Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Lose Their Sparkle Over Time?

Lab-grown diamonds are loved for their bright, modern look, but many shoppers still wonder: Do lab-grown diamonds lose their sparkle over time?

The short answer is no. A lab-grown diamond does not naturally fade, lose its brilliance, or become cloudy simply because it gets older. Laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same crystal structure and optical, chemical, and physical properties as mined diamonds. Their origin is different, but their ability to reflect light is not.

If your lab-grown diamond jewelry starts to look less brilliant, the most likely cause is a temporary layer of oil, lotion, soap, or everyday residue—not a permanent change in the diamond. With proper lab-grown diamond care, that original sparkle can usually be restored easily.

Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Keep Their Sparkle?

Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using technology that recreates the conditions in which diamonds form. The finished stones consist of tightly bonded carbon atoms arranged in a diamond crystal structure. According to the Gemological Institute of America, laboratory-grown diamonds have nearly the same chemical, optical, and physical properties as natural diamonds.

Diamonds also rank 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making them highly resistant to scratching during normal wear. Although hardness does not make a diamond impossible to chip, it helps the polished surface retain its brilliance.

A lab-grown diamond therefore has no limited “sparkle life.” Its shine is not a surface coating that gradually wears away.

Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Get Cloudy Over Time?

Quality lab-grown diamonds do not normally become cloudy with age. However, they can look cloudy when residue prevents light from moving through the stone effectively.

Diamonds attract grease and oils. Even a thin film on the surface or beneath the setting can make a stone appear dull or hazy. Common causes include:

• Hand cream, body lotion, and sunscreen
• Natural skin oils
• Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
• Makeup, perfume, and hairspra
• Dust and residue trapped around the diamond setting

Buildup is especially common on rings and bracelets because they frequently touch the skin and surrounding surfaces. Earrings and necklaces may stay clean longer, but perfume, hair products, and body lotion can still reduce their visible sparkle.

If your lab-grown diamond starts to look dull or cloudy, it is usually due to surface buildup rather than a change in the diamond itself. A simple cleaning can often restore its natural brilliance.

What Determines a Diamond’s Brilliance?

Cleanliness matters, but cut quality, clarity, setting style, and craftsmanship also affect how much a diamond sparkles.

Cut and proportions

A well-cut diamond directs light back toward the viewer, creating brightness, fire, and sparkle. A poorly proportioned stone may allow more light to escape through the sides or bottom. For this reason, a smaller, well-cut diamond can look brighter than a larger stone with weaker proportions.

Clarity

Lab-grown diamonds can contain inclusions, just like mined diamonds. Most are too small to see without magnification, but larger or concentrated inclusions may affect transparency and brilliance.

Setting and metal

Prong settings expose more of the diamond to light, while bezel settings create a smooth, protective frame. The surrounding metal also influences the finished look: silver tones appear crisp around white diamonds, while yellow gold adds warmth and contrast. Tarnish or product buildup on the metal can make the entire piece look less luminous.

Do Lab-Created Diamonds Lose Their Shine Faster Than Mined Diamonds?

No. Lab-created diamonds do not lose their shine faster than mined diamonds simply because they were grown in a laboratory.

Both types collect oils and residue during wear, and both can retain their polish and brilliance with proper care. Visible sparkle depends more on cut, clarity, cleanliness, and setting quality than on where the diamond formed.

Their main difference is origin: mined diamonds form in the earth, while lab-grown diamonds are produced in controlled environments. This difference does not make lab-grown diamonds more likely to lose their shine over time.

How to Clean Lab-Grown Diamonds at Home

Knowing how to clean lab-grown diamonds is one of the easiest ways to maintain their brilliance. A mild soap solution can help remove oils and residue from the diamond, but the right cleaning method also depends on the jewelry’s metal, plating, and setting.

For a gentle at-home clean:

1. Fill a small bowl with warm—not hot—water.
2. Add a few drops of mild dish soap.
3. Soak the jewelry briefly to loosen oil and residue.
4. Gently clean around and beneath the diamond with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
5. Rinse the piece carefully in a separate bowl of clean water.
6. Pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. 

Tip: Pay particular attention to the back of the diamond, where oil and dirt often collect. Always clean jewelry over a bowl rather than an open drain.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry

Although a diamond is highly scratch-resistant, its metal and setting may be more delicate. Avoid:

• Bleach, chlorine, and harsh household chemicals
• Toothpaste, baking soda, and abrasive powders
• Stiff brushes that may scratch the metal
• Pulling or pressing on the setting
• Using an ultrasonic cleaner without checking the jewelry first

Ultrasonic cleaning may not be suitable for loose stones, delicate settings, plating, or certain design details. When in doubt, please check our Jewelry Care Guide or consult a professional jeweler.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Good for Everyday Jewelry?

Yes. Their durability and lasting brilliance make lab-grown diamonds a practical choice for everyday jewelry, although the setting and surrounding metal still need thoughtful care.

Round Diamond Hoops, Bezel Solitaire Diamond Necklace, Diamond Station Bracelet, and Diamond Sphere Cluster Ring offer sparkle without feeling overly formal. They can be worn alone for a clean look or layered with other pieces for more dimension.

At OBY, lab-grown diamonds are paired with recycled sterling silver and 18K gold vermeil in modern designs made for everyday styling. Wearable proportions and thoughtful settings allow each piece to transition naturally from workdays to evenings out.

Discover OBY’s lab-grown diamond jewelry, from delicate necklaces and versatile earrings to modern bracelets designed for effortless everyday wear.