‘If someone gifted me lab grown diamonds, would I be as excited?’: Neelam Kothari Soni reveals why she prefers real gems

With global brands, luxury houses, and new generations embracing them, lab-grown diamonds represent an evolution not a substitute in how we define timelessness.

Neelam Soni on preferring real diamonds (Source: Instagram/@neelamkotharisoni)

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend — whether extracted from a mine or created in a laboratory. But for Neelam Kothari Soni, lab-grown diamonds just do not cut. “If someone gifted me lab-grown diamonds, would I be as excited? No,” she told jewellery expert Julia Chafe during a recent conversation. According to the actor, “lab-grown is a parallel market, but real natural diamonds are special and a girl’s best friend.”

So, are lab-grown diamonds truly as special as real diamonds?

Disha Shah, Founder of DiAi Designs, told indianexpress.com that lab-grown diamonds are often misunderstood, mostly because of the word ‘lab’. Many misconceptions suggest they are fake or artificial, but in reality, they are similar to mined diamonds as they share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties. “The only difference is their origin. One forms deep in the earth, and the other is created in a modern, controlled environment that mirrors natural processes,” she said.

Shah said that lab-grown diamonds are remarkable owing to the customisation possibilities they offer. “They allow you to create pieces that reflect your style, personality, or special moments. They let you own larger, higher-grade diamonds at more accessible prices without losing beauty or authenticity,” she elaborated, adding that from an investment standpoint, lab-grown diamonds offer remarkable value. With ethical sourcing, sustainability, and transparency at their core, these diamonds are smart, personal, and meaningful choices.

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Lab-grown diamonds are often misunderstood, mostly because of the word ‘lab’. (Source: Instagram/@neelamkotharisoni)

Abhinav Kumar, President, ORIGEM walked us through some common misconceptions and debunked them.

Myth 1: Lab-grown diamonds are “fake”

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds – chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined ones. They are grown in controlled environments that replicate the natural diamond formation process, ensuring the same brilliance, hardness, and composition. The only difference lies in their origin: one is created below the Earth’s surface, the other above it, using advanced technology.

Myth 2: Lab-grown diamonds lack value

Today, value is increasingly defined by transparency, ethics, and innovation, not just rarity. With lab-grown diamonds, you get more for your investment: larger, higher-quality stones at a more accessible price point, without compromising on beauty or quality. As the demand for conscious luxury grows globally, lab-grown diamonds are gaining recognition as the future-forward choice among discerning buyers and investors alike.

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Myth 3: They’re just a passing trend

Far from it. The lab-grown diamond market is one of the fastest-growing segments in fine jewellery, driven by both consumer awareness and sustainable innovation. With global brands, luxury houses, and new generations embracing them, lab-grown diamonds represent an evolution not a substitute in how we define timelessness.

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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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