Lab‑Grown Diamonds vs. Mined Diamonds: The Honest Truth
Written by
Sue Kim,
founder of Haejin Jewelry in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
August 2025
Jump to: Why this question matters · How they’re made · Cost difference · Environmental & ethical · Myths & misconceptions · Why Haejin Jewelry chooses lab grown · Start in Brooklyn · FAQ
Expert Insight: From our studio on Skillman Avenue in Williamsburg, Haejin Jewelry works directly with New York City couples seeking honesty over hype. Every diamond we source—lab grown or natural—is evaluated by a CPA-jeweler team trained in transparency, ethics, and fine-craft detail.
Why this question matters
In Brooklyn, we care about the story behind what we wear. We want our jewelry to feel as good as it looks. One of the questions we hear most in our Williamsburg studio is: “What’s the real difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?”
It’s not just science—it’s values and marketing. Some major diamond companies have tried to slow lab-grown adoption with “buyer-beware” language and new “verification” machines that nudge attention back to natural stones. Here’s what actually matters.
How they’re made
Natural diamonds form deep underground over billions of years.
Lab-grown diamonds are created in advanced labs that replicate those same conditions. The result is the same carbon crystal structure, the same sparkle and durability, grown in months instead of millennia. Both are real diamonds; the difference is birthplace.
Cost difference
Natural diamonds are positioned as rare and traditional—and they’re often priced with a higher markup. Lab-grown diamonds don’t carry the same legacy markup, so you can often choose a larger or higher-quality stone for the same budget.
Environmental & ethical considerations
Natural diamonds can carry heavy environmental and human costs depending on origin.
Lab-grown diamonds avoid digging and landscape disruption, so their impact is typically much smaller. For a Brooklyn community that values sustainability and compassion, this difference matters.
Myths & misconceptions
“Lab-grown diamonds aren’t real.” They are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds.
“They don’t last.” A lab-grown diamond will last forever, just like a natural one (same hardness/structure).
“They have no emotional value.” The meaning comes from your story, not the origin.
See our pages on diamond certification transparency, ethical Brooklyn engagement rings, and the custom ring design process.
Why Haejin Jewelry chooses lab grown
We’re a Brooklyn, woman-owned studio. We believe luxury shouldn’t require compromise. Lab-grown diamonds align with our values:
- Transparency — you know what you’re getting.
- Accessibility — fine jewelry without inflated markups.
- Sustainability — beauty with less harm.
Big brands may try to protect the status of natural diamonds, but here in Williamsburg we choose what feels honest and fits real life.
Start in Brooklyn
If you’re ready to create a piece that reflects your style and your values, start with our Ring Builder, explore anniversary bands, or design a custom ring in our Williamsburg studio.
For a calm, editorial roadmap to custom engagement rings in NYC, read our guide Custom Engagement Rings NYC .
Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds FAQ
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. They have the same crystal structure and optical properties as mined diamonds—chemically identical carbon with the same hardness and sparkle.
Why do lab-grown diamonds often cost less?
Efficiency and technology reduce premiums. Your budget goes into size, cut, and clarity—instead of legacy markups.
Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value?
Yes. Value follows beauty and certification, not origin. Our IGI- and GIA-graded stones retain lasting brilliance and resale documentation just like mined diamonds.
Where can I see lab-grown diamonds in Brooklyn?
You can visit Haejin Jewelry’s Williamsburg studio on Skillman Avenue to compare lab-grown and natural diamonds side by side with a jeweler—no sales pressure, just clarity and education.
Visit our Williamsburg studio reviews to see why New York couples trust us most for engagement rings and sustainable fine jewelry. Our atelier welcomes appointments Tuesday through Sunday.
