Something about lab diamonds

Lab-Grown vs Mined Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

A diamond is a marvel — whether shaped by the earth over billions of years or created with intention in a laboratory. As interest grows in lab-grown diamonds, so do the questions. How do they differ from mined stones? Is one more ethical, more valuable, more “real” than the other?

At Hope, we celebrate every diamond’s brilliance — but we also believe in clarity. While we’re happy to source lab-grown diamonds upon request, every stone in our current collection is earth-mined: carefully selected for its beauty, provenance, and natural rarity.

Here’s what sets each type apart — and how to choose the one that feels right for you.

Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. They are created using advanced technology that replicates the heat and pressure of natural diamond formation — but in a laboratory setting.

The result? A diamond with the same brilliance, hardness, and sparkle as one formed beneath the earth’s surface. Even experienced gemmologists often need specialized equipment to tell the difference.

There are two main methods:

• HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature)
• CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)

Both produce real diamonds — not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite — but ones with a different origin story.

Pros & Cons of Lab-Grown Diamonds

Pros:

• Lower Cost: Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 50 – 80% less than mined equivalents of the same quality.
• Ethical Production: Labs can offer transparency and reduce the risk of conflict-related sourcing.
• Sustainable Innovation: Some labs use renewable energy or aim for a reduced environmental footprint.

Considerations:

• Resale & Rarity: Lab-grown diamonds don’t carry the same rarity or resale value as mined diamonds.
• Market Perception: Some buyers value the story and timeless appeal of a naturally formed gem.
• Rapid Technology Shifts: With supply increasing, lab-grown prices continue to evolve — unlike the generally stable value of rare mined diamonds.

Why Choose a Mined Diamond?

There’s a kind of poetry in an earth-mined diamond — formed over billions of years, carried from deep beneath the surface, and carefully cut to reveal its fire.

At Hope, we source only natural, earth-mined diamonds for our curated collection. Our selection process is meticulous, shaped by years of expertise and close relationships with trusted suppliers around the world. Each stone is chosen for its beauty, ethics, and provenance — ensuring that what you hold in your hand is not just rare, but remarkable.

For us, natural diamonds tell a deeper story — one of wonder, patience, and permanence.

Can I Still Choose Lab-Grown with Hope?

Yes. While we don’t carry lab-grown diamonds in our in-stock collection, we’re always happy to source a lab-grown diamond upon request, and can guide you through the same intentional selection process.

Whether you’re drawn to natural rarity or modern innovation, our role is to help you find a stone that reflects what you truly value.

Final Thoughts

Every diamond has its own kind of brilliance — and its own kind of story. Whether you choose a mined diamond shaped by time, or a lab-grown diamond crafted by technology, what matters most is that it feels right for you.

If you’d like to explore either path, we’re here with guidance, insight, and the kind of care that makes the experience truly personal.