The jewelry industry is witnessing a fascinating divide over the acceptance of laboratory-created diamonds, with some traditionalists still expressing a strong preference for their natural, earth-mined counterparts.

Actress and jewelry designer Neelam Kothari Soni recently weighed in on this topic, suggesting that for her, the emotional excitement associated with a gift of natural diamonds remains unmatched. In a conversation with jewelry expert Julia Chafe, Kothari Soni positioned lab-grown stones as existing in a “parallel market,” maintaining that the inherent nature of a mined gem is what makes it truly “special” and a classic best friend for a woman.

However, industry experts are quickly clarifying the science behind these contemporary gems, asserting that much of the skepticism stems from misunderstanding.

Understanding the Modern Diamond

Specialists in the diamond sector emphasize that lab-created diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to those extracted from the ground. As explained by Disha Shah, Founder of DiAi Designs, the term “lab” often leads to the erroneous belief that the stones are fake or synthetic. In reality, the critical distinction lies solely in their origin: one is formed deep within the earth over millennia, while the other is grown in a controlled, modern laboratory setting that precisely replicates the natural formation process.

This controlled environment offers significant benefits, according to Shah. Lab-grown diamonds often allow buyers to acquire larger, higher-grade stones at a more accessible price point. Furthermore, they align with modern consumer demands for ethical sourcing, greater transparency, and sustainability, offering a meaningful choice without sacrificing beauty or authenticity.

Dispelling Common Misconceptions

Industry voices, such as Abhinav Kumar, President of ORIGEM, actively work to debunk three frequent myths surrounding lab-grown diamonds:

1. Myth of Being “Fake”: This is false. Lab-grown diamonds possess the exact same brilliance, hardness, and composition as mined diamonds. The only variance is the location of their creation.
2. Myth of Lacking Value: While traditional value was tied to rarity, today’s definition increasingly embraces ethics and innovation. Lab-grown diamonds offer superior size and quality for the investment, catering to a growing global market seeking conscious luxury.
3. Myth of Being a “Trend”: Far from a fleeting fad, the lab-grown diamond segment is one of the fastest-growing in fine jewelry. As luxury houses and younger generations embrace them for their quality and ethical profile, these stones represent a clear evolution in how jewelry professionals and consumers define timelessness.

In essence, while the sentimental attachment to natural diamonds remains strong for some, the high-tech, ethical, and identical quality of lab-grown diamonds positions them as a permanent and forward-thinking choice in the luxury market.