For decades, buying a diamond meant choosing a mined stone pulled from deep within the Earth. Today, buyers have another option: lab grown diamonds. As these diamonds become more common in engagement rings and fine jewellery, one question keeps coming up - are they actually different from natural diamonds?
The short answer is no, at least not in the ways most people assume.
Lab grown and natural diamonds have the same chemical composition, the same sparkle, the same durability, and the same grading standards. Both are real diamonds made of pure carbon. The biggest differences come down to how they’re created, how much they cost, and the environmental impact tied to their production.
If you’re deciding between the two, here’s a straightforward breakdown of what really matters.
What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds created in advanced laboratory environments instead of forming naturally underground over billions of years.
They are produced using technology that recreates the conditions under which diamonds naturally form. The two most common methods are:
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
This method mimics the intense heat and pressure found deep beneath the Earth’s surface. A small diamond seed is placed under extremely high pressure and temperature, allowing carbon atoms to crystallize around it and form a diamond.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
In the CVD process, a diamond seed is placed inside a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. As the gases are heated, carbon atoms gradually attach to the seed layer by layer, creating a diamond crystal.
Both methods produce diamonds that are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds.
What are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are formed deep inside the Earth under intense heat and pressure over billions of years. Volcanic activity eventually brings them closer to the surface, where they are mined.
For some buyers, the natural origin and age of these diamonds hold emotional or symbolic value. However, once polished and set into jewellery, natural and lab grown diamonds look the same to the naked eye.
Key Differences between Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds
1. Origin
The most obvious difference is where the diamond comes from.
- Natural diamonds are formed underground over billions of years.
- Lab grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory settings within a few weeks.
While their origins differ, the end result is still a real diamond.
2. Chemical Composition
There is no difference in chemical composition.
Both lab grown and natural diamonds are made entirely of carbon atoms arranged in the same crystal structure.
3. Hardness and Durability
Both types score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them equally durable for daily wear.
That means:
- Both resist scratching extremely well
- Both can last a lifetime
- Both are suitable for engagement rings and heirloom jewellery
4. Appearance and Sparkle
Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds reflect light in exactly the same way.
They have:
- The same brilliance
- The same fire
- The same sparkle
- The same optical properties
Even experienced jewellers cannot visually distinguish one from the other without specialized equipment.
5. Price
Price is where the biggest difference appears.
Lab grown diamonds generally cost 60-80% less than natural diamonds with the same cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.
Example Pricing for a 1-Carat Diamond
| Diamond Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Natural Diamond | $4,500 - $6,000 |
| Lab Grown Diamond | $900 - $1,500 |
As carat size increases, the price gap becomes even larger.
For many buyers, this means being able to choose:
- A larger center stone
- Higher clarity
- Better cut quality
- A more detailed setting
- without increasing the budget.
6. Environmental Impact
Diamond mining requires large-scale excavation, heavy machinery, and significant resource usage.
Lab grown diamonds eliminate mining altogether, which reduces land disruption and lowers environmental impact in several areas.
That said, lab grown diamonds still require energy during production. The overall impact often depends on how the manufacturing facility sources its electricity.
7. Ethical Considerations
Many buyers choose lab grown diamonds because they offer a more transparent supply chain.
Natural diamonds have historically been linked to concerns surrounding conflict sourcing and unethical labor practices in some regions. Although industry regulations have improved over time, sourcing transparency can still vary.
Lab grown diamonds are created in controlled facilities, making their origin easier to trace.
8. Resale Value
Natural diamonds generally retain resale value better than lab grown diamonds.
Because lab grown diamonds can be produced more efficiently and in larger quantities, their resale prices tend to be lower.
However, most people buying diamond jewellery are purchasing it for personal wear, gifting, or sentimental reasons rather than investment purposes.
Tabular Comparison between Lab Grown Diamond and Natural Diamond
| Feature | Lab Grown Diamond | Natural Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Pure carbon | Pure carbon |
| Hardness | 10 Mohs | 10 Mohs |
| Sparkle and Brilliance | Same | Same |
| Formation | Laboratory | Earth |
| Formation Time | Few weeks | Billions of years |
| Certification | GIA, IGI, AGS | GIA, IGI, AGS |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Environmental Impact | Lower | Higher |
| Conflict-Free Origin | Easier to verify | Varies by source |
| Resale Value | Lower | Higher |
Which Diamond Is Better - Lab Grown or Natural?
The answer depends on what matters most to you.
Why Many Buyers Prefer Lab Grown Diamonds
- Better Value for Money - A lab grown diamond allows buyers to get a larger or higher-quality stone at the same budget.
- Ethical and Environmental Appeal - For buyers focused on sustainability and sourcing transparency, lab grown diamonds often feel like the more responsible choice.
- Same Look and Durability - Because they are physically identical to natural diamonds, there is no visible difference in everyday wear.
Why Some Buyers Still Choose Natural Diamonds
- Traditional Appeal - Some people value the natural history and rarity associated with mined diamonds.
- Long-Term Resale Value - Natural diamonds tend to retain more value in the resale market.
- Emotional Preference - For certain buyers, owning a diamond formed naturally over billions of years carries sentimental significance.
Common Myths About Lab Grown Diamonds
Myth #1 - “Lab Grown Diamonds Are Fake”
False. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds.
Myth #2 - “They Lose Their Sparkle Over Time”
False. Lab grown diamonds do not become cloudy or dull over time. Their structure is identical to natural diamonds.
Myth #3 - “They’re the Same as Cubic Zirconia or Moissanite”
False. Cubic zirconia and moissanite are diamond simulants made from different materials. Lab grown diamonds are actual diamonds made of carbon.
Myth #4 - “Jewelers Can Easily Tell the Difference”
Not without specialized tools. Visually, lab grown and natural diamonds appear identical.
FAQs about the Differences between Natural & Lab Grown Diamonds
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds.
Are lab grown diamonds cheaper?
Yes. They typically cost significantly less than natural diamonds of the same quality.
Do lab grown diamonds last forever?
Yes. They are just as durable as natural diamonds and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Can lab grown diamonds be certified?
Yes. Reputable grading laboratories like GIA and IGI certify lab grown diamonds using the same grading standards applied to natural diamonds.
Are lab grown diamonds good for engagement rings?
Absolutely. They offer the same appearance and durability as natural diamonds while allowing buyers to maximize value.
Final Thoughts
Lab grown diamonds have changed the way people shop for fine jewellery.
They offer the same beauty, durability, and brilliance as natural diamonds while making larger, higher-quality stones more accessible at lower prices.
Natural diamonds still appeal to buyers who value rarity, tradition, or long-term resale value. But for many modern shoppers, lab grown diamonds provide a practical balance of quality, ethics, and affordability.
Ultimately, the right choice comes down to personal preference, budget, and what matters most to you.
Explore Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery at Real Canarys
At Real Canarys, we offer a curated collection of lab grown diamond jewellery designed for everyday elegance and lasting brilliance.
From engagement rings and pendants to earrings and bracelets, every piece is crafted with certified stones and attention to detail.
Browse the latest collection or connect with our team for a custom jewellery consultation tailored to your style.
