Yes, lab-grown diamonds generally cost less than mined diamonds. The price difference can be significant, sometimes as much as 60-90% cheaper. There are a few reasons for this:

Manufacturing Process: Lab-grown diamonds are made in controlled environments using advanced technology. This process is faster and less resource-intensive than mining, which requires digging deep into the earth, extracting the diamonds, and transporting them to processing facilities.
Supply and Demand: Natural diamonds are rarer, and their supply is limited. The process of mining diamonds takes a lot of time and effort, which drives up the cost. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, can be produced in large quantities without depleting natural resources, which makes them more affordable.
Labor Costs: Mining diamonds involves a lot of manual labor, sometimes in challenging or dangerous conditions, which adds to the cost. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are created in laboratories where the process is more automated.
No Middleman Markup: Lab-grown diamonds typically bypass many of the traditional markups that come with mined diamonds. Since they’re produced directly by companies in labs, the pricing structure is often simpler and more transparent.

That said, even though lab-grown diamonds are cheaper, they still have the same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds, so their value is based on factors like size, cut, color, and clarity—just like natural diamonds.
If you’re shopping for one, this price difference can be a big selling point, especially if you want a larger or higher-quality diamond for a lower price.

Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable as natural diamonds. In fact, they are virtually identical in terms of hardness, toughness, and overall durability. Both types of diamonds score a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is the highest rating. This means they are extremely resistant to scratching and will maintain their shine and brilliance over time.

Durability Factors: Hardness: This refers to the diamond's ability to resist scratching. Since lab-grown diamonds are chemically the same as natural diamonds, they are just as hard. You’d need a substance harder than a diamond to scratch it, which is incredibly rare.
Toughness: While diamonds are hard, they are not necessarily the toughest material—they can be brittle if struck in the wrong way (e.g., dropped on a hard surface). Both lab-grown and mined diamonds have the same level of toughness, so they can break or chip if hit with enough force.
Long-Term Wear: Lab-grown diamonds will withstand years of daily wear without losing their sparkle. Their brilliance comes from the way light reflects off the facets, and this remains intact over time if properly cared for.
Resistant to Tarnishing: Diamonds don’t tarnish or corrode over time, whether they’re lab-grown or mined. So, your lab-grown diamond will continue to look beautiful with minimal maintenance.

The only difference you might find between a lab-grown and a mined diamond is the potential for inclusions (tiny internal imperfections). But these inclusions aren’t likely to affect durability. Proper care (like avoiding sudden impacts and keeping your diamond clean) will keep either type looking great for generations.

Yes, lab-grown diamonds can be certified in the same way as natural diamonds. The certification process for both types of diamonds is very similar and typically involves assessing the 4 Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. However, there are some key differences in the certification details for lab-grown diamonds:

Certification Process: Natural Diamonds: When you buy a natural diamond, it's typically certified by one of the leading gemological organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS), or International Gemological Institute (IGI). The certification ensures the diamond's quality based on the 4 Cs.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds can also be certified by the same organizations, but the certificate will explicitly state that the diamond is synthetic or lab-created. For example, GIA has a specific lab-grown diamond report that mentions the diamond’s origin, confirming it's grown in a lab rather than mined from the Earth.