It's one of the most common questions we get at Goldie Paris. And the answer is straightforward: lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. Not simulants. Not fakes. Not a cheaper alternative dressed up with clever marketing. Actual diamonds, with the same chemical structure, the same hardness, and the same sparkle as anything pulled from the ground.
What Actually Defines a Diamond
A diamond is carbon. Specifically, it's carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure. That's the scientific definition, and it applies equally to mined diamonds and lab grown ones. There's no asterisk. No "real diamond" subcategory that quietly excludes lab grown stones.
The Gemological Institute of America grades lab grown diamonds on the exact same scale as mined diamonds. The 4Cs all apply: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. A GIA-certified lab grown diamond carries the same credibility as any stone sitting in a traditional jeweller's cabinet.
How Lab Grown Diamonds Are Actually Made
There are two main methods. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) replicates the intense conditions deep within the earth's mantle. Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) grows a diamond crystal layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas inside a controlled chamber.
Both produce genuine diamond crystals. The process takes weeks rather than billions of years, but the result is the same thing. A diamond.
Can Anyone Tell the Difference?
Not with the naked eye. Not even with most professional jewellery equipment. The only way to distinguish a lab grown diamond from a mined one is with specialised gemological instruments that detect subtle differences in crystal growth patterns. Most jewellers don't own that equipment. And most people you'll walk past today certainly don't have it.
Your ring looks like a diamond ring. Because it is one.
Why More People Are Choosing Lab Grown Diamonds
Beyond the chemistry, lab grown diamonds make sense for other reasons. Traditional diamond mining carries well-documented environmental costs and complicated supply chain histories. Lab grown stones sidestep those concerns entirely. You know exactly where they came from. The process is traceable and controlled.
And they're the same diamond. That point keeps coming back because it matters.
Common Lab Diamond Myths, Set Straight
Some people still believe lab grown diamonds aren't as hard as mined ones. They are. Both score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the highest possible rating. Lab grown diamonds are just as scratch-resistant and durable as anything that came out of a mine.
Others think the sparkle fades over time. It doesn't. The optical properties of a lab grown diamond are identical to a mined one. Brilliance is permanent. The only thing that dulls a diamond is a build-up of skin oils and products, and a quick clean fixes that easily.
Lab Grown Diamonds Belong in Solid Gold Settings
At Goldie Paris, every piece is built around lab grown diamonds set in solid gold. Not plated. Not filled. Solid gold that won't tarnish or fade, the kind you can wear to the gym, the beach, or bed without a second thought.
The combination matters. A real diamond deserves a real gold setting. Plated jewellery gives up eventually. Solid gold doesn't.
What to Look for When You Shop Lab Diamond Jewellery
Cut drives sparkle more than any other factor. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully regardless of how it was grown. Look for clean, precise cuts and secure settings. These are pieces built to last years, so the construction matters as much as the stone itself.
For rings, think about how the setting sits on your hand day-to-day. Low-profile settings snag less. Bezel settings protect the stone on the sides. Pavé bands add texture without adding bulk.
Ready to Find Your Piece?
Browse our rings collection to find a lab grown diamond ring that suits your everyday style, or explore necklaces and pendants if layering is more your thing. Not sure where to start? Our best-sellers are a reliable first stop.
