01/04/2026

Mined Diamonds vs Lab-Grown Diamonds

Both are just one Carbon Atom, bonded to Four other Carbon Atoms in a Giant Tetrahedral Lattice!

Chemically and Optically Identical

One was formed in the earth and then dug from the earth

One is formed in a lab


In recent years the supply of lab-grown diamonds has increased and their production costs have reduced so that now it is possible to have a much higher quality diamond at a significantly lower price than a mined diamond of the same carat. I can offer customers the choice of either mined or lab grown diamonds in most of my designs. It is very much a personal choice and there are pros and cons of each option.


Pro and Cons

Mined Diamonds are formed from carbon atoms which, under immense pressure and heat in the earths mantle, bond together in a crystal structure. Each carbon atom bonds to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral lattice. This structure makes diamond the hardest of the gemstones. These diamonds are then extracted from the earth by the mining industry. The main advantage of a mined diamond is their perceived value based on their rarity. There are however significant negative impacts involved in the mining of diamonds, and all gemstones, such as habitat destruction from land clearing, soil erosion, and deforestation.

Lab-Grown Diamonds are Diamonds. They are chemically and optically identical to those created in the earths mantle but they are created in a laboratory under high temperatures and pressures. Each carbon atom bonds to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral lattice identical to diamonds created in the earths mantle. The main advantages of lab-grown diamonds are that they have fewer inclusions and imperfections than mined diamonds so you get a lot more sparkle for a lower price. They do require energy to produce but they do not have the negative environmental issues associated with mined diamonds.


From April 2026, to keep prices down for my customers, some of my designs will be made with Lab-grown diamonds as standard. Where lab-grown diamonds are used as standard it is stated in the listing and I am more than happy to quote for mined diamonds if you prefer.


The choice is yours.