Lab-grown diamonds are made in a laboratory, but they are still diamonds. They have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The main difference is their origin. Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth, while lab-grown diamonds are produced using controlled technological processes.
So, how long do lab-grown diamonds last?
The diamond itself does not have a fixed lifespan. With proper care, a lab-grown diamond can remain part of your jewellery for a lifetime and can be passed down through generations. Its long-term condition depends less on whether it was grown in a laboratory and more on factors such as its cut, setting, exposure to impact, and how well you maintain the jewellery.
This matters as lab-grown diamonds become more common. The Knot's 2025 wedding research found that 52% of couples said their engagement ring featured a lab-grown stone. BriteCo's 2025 analysis similarly found that lab-grown diamonds represented 47.7% of US engagement-ring purchases in its data.
If you are considering a lab-grown diamond for everyday wear, here is what you need to know about durability, care, and long-term use.
How Long Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Last?
A well-maintained lab-grown diamond can last for generations.
Lab-grown diamonds consist of crystallised carbon, just like natural diamonds. According to the International Gemological Institute (IGI), laboratory-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They share the same pure carbon crystal lattice structure as mined diamonds
That means your lab-grown diamond does not have an expiry date. It does not gradually wear away simply because it was created in a laboratory.
The important point is that the diamond and the jewellery holding it are two different things. The diamond can remain intact for generations, while the gold setting, prongs, clasp, or other components may need repair or replacement over time.
This is why a lab-grown diamond ring can become an heirloom even though the stone itself is much younger than a natural diamond.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Durable?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are highly resistant to scratching and are suitable for everyday jewellery when properly set.
Diamond ranks 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the highest rating on the scale. This means a diamond is extremely resistant to scratching. IGI recognizes diamond's exceptional hardness.
But hardness is not the same as toughness.
Hardness vs. toughness
Hardness describes how well a material resists scratching. Toughness describes how well it resists breaking, chipping, or fracturing.
This distinction matters because a diamond can still chip. IGI note that diamonds can fracture or chip when struck hard in the right location, particularly around vulnerable areas or along certain cleavage directions.
So, while your lab-grown diamond is unlikely to develop ordinary scratches from daily wear, you should not treat it as indestructible.
A ring worn during weightlifting, sports, gardening, or other activities involving hard impact faces greater risk than one worn during everyday occasions. For pieces intended to accompany you through life's finer moments, explore Leeba's rings
For everyday jewellery, the quality of the setting also matters. Secure prongs, a well-designed bezel, and appropriate protection around vulnerable diamond edges can reduce the chance of damage.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: Which Lasts Longer?
Neither has a meaningful advantage in lifespan simply because of its origin.
Natural and lab-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure. Their growth histories differ, but their fundamental diamond properties remain closely comparable.
|
Factor |
Lab-Grown Diamond |
Natural Diamond |
|
Material |
Diamond |
Diamond |
|
Mohs hardness |
10 |
10 |
|
Scratch resistance |
Extremely high |
Extremely high |
|
Can chip? |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Suitable for daily wear? |
Yes, with a secure setting |
Yes, with a secure setting |
|
Potential lifespan |
Generations with proper care |
Generations with proper care |
|
Origin |
Laboratory |
Natural geological formation |
The origin does not determine whether a diamond will last for generations.
Instead, pay attention to the entire piece of jewellery. A diamond mounted securely in a well-maintained setting is better protected than one held by worn or damaged prongs.
IGI emphasise that while diamonds are exceptionally hard, they are not immune to damage from significant impact. The condition and design of the mounting also play an important role in protecting the stone.
If you are looking for a ring designed for regular wear, you can browse Leeba's diamond ring collection, which includes solitaire, halo, three-stone, and other diamond ring designs.
Can lab-grown diamonds get scratched or damaged?
They can, but scratching and impact damage are different.
Because diamond ranks 10 on the Mohs scale, ordinary materials are unlikely to scratch its surface. However, a strong impact against a hard object can cause a chip or fracture.
Pay particular attention to diamond shapes with pointed or exposed areas, such as pear and marquise cuts. The vulnerable points and edges need adequate protection from the setting.
Your setting can also wear down over time. If a prong becomes loose or damaged, the diamond can move inside the mounting and face a greater risk of damage.
If you notice a loose stone, damaged prong, or visible chip, stop wearing the jewellery and bring it to Leeba for a professional inspection.
How to Care for a Lab-Grown Diamond
Good care keeps your diamond clean, protects the setting, and reduces unnecessary impact.
Clean your diamond regularly
Oil, dust, lotions, and other residue can collect on a diamond and reduce the amount of light entering and returning from the stone. The result can look like a dull diamond even when the stone itself has not changed.
An appropriate jewellery cleaning and care to help maintain a diamond's appearance.
For routine home cleaning, use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. Clean gently around the stone and setting, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.For a deeper clean, bring your jewellery to our Leeba in-house facility at least once a year our team will professionally clean it.
Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals. It is recommended that removing jewellery before using household cleaning products or entering chlorinated pools, as chlorine-based compounds can react with and damage certain jewellery metals, while abrasive products can wear the surface of jewellery over time.
Store it separately
Do not place your diamond jewellery loose in a drawer with other pieces.
Diamonds can scratch other jewellery, including precious metals and softer gemstones. Store your ring or other diamond jewellery in a separate soft-lined compartment or jewellery box.
When travelling, use a dedicated jewellery case that prevents pieces from rubbing against each other.
Remove jewellery during certain activities
Take your ring off before activities where it could face strong impact, chemicals, or excessive abrasion.
This includes:
- Weightlifting and contact sports
- Heavy household work
- Gardening
- Construction or manual work
- Swimming in chlorinated water
- Using strong cleaning chemicals
- Activities where the ring could catch on equipment
You do not need to avoid wearing a lab-grown diamond altogether. The goal is to reduce unnecessary exposure to conditions that can damage the stone or its setting.
Get professional inspections
Regular inspections help identify problems before they become expensive repairs.Jewellery checks at regular intervals and notes that many jewellers offer professional cleaning and inspection services.
During an inspection, ask the jeweller to check:
- Prongs
- Stone security
- Band thickness
- Setting alignment
- Clasp or other closures
- Signs of wear or damage
Check the setting and prongs
The diamond may remain extremely hard while the metal holding it gradually wears.
This is especially important for rings worn every day. If a prong becomes thin, bent, or broken, have it repaired before continuing regular wear.
For a custom piece, your jeweller can also help you select a setting based on how often you plan to wear the ring. Leeba offers customised jewellery and consultations for designs based on your preferences and intended use.
How Often Should You Clean a Lab-Grown Diamond?
For regular wear, clean your diamond jewellery at home every few weeks or whenever you notice visible buildup.
A simple routine works well:
- Place the jewellery in warm water with a small amount of mild soap.
- Gently brush the diamond and setting with a soft brush.
- Rinse it carefully.
- Dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Check the setting for any movement or loose prongs.
Your cleaning routine may need to change if the jewellery contains other gemstones or a delicate setting.
For professional cleaning, follow your jeweller's recommendation. A professional can also inspect the setting at the same time.
Do not assume that stronger cleaning means better cleaning. Avoid bleach, chlorine, abrasive cleaners, and rough materials that can damage the metal or setting.
If your ring has an older or delicate setting, ask a professional before using an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Lose Their Shine Over Time?
No. A lab-grown diamond does not naturally become dull simply because it gets older.
What changes is usually the surface condition.
Skin oils, dust, lotion, soap, and other residue can cover the diamond's surface and interfere with light. This can make the stone look cloudy or less brilliant.
Cleaning removes this buildup and restores the diamond's visible sparkle.
If your diamond continues to look cloudy after cleaning, do not assume that the diamond has aged. Have the stone and setting inspected by a qualified jeweller or gemological laboratory.
How Long Do Lab-Grown Diamond Rings Last?
A lab-grown diamond ring can last for generations, but the metal setting usually needs more attention than the diamond.
Gold can scratch and develop signs of wear. Prongs can become thinner. The ring can become misshapen after repeated impact. These issues can eventually affect the security of the diamond.
That is why ring longevity depends on more than the stone.
Consider these factors:
- Quality and design of the setting
- Metal used for the ring
- Thickness of the band
- Prong condition
- Frequency of wear
- Exposure to impact and chemicals
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Professional inspections
Leeba's jewellery is made with gold options including 9K, 14K, and 18K gold, and the brand states that each piece undergoes quality checks before dispatch.
When you choose an everyday ring, focus on both the diamond and the construction holding it.
Can Lab-Grown Diamonds Be Passed Down as Heirlooms?
Yes.
A lab-grown diamond can become an heirloom just as a natural diamond can. Its origin does not prevent it from being worn, preserved, repaired, reset, and passed to another generation.
The key is maintenance.
A well-cared-for ring can be resized or reset when necessary. If the original setting becomes worn after decades of use, you can have the diamond placed into a new setting while keeping the stone itself.
This gives you flexibility over time.
A family heirloom is not defined only by how old its diamond is. It also carries memories, relationships, and milestones. A lab-grown diamond ring can hold that same personal significance for the people who inherit it.
Leeba's approach reflects this idea through jewellery designed to be worn regularly rather than kept only for special occasions.
Tips to Make Your Lab-Grown Diamond Last for Generations
Follow these simple habits:
- Clean your diamond regularly.
- Store each piece separately.
- Remove jewellery before high-impact activities.
- Keep diamond jewellery away from harsh chemicals.
- Check prongs and settings regularly.
- Have your jewellery professionally inspected.
- Repair loose or damaged settings quickly.
- Use a proper jewellery case when travelling.
- Avoid wearing a damaged ring until it has been inspected.
The diamond itself is highly resistant to scratches. Your job is to protect it from impact and make sure the setting remains secure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lab-Grown Diamond Longevity
Do lab-grown diamonds last a lifetime?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds can last a lifetime and can remain in jewellery for generations when you care for the stone and its setting properly. They have essentially the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds.
Can lab-grown diamonds last 100 years?
Yes. A lab-grown diamond can last well beyond 100 years. The diamond itself does not have a fixed lifespan. The jewellery setting may require repairs or replacement over that period.
Are lab-grown diamonds as durable as natural diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds have essentially the same hardness and comparable physical properties. Both rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Do lab-grown diamonds become cloudy over time?
The diamond does not naturally become cloudy with age. Oils, dirt, soap, and residue can cover the surface and reduce its brilliance. Regular cleaning helps maintain its appearance.
Can lab-grown diamonds be damaged easily?
No, but they are not indestructible. Diamond is extremely hard and resistant to scratches, yet a strong impact can cause a chip or fracture. The setting also plays an important role in protecting the stone.
How should I store a lab-grown diamond?
Store it separately in a soft-lined jewellery box or dedicated jewellery compartment. Keeping diamond jewellery away from other pieces helps prevent scratches and impact damage.
Final Thoughts
So, how long do lab-grown diamonds last?
With proper care, they can last for generations.
A lab-grown diamond is still a diamond, with essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as a natural diamond. Its laboratory origin does not give it a shorter lifespan.
The bigger concern is the jewellery around the diamond. Keep the setting secure, protect the ring from hard impacts, clean it regularly, and arrange professional inspections when needed.
If you are choosing a lab-grown diamond for everyday wear, start with the stone, but do not stop there. Consider the cut, setting, metal, construction, and care requirements together.
You can explore Leeba's diamond rings for everyday and occasion-led designs, or book a consultation if you want help choosing or customising a piece.
Sources and Further Reading
The factual information in this article is supported by established gemological, consumer, and jewellery-industry sources. You can read the original research and guidance directly from the organisations below.
- IGI: The International Gemological Institute provides educational and gemological information on laboratory-grown diamonds, including their composition, crystal structure, identification, grading, and relationship to natural diamonds.
- IGI Laboratory-Grown Diamonds: IGI's educational resources explain that laboratory-grown diamonds possess essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds, with their primary distinction being their origin.
- Federal Trade Commission: The FTC Jewelry Guides explain how laboratory-created diamonds should be represented and how jewellery sellers should provide accurate information about a product's properties and origin.
