Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: Understanding the Differences Before You Say "Yes"

When shopping for a diamond, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond. While they may look identical to the naked eye, they have different origins, values, and benefits that can influence which one is right for you.

We believe that an informed customer is a confident customer. Whether you're searching for the perfect engagement ring or celebrating another milestone, understanding the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds will help you choose the stone that best fits your lifestyle, values, and budget.

What Is a Natural Diamond?

Natural diamonds are one of Earth's greatest wonders. Formed deep beneath the Earth's surface under immense heat and pressure, these gemstones take between one and three billion years to develop. Volcanic eruptions eventually bring them closer to the surface, where they are mined from various locations around the world.

Some of the most well-known diamond-producing countries include:

• Botswana

• Canada

• South Africa

• Namibia

• Angola

• Australia

• Russia

Because every natural diamond forms under unique geological conditions, no two are exactly alike. Each contains its own distinct characteristics, often referred to as nature's fingerprint.

What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

A lab-grown diamond is not a diamond simulant like cubic zirconia or moissanite. It is a real diamond with the same chemical composition, crystal structure, hardness, brilliance, and fire as a natural diamond.

Instead of forming underground over billions of years, lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process.

There are two primary methods used:

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)

This process recreates the extreme pressure and heat found deep within the Earth. A small diamond seed is placed inside specialized equipment where carbon crystallizes around it, forming a diamond.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

CVD diamonds begin with a thin diamond seed placed inside a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. Heat transforms the gases into plasma, allowing carbon atoms to attach to the seed layer by layer until a diamond forms.

Depending on the size, a lab-grown diamond can be produced in just a few weeks to several months.

Are They Really the Same?

From a scientific perspective, yes.

Natural and lab-grown diamonds are both composed of pure crystallized carbon and rank 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making them the hardest known natural material.

Both diamonds offer:

• Exceptional brilliance

• Incredible durability

• The same sparkle

• The same fire and scintillation

• The same ability to last a lifetime

Even professional jewelers typically require specialized equipment to distinguish one from the other.

Who Grades Diamonds?

Natural diamonds are commonly graded by respected gemological laboratories such as:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

• AGS (American Gem Society)

• IGI (International Gemological Institute)

Lab-grown diamonds are most often graded by the same laboratories listed above.

The grading standards are virtually identical for both natural and lab-grown diamonds, although the grading report will clearly identify whether the diamond is natural or laboratory-grown.

For more details, see GIA Education.

Pros of Natural Diamonds

Long-Term Value

Natural diamonds have historically retained value better than lab-grown diamonds due to their finite supply, compared to lab-grown diamonds which can be produced infinitely.

Legacy

A natural diamond begins a family legacy that can be passed down for generations as a piece of history, while naturally retaining not only its value but a cherished memory.

Unique Character

Natural inclusions make every diamond one of a kind, adding individuality and authenticity.

Supporting Families 

Contrary to popular belief, the countries where natural diamonds are mined, like Botswana, are actually supporting the livelihoods of the workers. Ever since the creation of The Kimberely Process, diamond mining has become beneficial for the miners who can now make a living to support their families. For more information, visit Diamonds Of Botswana

Want to know more? Start your education on natural diamonds and become informed by visiting the Diamond Report Series.

Cons of Natural Diamonds

• Typically a higher purchase price

• Mining requires resources and environmental management
  

Pros of Lab-Grown Diamonds

Greater Size for Your Budget

Lab-grown diamonds often cost significantly less than comparable natural diamonds, allowing many buyers to choose a larger center stone for a fraction of the cost.

Exceptional Quality

Because they're created in controlled environments, many lab-grown diamonds exhibit excellent color and clarity.

Real Diamond Beauty

They possess the same brilliance, hardness, and durability as natural diamonds.

Cons of Lab-Grown Diamonds

• Lower resale and trade-in value compared to natural diamonds

• Prices have continued to decrease as production increases

• Since they are a finite resource and are able to be produced in a controlled environment, they lack the natural inclusions that can make a diamond uniquely beautiful. 

• While considered less intrusive on the physical environment than natural diamonds, they take vast amounts of energy to create, producing more harmful atmospheric gases.

Click here to see more about both lab-grown and natural diamond environmental factors. 

Which Diamond Is Right for You?

There isn't a "better" choice—only the right choice for your priorities.

A natural diamond may be the perfect fit if you value rarity, history, long-term significance, and owning something created by nature over billions of years.

A lab-grown diamond may be ideal if maximizing size and quality within your budget is your top priority while still owning a genuine diamond.

At the end of the day, both options are beautiful, durable, and designed to celebrate life's most meaningful moments.

Choosing a diamond is about more than comparing specifications—it's about finding the one that feels right for you.

For nearly 80 years, Wade's Jewelers has helped generations of couples celebrate engagements, anniversaries, and milestones with honesty, expertise, and personalized guidance. Whether you're considering a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond, our experienced team is here to answer your questions, explain the differences, and help you find a diamond you'll love for a lifetime.