Yes, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are chemically identical to natural diamonds — pure carbon in a cubic crystal structure — with the same hardness (10 Mohs), the same brilliance, and the same grading by the GIA and IGI. The most common myths about lab grown diamonds — that they're fake, that they look dull, that they lose value immediately, or that jewellers can spot them — are all false. Lab grown diamonds are diamonds. The technology changed where they come from, not what they are.
Why these myths exist
When a new category disrupts an established industry, the established players often have an incentive to sow doubt. Meanwhile, consumers came to lab grown diamonds with questions shaped by conflation - mistaking them for cubic zirconia or moissanite. The result is a set of persistent myths that have no basis in gemological fact. Let's address them directly.
Myth 1: Lab Grown Diamonds Are Fake Diamonds
The truth: Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are pure carbon arranged in a cubic crystal lattice - the same atomic structure that defines a diamond, regardless of where it formed. The GIA and IGI certify lab grown diamonds as diamonds. The Federal Trade Commission in the US formally updated its definition of 'diamond' to include lab grown stones.
The word 'fake' implies a substance pretending to be something it isn't. Lab grown diamonds are not pretending. They are the thing itself.
Myth 2: They Look Dull Compared to Real Diamonds
The truth: The visual appearance of a diamond - its brilliance, fire, and scintillation - is determined entirely by cut quality and optical properties. The refractive index of a lab grown diamond is 2.42, identical to a natural diamond. A poorly cut natural diamond will look duller than an excellent-cut lab grown diamond. Cut grade is the single most important visual determinant.
Myth 3: A Jeweller Can Tell the Difference by Looking at It
The truth: No. Even trained gemologists cannot distinguish a lab grown diamond from a natural diamond using standard tools - a loupe, a microscope, or a proportion scope. Only specialised laboratory instruments using photoluminescence or infrared spectroscopy can reliably identify the origin of a diamond. Certification is the transparent, industry-standard approach.
Myth 4: Lab Grown Diamonds Lose Their Brilliance Over Time
The truth: Diamonds do not degrade. Their brilliance appears diminished only when they're dirty - a build-up of oils, soaps, and residue reduces light transmission. This is identical behaviour in both lab grown and natural diamonds. Clean your diamonds weekly in warm soapy water with a soft toothbrush. The brilliance will return immediately.
Myth 5: They're Just Like Cubic Zirconia
The truth: Cubic zirconia is zirconium dioxide - a completely different chemical compound with different hardness (8.5 vs. 10 Mohs), different refractive index, and significantly different appearance under gemological testing. Lab grown diamonds are carbon crystals. Comparing them to CZ is like comparing wood to steel because both are used in construction.
Myth 6: Lab Grown Diamonds Have No Resale Value
The truth: This myth contains a kernel of truth and significant exaggeration. Lab grown diamonds do have lower secondary market resale value than mined diamonds, and the secondary market is less established. However, 'no value' is false. Most reputable brands offer buyback and exchange programmes at meaningful percentages of original purchase value.
And the premise of the myth ignores the most important point: jewellery, of any kind, has historically been a poor investment vehicle compared to financial instruments. If investment return is your primary metric for a jewellery purchase, you're using the wrong metric — natural or lab grown.
Myth 7: Lab Grown Diamonds Are New and Unproven
The truth: The technology to produce synthetic diamonds was first developed in the 1950s. HPHT production has been refined over seventy years. CVD has been commercially viable for gem-quality stones for over two decades. The GIA has certified lab grown diamonds since 2007.
What is new is their widespread consumer availability and price accessibility. But the underlying science and certification is well-established, tested, and understood by the world's leading gemological institutions.
The Bottom Line
Lab grown diamonds are real. They're brilliant. They're durable. They're certified. And they offer more diamond per rupee than any other option available to Indian buyers in 2026.
The myths exist because disruption always generates resistance. But the gemological facts are clear and consistent - and they've been consistent for a long time.
Every Mija diamond comes with full IGI certification and a transparent breakdown of its grading. We have nothing to hide - and neither does your diamond. Browse our collection.
FAQ SECTION — PEOPLE ALSO ASK
Are lab grown diamonds considered real diamonds by gemologists?
Yes. The GIA and IGI — the world's most respected gemological authorities — certify lab grown diamonds as real diamonds. They are graded on the same 4C criteria as natural diamonds.
Will a lab grown diamond pass a diamond tester?
Yes. Standard diamond testers measure thermal conductivity, which is identical in lab grown and natural diamonds. Lab grown diamonds will pass all standard tests that natural diamonds pass.
Do lab grown diamonds scratch easily?
No. Lab grown diamonds rate 10 on the Mohs hardness scale - the maximum - making them among the hardest materials on earth. Normal daily use will not scratch a lab grown diamond.
Are lab grown diamonds insurable in India?
Yes. Lab grown diamond jewellery can be insured through standard jewellery insurance products in India. The insured value is based on the purchase price and current market value of the piece.
Can I upgrade my lab grown diamond in the future?
Many brands, including Mija, offer upgrade and exchange programmes. Terms vary - check your brand's specific policy before purchase.
Is it embarrassing to wear lab grown diamond jewellery?
No. Lab grown diamond jewellery is increasingly worn by design-conscious, financially savvy buyers who understand they're getting identical quality at significantly lower cost. In India's growing urban jewellery culture, they are a sophisticated choice.