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What are lab-grown diamonds?

Lab-Diamonds

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

If you’re thinking about buying a diamond, you’ve probably come across the term lab diamond and wondered: Are lab diamonds real diamonds?  To give you are very short answer: yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Let's dive into the details...

Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond? Yes, lab-created diamonds are real diamonds.
Fine silver and white gold lab-grown diamond jewelry on a blue backgound
Fine silver and white gold lab-grown diamond jewelry on a blue backgound

Lab-Grown diamonds

What are lab-grown diamonds?

About VCS

Since 1946, Veterans Canteen Service has provided comfort, health, and well-being to America’s Veterans, their families, caregivers, and VA employees. As an integral part of VA healthcare, VCS Canteens are whole-health spaces for Veterans to connect, relax, share and care for themselves. Through, PatriotStoreDirect, VCS offers timeless jewelry of high-quality materials and designs.

Our Commitment to those who served

Why lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds

When it comes to choosing between lab-grown and natural diamonds, you might be wondering: What’s the difference between a diamond and a lab diamonds?


There’s very little difference in terms of composition and performance. Both lab-grown and natural diamonds have identical chemical, physical, and optical properties. This means lab diamonds are just as strong, shiny and durable as mined ones. 

 

Here is a list of what lab-diamonds and earth-mined diamonds have in common:

  1. Certified as Real Diamonds – Both are evaluated and certified by gemological laboratories (e.g., GIAIGIAGS) using the same standards.
     

  2. Hardness of 10 on the Mohs Scale – Lab diamonds are as hard as real diamonds. Both are the hardest known natural materials, making them highly resistant to scratches. 
     

  3. Refractive Index of 2.417 - 2.419 – lab diamonds are just as shiny and sparkle with the same brilliance as natural diamonds. They have the same light-bending and sparkling properties.
     

  4. Made of Carbon – Both consist of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure.
     

  5. Specific Gravity of 3.52 – Their density is identical.

Pros and Cons of Lab-diamonds

Why lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds

When it comes to choosing between lab-grown and natural diamonds, you might be wondering: What’s the difference between a diamond and a lab diamonds?


There’s very little difference in terms of composition and performance. Both lab-grown and natural diamonds have identical chemical, physical, and optical properties. This means lab diamonds are just as strong, shiny and durable as mined ones. 

lab-grown diamond vs mined diamond comparison list

Here is a list of what lab-diamonds and earth-mined diamonds have in common:

  1. Certified as Real Diamonds – Both are evaluated and certified by gemological laboratories (e.g., GIAIGIAGS) using the same standards.
     

  2. Hardness of 10 on the Mohs Scale – Lab diamonds are as hard as real diamonds. Both are the hardest known natural materials, making them highly resistant to scratches. 
     

  3. Refractive Index of 2.417 - 2.419 – lab diamonds are just as shiny and sparkle with the same brilliance as natural diamonds. They have the same light-bending and sparkling properties.
     

  4. Made of Carbon – Both consist of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure.
     

  5. Specific Gravity of 3.52 – Their density is identical.

lab-grown diamond Engagement rings

Lab-grown diamonds are an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings because they allow couples to maximize beauty without compromise. With lab-grown stones, the same budget often translates into a larger carat size or superior cut and clarity, resulting in a more brilliant, eye-catching ring.

Their controlled creation process means fewer imperfections, so the diamond sparkles more intensely and looks stunning from every angle. Beyond aesthetics, many couples appreciate that lab-grown diamonds align with modern values, offering a more sustainable and transparent alternative—making them not just a symbol of love, but also of thoughtful choice.

lab-grown diamond solitaire engagement rings in gold

lab-grown diamond Engagement rings

Lab-grown diamonds are an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings because they allow couples to maximize beauty without compromise. With lab-grown stones, the same budget often translates into a larger carat size or superior cut and clarity, resulting in a more brilliant, eye-catching ring.

Their controlled creation process means fewer imperfections, so the diamond sparkles more intensely and looks stunning from every angle. Beyond aesthetics, many couples appreciate that lab-grown diamonds align with modern values, offering a more sustainable and transparent alternative—making them not just a symbol of love, but also of thoughtful choice.

lab-grown diamond solitaire engagement rings in gold

The pros and cons of lab-grown diamonds

While lab-grown and mined diamonds are chemically and visually identical, their differences lie in how they are created, perceived, and valued over time. Understanding these distinctions helps buyers make a more informed choice based on quality, ethics, and long-term considerations.
 

  1. Here is a list of pros and cons of why you should or shouldn't buy a lab-grown diamond.
     

  2. PRO: Less natural imperfections – Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments, resulting in fewer inclusions and more consistent clarity than many mined diamonds.
     

  3. Better value and quality – For the same budget, lab-grown diamonds typically offer larger size or higher cut and clarity grades compared to mined diamonds.
     

  4. Sustainable alternative – Lab-grown diamonds generally require less land disruption and avoid traditional mining, making them a more environmentally conscious option.
     

  5. Rarity and perception – Mined diamonds are valued for their natural rarity and long-standing symbolism, while lab-grown diamonds are seen as a modern, technology-driven alternative.
     

  6. Resale value – Mined diamonds tend to hold resale value better, whereas lab-grown diamonds currently depreciate more due to increasing supply.

Pros and Cons of Lab-diamonds

The pros and cons of lab-grown diamonds

While lab-grown and mined diamonds are chemically and visually identical, their differences lie in how they are created, perceived, and valued over time. Understanding these distinctions helps buyers make a more informed choice based on quality, ethics, and long-term considerations.
 

Here is a list of pros and cons of why you should or shouldn't buy a lab-grown diamond.

  • PRO: Less natural imperfections – Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments, resulting in fewer inclusions and more consistent clarity than many mined diamonds.
     

  • Better value and quality – For the same budget, lab-grown diamonds typically offer larger size or higher cut and clarity grades compared to mined diamonds.
     

  • Sustainable alternative – Lab-grown diamonds generally require less land disruption and avoid traditional mining, making them a more environmentally conscious option.
     

  • Rarity and perception – Mined diamonds are valued for their natural rarity and long-standing symbolism, while lab-grown diamonds are seen as a modern, technology-driven alternative.
     

  • Resale value – Mined diamonds tend to hold resale value better, whereas lab-grown diamonds currently depreciate more due to increasing supply.

Pros and Cons of Lab-diamonds

Only the best for
those who served

The lab-grown diamond jewelry on our website is crafted with created diamonds selected for their exceptional brilliance, clarity, and consistency. Each piece is rigorously tested to ensure lasting quality and sparkle, combining modern innovation with refined craftsmanship. Designed to be cherished, whether as a gift for yourself or someone special

Woman wearing 1ct TW Heart-Shaped Lab-Grown Diamond Necklace in 14k White Gold - 17 in
Woman wearing 1 2/5ct TGW Marquise and Round-Cut Lab-Grown Diamond Halo Engagement in Silver
Woman wearing 3 1/8ct TW Lab-Grown Diamond Tennis Bracelet in Sterling Silver - 7.25 in
Jewelry in elegant gift box
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Free shipping

Enjoy free shipping on all orders without exceptions! Every piece of our jewelry arrives in an elegant gift box, perfect for any occasion. 

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design sketches of a 10k pink gold morganite and diamond engagement ring

Every piece of VCS jewelry is thoughtfully designed with care, drawing inspiration from contemporary trends and objects that fascinate us. This approach ensures our designs remain fresh, unique, and timeless. 

Once we create a rough sketch of our design, each piece undergoes multiple rounds of quality assurance. This ensures you receive nothing less than the finest craftsmanship and exceptional quality.

Jewelry Design

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