Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

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, just created in a laboratory rather than extracted from the earth.

In our showroom here in Golden, this question usually comes up when you’re comparing engagement rings side by side and trying 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 Jewelry

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.

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 Buyers Here Usually Want To Know

Rather than focusing on abstract differences, most clients compare lab grown and natural diamonds based on practical considerations:

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 In Appointments

"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.

From The Jeweler’s Bench

We work with lab grown diamonds the same way we work with natural diamonds — setting, repairing, and designing with no special treatment required.

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 buyers 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 buyers 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.

Clients here often assume they need to decide “lab or natural” first. In reality, design goals usually clarify the choice naturally.

Our Perspective As A Colorado Jewelry Store

After decades of working with engagement rings and fine jewelry, we’ve learned that confidence matters more than categories.

Some clients 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.

Being the oldest continuously run watch and jewelry store in Colorado means we’ve seen trends come and go. What remains constant is the importance of craftsmanship, transparency, and trust.

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.

In our showroom at 1206 Washington Ave in Golden, 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, custom jewelry, or upgrading an existing piece, clarity usually comes quickly once you can see and feel the difference for yourself.

If you’d like to continue the conversation, you can reach us at 303-279-4246 or hello@creeksidejewelers.com. We’re always happy to help you move from uncertainty to confidence — the same way we’ve done since 1902.