One of the most reassuring facts about lab-grown diamonds is also one of the most misunderstood: they are every bit as tough as mined diamonds. Because they share the same crystal structure, a lab-grown diamond has the same legendary hardness and can last a lifetime — and beyond. This guide explains exactly how durable they are, what can and can't damage them, and how to keep yours looking flawless for decades.
Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable as natural diamonds. Both score a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest known material and highly resistant to scratches. They don't fade, cloud, or wear out over time. With basic care, a lab-grown diamond will last for generations — the setting and metal are far more likely to need maintenance than the stone itself.
The same hardness as mined diamonds
Durability in gemstones is measured on the Mohs scale, and diamond sits at the very top with a hardness of 10. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical crystallized carbon, so they earn the same score. That means a lab-grown diamond can only be scratched by another diamond — no everyday material comes close. This is what makes diamonds, natural or lab-grown, ideal for an engagement ring worn every single day.
Hard is not the same as indestructible
Hardness measures scratch resistance, not shatter resistance. Like any diamond, a lab-grown stone has cleavage planes, so a hard, sharp blow at exactly the wrong angle could chip it — this is rare but possible. A well-designed setting protects the stone's most vulnerable points, which is one reason the mounting matters as much as the diamond. Understanding the 4Cs, including how cut affects a stone, is covered in our diamond education hub.
Do lab-grown diamonds fade or cloud?
No. A common myth is that lab-grown diamonds "cloud over" or lose their sparkle with age — this simply isn't true. They do not fade, yellow, or degrade. Any dullness you might notice is caused by everyday oils, lotion, and dust building up on the surface, which is easily removed with cleaning. The diamond underneath is exactly as brilliant as the day it was set. Our beginner's guide to lab-grown diamonds dispels more of these myths.
Caring for your lab-grown diamond
Keeping a lab-grown diamond brilliant is simple. Soak it in warm water with a little mild dish soap, gently brush behind the stone with a soft toothbrush, and rinse. Do this every couple of weeks and the sparkle stays bright. Have the setting checked by a jeweler once a year to make sure the prongs are secure, and remove your ring for heavy manual work, gym sessions, or when using harsh chemicals. The same care applies to lab-grown earrings and pendants.
Built to be passed down
Because the stone itself is effectively permanent, a lab-grown diamond is well suited to becoming an heirloom. Over decades the metal band may thin and need re-shanking, and a white gold setting will need occasional rhodium re-plating — but the diamond will look identical generations from now. That longevity, combined with excellent value, is a big part of the appeal. Explore the full range in our lab-grown diamonds collection.
Frequently asked questions
Do lab-grown diamonds last as long as natural ones?
Yes. They have the identical hardness and structure, so they last just as long — effectively forever with reasonable care.
Can a lab-grown diamond scratch or chip?
Scratching is virtually impossible except by another diamond. Chipping is rare but can happen from a hard, direct blow, just as with any natural diamond.
Why does my lab-grown diamond look dull?
It's almost always surface buildup from oils and lotion, not the stone degrading. A quick clean in warm soapy water restores full sparkle.
