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Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real? (Direct Answer)
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds — made of pure carbon, with the same chemical, physical and optical properties as mined diamonds. The only difference is that they are created in a laboratory instead of formed naturally underground over billions of years.
They are synthetic in origin, but not fake. They are real diamonds.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, lab grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamonds — and are graded using identical standards.
What Makes a Diamond Real?
A diamond is defined by its physical and chemical structure — a crystal of pure carbon atoms arranged in a specific lattice pattern called a diamond cubic structure. This structure is what gives a diamond its legendary hardness, its refractive brilliance, and its unique optical properties.
A lab grown diamond has this exact same structure. Same carbon atoms. Same lattice arrangement. Same hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. Same refractive index. Same optical brilliance.
This is not a matter of opinion — it is chemistry and physics.
When comparing lab grown vs natural diamonds, the key difference is origin — not quality. Many buyers wonder if lab created diamonds are fake, but the reality is they are real diamonds with identical properties. The term "lab created" simply refers to how the diamond is made, not what it is.
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
Lab grown diamonds are created using one of two advanced processes that replicate the conditions deep within the Earth:
CVD — Chemical Vapour Deposition
A small diamond seed is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. The gas is energised, causing carbon atoms to deposit layer by layer onto the seed, growing a diamond crystal over several weeks.
HPHT — High Pressure High Temperature
A diamond seed is subjected to extreme pressure (around 1.5 million pounds per square inch) and high temperatures (around 1,500°C), replicating the geological conditions that form natural diamonds deep in the Earth's mantle.
Both processes produce diamonds that are physically, chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds.
Common Myths About Lab Grown Diamonds — Busted
Myth 1: Lab grown diamonds are fake
Fact: They are real diamonds — not simulants. Moissanite and cubic zirconia are simulants. Lab grown diamonds are chemically pure carbon, identical in structure to mined diamonds.
Myth 2: Lab grown diamonds don't last as long
Fact: Same hardness — 10 on the Mohs scale, the highest possible. They are just as durable as mined diamonds and will last generations.
Myth 3: They don't shine as much
Fact: Identical brilliance, fire and scintillation. A lab grown diamond and a mined diamond of the same cut grade will have identical sparkle. No gemologist can tell them apart with the naked eye.
Myth 4: They are not certified
Fact: Lab grown diamonds from Moena are certified by IGI, GIA or SGL — the same institutions that certify mined diamonds — using identical grading standards.
Myth 5: They lose value immediately
Fact: Like all diamonds, value depends on market conditions. At Moena, our lifetime exchange and buyback policy ensures your jewellery retains meaningful value.
Lab Grown vs Natural Diamond — The Honest Comparison
| Property | Lab Grown Diamond | Mined Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Pure carbon | Pure carbon |
| Hardness | 10 (Mohs scale) | 10 (Mohs scale) |
| Brilliance | Identical | Identical |
| Passes diamond tester | Yes | Yes |
| IGI/GIA certification | Yes | Yes |
| Price | 60-75% lower | Higher |
| Environmental impact | Significantly lower | High (mining) |
| Ethical sourcing | Fully traceable | Varies |
| Resale value | Based on market | Based on market |
The key takeaway: every measurable property is identical. The only difference is origin and price.
🛍️ Explore IGI Certified Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery
Discover lab grown diamond solitaire rings, lab grown diamond earrings, pendants and mangalsutras — IGI certified, BIS hallmarked gold, offering 60-75% more value for the same budget.
Free shipping · Lifetime exchange · 7-day returns
What Do Gemologists Say?
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) grades lab grown diamonds using identical standards to mined diamonds — the same 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat.
When you buy an IGI certified lab grown diamond from Moena, your certificate details:
✦ Carat weight
✦ Cut grade
✦ Colour grade
✦ Clarity grade
✦ Diamond dimensions
✦ Fluorescence
There is no separate grading system, no asterisk, no footnote. A diamond is a diamond.
Can You Tell the Difference?
No — and this matters.
A trained gemologist with decades of experience cannot tell a lab grown diamond from a mined diamond with the naked eye. Lab grown diamonds also pass a standard diamond tester — because they have the same thermal conductivity as mined diamonds.
The only way to identify a lab grown diamond is with specialised equipment that detects microscopic growth patterns — equipment that is not available in any standard jewellery store.
The BIS Regulation — What It Means for Indian Buyers in 2026
In January 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards issued standard IS 19469:2025, which legally defines a diamond as a naturally formed carbon crystal. This regulation requires jewellers to clearly label laboratory-created diamonds as "laboratory-grown diamonds."
At Moena, we fully comply with this regulation. Every piece of jewellery clearly states it contains laboratory-grown diamonds. We believe in complete transparency — you always know exactly what you are buying.
This regulation is excellent news for Indian buyers — it eliminates ambiguity and ensures every brand provides honest labelling.
Why Are Lab Grown Diamonds More Affordable?
If lab grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds, why do they cost 60-75% less?
The answer is supply chain, not quality.
Mining a natural diamond involves discovering a deposit, establishing a mine, extracting ore, processing it, and distributing through a global supply chain with multiple intermediaries. A lab grown diamond is grown in a controlled facility, certified by IGI, and sent directly to a brand like Moena.
You are not getting a lesser diamond. You are getting the same diamond, produced more efficiently.
Who Should Buy Lab Grown Diamonds?
Ideal for you if:
✦ You want maximum diamond size and quality for your budget
✦ You care about certification and transparency
✦ You are buying for wear, gifting, weddings or engagements — not resale speculation
✦ You value ethical and sustainable sourcing
✦ You want real diamonds at 60-75% lower prices
Not ideal if:
✦ You are buying purely for traditional resale as a financial investment
✦ You strongly prefer natural origin for emotional or traditional reasons
Being honest about this builds trust — and it is why thousands of Indian women choose Moena.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds the Right Choice for You?
Whether you are shopping for a lab grown diamond solitaire ring for your engagement, lab grown diamond earrings for daily wear, a bridal mangalsutra for your wedding, or a diamond pendant as a gift — Moena's IGI certified laboratory-grown diamond jewellery gives you more diamond for your money, with zero compromise on quality.
The Moena Promise
At Moena, every piece of jewellery carries our promise:
✦ IGI, GIA or SGL certified laboratory-grown diamonds
✦ 9kt, 14kt and 18kt BIS hallmarked gold
✦ Lifetime exchange and buyback
✦ Free shipping across India
✦ 7-day returns
MOĒNA — A Promise Sealed in a Diamond.
Explore our full collection of IGI certified laboratory-grown diamond jewellery →
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are lab grown diamonds fake?
No. Lab grown diamonds are not fake. They are real diamonds made of pure carbon with the same crystal structure, hardness and brilliance as mined diamonds. Cubic zirconia and moissanite are simulants — they look similar but have completely different chemical structures. Lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds.
Q: Do lab grown diamonds pass a diamond tester?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds pass a standard diamond tester because they have the same thermal conductivity as mined diamonds. This is one of the clearest proofs that lab grown diamonds are real — not simulants.
Q: Are lab grown diamonds worth buying in India in 2026?
Yes — particularly in 2026. The BIS regulation IS 19469:2025 now requires full transparency in labelling. Lab grown diamonds offer the same quality as mined diamonds at 60-75% lower prices, with IGI certification guaranteeing quality. For value-conscious Indian buyers who want real certified diamonds, lab grown is an excellent choice.
Q: Can a jeweller tell if a diamond is lab grown?
Not with the naked eye or a standard loupe. Only specialised gemological equipment can detect microscopic differences in growth patterns. In everyday use, a lab grown diamond is completely indistinguishable from a mined diamond.
Q: Are lab grown diamonds certified by IGI in India?
Yes. IGI certifies lab grown diamonds in India using the same grading standards as mined diamonds — evaluating cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. All diamonds at Moena are IGI, GIA or SGL certified.
Q: What is the difference between lab grown diamond and moissanite?
Moissanite is a diamond simulant — it looks similar but has a different chemical composition (silicon carbide vs pure carbon). Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds made of pure carbon. Moissanite shows more rainbow-coloured flashes due to double refraction, while diamonds show white brilliance.
Q: What is the difference between lab grown diamond and cubic zirconia?
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic material made from zirconium dioxide — it is not a diamond at all. It is significantly softer, less brilliant, and will scratch and cloud over time. A lab grown diamond is a real diamond in every sense and will maintain its brilliance indefinitely.
Q: Are lab grown diamonds a good investment?
Lab grown diamonds should be purchased primarily for their beauty and wearability. Like mined diamonds, resale value depends on market conditions. At Moena, we offer a lifetime exchange and buyback policy, ensuring your jewellery retains meaningful value over time.
Have questions about lab grown diamonds? Visit our store at HSR Layout, Bengaluru or chat with us online. Our diamond experts are happy to guide you.
