If you've been Googling "are lab grown diamonds real", you're not alone. As lab grown diamonds take the jewellery world by storm in 2026, buyers across India — from Mumbai to Delhi — are asking the same question before making a purchase. The short answer? Yes, absolutely. But the full story is far more fascinating, and understanding it could save you money while helping you make a smarter, more ethical choice.
Let's break it all down.
What Exactly Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a diamond — full stop. It is not a simulant, not cubic zirconia, and certainly not glass. It is carbon, crystallised under extreme heat and pressure into the same atomic structure as a diamond pulled from the earth.
The two primary methods used to create lab grown diamonds are:
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This process mimics the geological conditions deep within the earth's mantle, applying intense heat (over 1,400°C) and pressure to a carbon seed to grow a diamond crystal.
Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD): This more modern technique places a thin diamond seed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. The gas is ionised into plasma, and carbon atoms attach to the seed layer by layer, growing a diamond over weeks.
Both methods produce diamonds with the same chemical formula (pure carbon, arranged in a cubic crystal lattice), the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and the same optical brilliance as mined diamonds. The only meaningful difference is origin.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds? What Science Says
This is the question that matters most. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI), lab grown diamonds are classified as real diamonds. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as their mined counterparts.
Even the world's most sophisticated gemological instruments — tools used by professional gemologists — cannot distinguish a lab grown diamond from a mined one by appearance alone. Specialised equipment is required to detect trace growth patterns, and only then can the origin be identified.
In 2018, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) updated its definition of "diamond" to remove the word "natural," formally acknowledging that lab grown diamonds are genuine diamonds. This was a landmark shift that confirmed what scientists had long known.
So when someone asks, are lab diamonds fake? — the answer is a definitive no. They are chemically, physically, and visually identical to mined diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Real Diamonds: The Key Differences
The term "real diamonds" is often used to mean mined diamonds, but it's worth understanding precisely how lab grown diamonds vs real diamonds stack up across the dimensions that matter to buyers.
1. Chemical Composition
Both are pure carbon crystallised in a diamond cubic structure. There is no chemical difference.
2. Hardness & Durability
Both score a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale — the highest possible. A lab grown diamond in your engagement ring will last just as long as a mined one — which is to say, forever.
3. Brilliance & Fire
Lab grown diamonds have the same refractive index as mined diamonds. The sparkle, scintillation, and fire are identical. A well-cut lab grown solitaire will outshine a poorly-cut mined diamond every single time.
4. Price
This is where lab grown diamonds offer a striking advantage. Lab grown diamonds typically cost 50–70% less than equivalent mined diamonds. This means you can afford a significantly larger or higher-quality stone — a 2 CT lab grown diamond for the price of a 1 CT mined diamond of the same quality.
5. Origin & Ethics
Mined diamonds carry well-documented concerns around environmental impact, community displacement, and in some cases, conflict financing. Lab grown diamonds have a traceable, controlled origin, a significantly lower carbon footprint, and zero association with conflict. For the modern Indian buyer who cares about making an ethical choice, this is increasingly important.
6. Resale Value
This is one area where mined diamonds have historically held an edge, though the resale market for both has evolved. At Gemistry Jewels, we offer an industry-leading 80% buyback policy, giving lab grown diamond buyers strong long-term value assurance.
Are Lab Diamonds Fake? Busting the Biggest Myths
Let's address the misconceptions directly.
Myth 1: "Lab grown diamonds are just cubic zirconia." False. Cubic zirconia is made from zirconium oxide, not carbon. It has entirely different optical and physical properties. A lab grown diamond and cubic zirconia are no more alike than gold and brass.
Myth 2: "You can tell a lab diamond apart with the naked eye." False. Even trained gemologists cannot distinguish lab grown from mined diamonds visually. Detection requires specialised spectroscopy equipment.
Myth 3: "Lab diamonds lose their sparkle over time." False. Since they have the same hardness and optical properties as mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds maintain their brilliance indefinitely with normal care.
Myth 4: "Lab grown diamonds aren't certified." Completely false — and this brings us to one of the most important aspects of buying smart in India.
Lab Diamonds Certification India: Why IGI Certification Is Non-Negotiable
When buying any diamond jewellery in India, certification is your proof of authenticity, quality, and value. The most trusted certification for lab grown diamonds in India is the IGI (International Gemological Institute) certificate.
IGI certified diamonds are graded on the same 4Cs as mined diamonds — Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight. The IGI certificate also explicitly states that the diamond is laboratory grown, along with the growth method used. This transparency is essential for buyers.
Here's what your IGI certificate tells you
- Carat weight — the size of the diamond
- Cut grade — how well the diamond reflects light (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor)
- Colour grade — on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow)
- Clarity grade — the presence or absence of inclusions, from FL (flawless) to I3
- Growth method — CVD or HPHT
- Diamond shape and measurements
At Gemistry Jewels, every piece in our collection comes with IGI certification, so you never have to take our word for it — the world's leading gemological body already has
When shopping for lab grown diamonds in India, always insist on IGI certified diamonds. Walk away from any seller who cannot provide third-party certification.
Why 2026 Is the Best Year to Buy Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery in India
The lab grown diamond market in India has matured significantly. Consumer awareness, celebrity endorsements, and a growing emphasis on sustainable luxury have all contributed to explosive growth. Here's why now is the right time to buy:
Prices have stabilised: After years of rapid decline, lab grown diamond prices have found a more stable range, making them a reliable purchase.
Designs have evolved: The selection of lab grown diamond jewellery has grown dramatically. From classic solitaire rings and solitaire earrings to contemporary tennis bracelets and delicate pendants, there's a lab grown diamond piece for every style and occasion.
Certification is standard: Reputable jewellers now routinely offer IGI certified lab diamonds, making it easy to verify your purchase.
Ethical luxury is mainstream: Buying lab grown is no longer a niche choice — it's the smart, forward-thinking decision embraced by a new generation of Indian jewellery buyers.
How to Choose the Right Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery
When making your purchase, keep these principles in mind:
Always check the certificate. Insist on an IGI certificate and verify the grading details before buying.
Prioritise cut over carat. A smaller, excellently cut diamond will outshine a larger, poorly cut stone. Cut determines brilliance.
Consider the setting metal. Gemistry Jewels offers lab grown diamond jewellery in 9kt, 14kt, and 18kt gold across yellow, white, and rose gold options. Your choice of metal dramatically affects the look and longevity of the piece.
Know your budget. Gemistry's collections span below ₹25,000 all the way to above ₹1 lakh, meaning there's a certified lab grown diamond piece for every milestone and budget.
Buy from a trusted jeweller. Look for hallmarked jewellery, clear certification, transparent pricing, and a reliable after-sales policy including returns and buyback.
Why Gemistry Jewels for Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery in India?
Gemistry Jewels was founded with a singular purpose: to make ethical, brilliant, certified lab grown diamond jewellery accessible to the modern Indian. Based in Mumbai, we serve customers across India with a curated collection of rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and solitaires — all crafted from IGI certified lab grown diamonds set in hallmarked gold.
Here's what sets us apart:
- 100% IGI certified lab grown diamonds on every piece
- Hallmarked gold settings in 9kt, 14kt, and 18kt
- Lifetime warranty on all jewellery
- Free shipping across India
- 15-day return policy
- 80% buyback guarantee — one of the best in the industry
- Personalised video consultations so you can see the jewellery before you buy
Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, an anniversary gift, or treating yourself to something brilliant just because — Gemistry Jewels makes it effortless, transparent, and beautiful.
Final Verdict: Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes. Unequivocally, scientifically, and legally — lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are not imitations, not fakes, and not second-tier substitutes. They are diamonds, grown with precision and purpose, certified by the world's leading gemological institutes, and chosen by a growing wave of smart, ethical buyers across India.
In 2026, asking "are lab grown diamonds real" is like asking whether a plant grown in a greenhouse is a real plant. The origin is different. The diamond is not.
If you're ready to explore India's finest collection of IGI certified lab grown diamond jewellery, visit Gemistry Jewels — and discover why thousands of customers have made the brilliant switch.
