Natural vs Lab Grown Diamonds
Diamonds are one of the most researched and debated gemstones in the jewelry world today—especially with the rise of lab grown diamonds. Many buyers now find themselves asking: What’s the real difference between lab grown and natural diamonds? Are they the same? Is one better than the other?
The truth is that lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds are physically the same material, but they differ significantly in origin, rarity, pricing, and long-term market behavior. Understanding these differences helps buyers make confident, informed decisions based on what matters most to them.
What Are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years. Volcanic activity eventually brings them closer to the surface, where they can be mined.
Key characteristics of natural diamonds:
- Formed naturally over geological time
- Finite supply
- Each stone is unique in growth history
- Traditionally associated with rarity and long-term value
Natural diamonds have been used in jewelry for centuries and remain a cornerstone of fine jewelry.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds—also called lab created or synthetic diamonds—are grown in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology. The two most common methods are:
- HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
- CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
These processes replicate the conditions under which diamonds naturally form, producing diamonds with the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and hardness as natural diamonds.
Important facts:
- Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, not simulants
- They can be visually indistinguishable from natural diamonds
- Growth takes weeks instead of billions of years
Are Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds Physically Different?
From a scientific standpoint:
- Both are pure carbon
- Both rate 10 on the Mohs hardness scale
- Both can receive professional grading reports
- Both can be cut and set the same way
In everyday wear, there is no durability difference between lab grown and natural diamonds.
The differences are not physical—they are contextual.
Visual Differences (or Lack Thereof)
To the naked eye—and even under magnification—most people cannot distinguish between lab grown and natural diamonds.
Specialized laboratory equipment is required to:
- identify growth patterns
- detect trace elements
- determine origin
For consumers, appearance alone is not a reliable way to tell the difference.
Price Differences
One of the most noticeable differences is price.
Lab grown diamonds:
- Typically cost significantly less than natural diamonds of comparable size and grade
- Continue to decrease in price as production increases
Natural diamonds:
- Cost more due to limited supply and mining constraints
- Prices are more stable relative to lab grown diamonds
This price gap is one of the main reasons buyers consider lab grown options.
Rarity vs Abundance
This is a key distinction.
Natural diamonds:
- Finite natural resource
- Supply is limited by geology and mining
- Each stone represents a unique natural process
Lab grown diamonds:
- Technologically reproducible
- Production can be scaled
- Availability increases as technology improves
This difference in rarity plays a significant role in long-term market perception.
Long-Term Value and Resale Considerations
While not all jewelry is purchased as an investment, it’s important to understand market behavior.
Natural diamonds:
- Tend to retain value more consistently
- Have established secondary markets
- Are more widely accepted for resale
Lab grown diamonds:
- Have lower resale value
- Experience faster depreciation
- Secondary markets are still developing
This does not make lab grown diamonds a poor choice—but it does mean buyers should choose them for wear and enjoyment, not long-term value retention.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Both options are often chosen for ethical reasons, but the conversation is complex.
Lab grown diamonds:
- Avoid traditional mining
- Require significant energy input
- Environmental impact depends on energy source
Natural diamonds:
- Involve mining and land disturbance
- Increasingly regulated and traceable
- Support mining communities in some regions
Neither option is impact-free. Transparency and sourcing matter more than labels alone.
Certification and Grading
Both lab grown and natural diamonds can be graded by respected gemological laboratories.
Key differences:
- Certificates clearly state lab grown or natural
- Grading standards are similar, but reports are labeled differently
- Disclosure is essential and expected
Always ensure the diamond’s origin is clearly documented.
Common Misconceptions
“Lab grown diamonds are fake.”
Not true. They are real diamonds—just not naturally formed.
“Lab grown diamonds are the same value as natural diamonds.”
They are physically the same, but market value differs.
“Natural diamonds are always unethical.”
Modern sourcing, certification, and regulation have changed the industry significantly.
Which Should You Choose?
There is no universal “right” answer.
Choose a lab grown diamond if:
- budget flexibility is important
- size is a priority
- resale value is not a concern
- you want a diamond for everyday enjoyment
Choose a natural diamond if:
- rarity matters to you
- long-term value is a consideration
- you prefer naturally formed materials
- you view the stone as a legacy piece
The best choice is the one that aligns with your priorities.
Custom Jewelry and Alternatives to Diamonds
Diamonds—lab grown or natural—are only one option in fine jewelry.
Many clients explore:
- custom jewelry design
- natural colored gemstones
- one-of-a-kind pieces that emphasize rarity and individuality
Understanding diamonds helps you make informed choices—whether you choose one or decide on an alternative.
👉 Learn About Custom Jewelry
👉 Explore Natural Colored Gemstones
Choosing between lab grown and natural diamonds isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about understanding the difference and selecting what fits your values, lifestyle, and vision.
