actually live with it.
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If you want a show-stopping stone without breaking the bank, lab-grown makes sense.
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If you’re after a “forever piece” that your kids or grandkids might resell or inherit, mined might feel more meaningful.
👉 Ask yourself: How will I feel about this diamond in 10 years’ time?
“Your diamond should fit your lifestyle as much as your budget.”
Step 4: Look at the 4Cs
No matter which diamond you choose, the 4Cs apply:
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Cut – most important. A well-cut diamond sparkles more than a poorly cut one, regardless of size.
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Colour – ranges from colourless to yellowish. Most lab-grown and mined are available in high colour grades.
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Clarity – inclusions inside the stone. Lab-grown often have fewer, but mined can be just as stunning.
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Carat – the weight (size). Lab-grown usually gives you more for your money.
👉 Top tip: If budget is tight, spend your money on cut quality first. That’s what makes a diamond come alive.
“The 4Cs apply to both lab-grown and mined diamonds.”
Step 5: Don’t Forget the Setting
It’s easy to get caught up in the diamond itself, but the ring design matters too. The right setting can make a smaller diamond look bigger, or a modern lab-grown look timeless.
At Blackwell, we design and make rings in-house, so you can customise the style to fit whichever diamond you choose.
“The right setting makes all the difference.”
Step 6: Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, you’ll know. When you see the stone that feels right, you’ll feel it.
Some couples walk in convinced they want mined and leave with lab-grown. Others do the opposite. The key is to see both, compare side by side, and go with the one that speaks to you.
The Blackwell Recommendation
If you’re budget-conscious and want more sparkle for your money → lab-grown.
If you’re tradition-focused and want a stone with long-term resale potential → mined.
Neither choice is wrong. The only mistake is buying something you don’t love.
💍 Still unsure? Download Your Free Lab-Grown Diamond Guide Now — we’ll walk you through real examples, answer your questions, and give you a simple framework to make the right choice. https://www.blackwelljewels.com/ethical-dia-
👉 Or if you’re ready to browse, check out our Lab-Grown Diamond Collection right here.
Final Thoughts: Which Diamond Is Right for You?
So here’s the truth: both lab-grown and mined diamonds are real, beautiful, and timeless. They’re cut, graded, and certified in exactly the same way. To most people, they look identical — because they are. The difference comes down to story and priorities.
If you value tradition, the idea of owning something billions of years old, and you care about resale value — mined diamonds will always hold that classic appeal.
If you want more sparkle for your budget, traceable sourcing, and a modern choice that fits today’s world — lab-grown diamonds are the smarter option.
Neither decision is wrong. What matters most is that the diamond you choose feels right for you and your partner. It should be a stone you’ll be proud to wear every single day.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we work with both mined and lab-grown diamonds in-house. We don’t push one over the other — we simply give you the facts and let you decide. Our job is to help you find the perfect diamond, whatever route you choose.
Next Steps
If you’re still comparing and want more guidance:
👉 Download Your Free Lab-Grown Diamond Guide Now — we’ll walk you through real examples, answer your questions, and give you a simple framework to make the right choice. https://www.blackwelljewels.com/ethical-dia-
If you’re ready to shop:
👉 Browse our Lab-Grown Diamond Collection — see our latest rings and designs, crafted by our in-house jewellers here.
Prefer a face-to-face?
👉 Book an appointment at Maidstone, Gravesend, or Bexleyheath and see both options side by side. Email jamesmarsh@blackwelljewellers.co.uk
