Nadia & Co. · The jewelry journal
Are lab-grown diamonds real?
Real diamond. Clearly understood.
Know the difference between a diamond’s identity, its origin and a material that only resembles it.
Explore below
The details make the difference
Diamond or diamond lookalike?
Tap a material to learn what it is. A similar appearance does not mean the same identity.
Diamond
Natural diamond
Crystalline carbon formed in nature.
Identity and origin are established through gemological testing, not a screen illustration.
Diamond
Lab-grown diamond
Crystalline carbon grown in controlled conditions.
Identity and origin are established through gemological testing, not a screen illustration.
Diamond simulant
Moissanite
Silicon carbide. A separate gemstone with its own optical properties.
Identity and origin are established through gemological testing, not a screen illustration.
Diamond simulant
Cubic zirconia
Zirconium dioxide. A different material that can resemble diamond.
Identity and origin are established through gemological testing, not a screen illustration.
Know what you are buying.
Use this simple checklist when reviewing a diamond with us.
Can a basic diamond tester tell me the origin?
A basic tester is not a reliable way to distinguish natural from lab-grown diamonds. Specialized laboratory testing is needed to establish origin.
Is a grading report the same as an appraisal?
No. A grading report documents identity and quality characteristics. It is not a guarantee of resale value or a monetary appraisal.
Sources & further reading
Educational references used in these guides. Illustrations are simplified and do not grade or authenticate a gemstone.