The Foundation
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Real diamonds. Grown above ground. Certified by IGI & GIA.
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. Not a simulant. Not a substitute. A real diamond — with the same carbon crystal structure, the same hardness, the same brilliance, and the same IGI or GIA certification as a diamond pulled from the ground.
The only difference is where it was born.
The only difference is where it was born.
The Science
Grown by Science. Certified by Experts.
01
Same Chemical Composition
Lab-grown diamonds are pure carbon — arranged in the exact same cubic crystal lattice as mined diamonds. A gemologist cannot tell the difference under a microscope. Neither can a spectrometer. They are, in every measurable scientific sense, the same material.
02
Same Hardness: 10 on the Mohs Scale
Diamond is the hardest natural material on earth, rated 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Lab-grown diamonds are equally hard — equally resistant to scratching, chipping, and daily wear. There is no compromise in durability.
03
Same Optical Properties
The refractive index, brilliance, fire, and scintillation of a lab-grown diamond is identical to a mined diamond. Light behaves the same way through both. The sparkle you see in a Raul Diamond is not imitated — it is real.
04
Two Growing Methods
Lab-grown diamonds are created using one of two processes: HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) — which replicates the intense conditions deep in the earth — or CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) — which grows diamonds layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas. Both produce real, certifiable diamonds.
Side by Side
Lab-Grown vs Mined — The Honest Comparison
| Property | Lab-Grown (Raul) | Mined Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Pure carbon — identical | Pure carbon — identical |
| Crystal structure | Cubic — identical | Cubic — identical |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 — identical | 10 — identical |
| Brilliance & fire | Identical | Identical |
| IGI / GIA certified | ✓ Every stone | ✓ Available |
| Conflict-free | ✓ Always | ✗ Not guaranteed |
| Environmental impact | ✓ Minimal | ✗ High — mining |
| Price for same quality | ✓ 50–70% less | ✗ Premium price |
| Traceability | ✓ Full transparency | ✗ Often unclear |
Lab-grown diamonds are not “synthetic.” The FTC recognises them as real diamonds and does not permit them to be marketed as fake or simulated.
Setting the Record Straight
Three Things People Get Wrong
“Lab-grown diamonds aren’t real diamonds.”
False. The FTC defines diamonds solely by chemical composition — pure crystallised carbon. Lab-grown diamonds meet this definition exactly. IGI and GIA certify them as real diamonds.
“Lab-grown diamonds lose value faster.”
All diamonds — mined and lab-grown — depreciate after purchase. Lab-grown diamonds offer 50–70% more stone for the same budget. The value is in what you wear, not what you might resell.
“You can tell the difference by looking.”
You cannot. Trained gemologists, using professional equipment, cannot visually distinguish a lab-grown diamond from a mined one. Only specialised laboratory testing can identify the growing method.
Why Choose Raul Diamonds?
IGI / GIA Certified
Every stone, every time. Original certificate ships with your order.
Conflict-Free Always
No mining. No environmental destruction. No ethical compromise.
50–70% Less
Same certified quality. More diamond for your budget. Transparent pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds — physically, chemically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They are not simulants or cubic zirconia. IGI and GIA certify them as real diamonds.
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds pass all standard diamond testers because they have the same thermal conductivity as mined diamonds.
Yes. Like mined diamonds, they can have inclusions and are graded on the same clarity scale (FL to I3) by IGI and GIA.
Yes. Every Raul Diamond ships with an original IGI or GIA grading certificate — at no extra cost.
Yes. They require no mining, cause minimal environmental impact, and are completely conflict-free.
Ready to find yours?
Certified. Ethical. Made for You.
Every Raul Diamond is IGI or GIA certified, crafted to order, and priced transparently. This is what a real diamond looks like — without the inflated price or the ethical compromise.