Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

The diamond industry is evolving, and one of the most exciting developments in recent years is the rise of lab grown diamonds. These diamonds offer a stunning, ethical, and affordable alternative to traditional natural diamonds. However, the decision to choose between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond is one that many couples face when shopping for an engagement ring or other fine jewelry.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds, so you can make an informed choice that fits your values, budget, and personal style.

What Are Natural Diamonds?

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme heat and pressure, over the course of billions of years. They are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions, where they are then mined from the Earth. The natural diamond mining process is labor-intensive and requires the extraction of diamonds from the Earth’s crust, often in remote, rugged locations.

Natural diamonds come in a wide variety of qualities, with different shapes, sizes, and colors. Their rarity, long formation process, and limited supply contribute to their high cost and the perception of value.

Origin: Mined from the Earth
Formation: Takes billions of years under intense heat and pressure
Environmental Impact: Diamond mining can be environmentally disruptive, with concerns about habitat destruction, water contamination, and pollution.

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds (sometimes referred to as synthetic diamonds or man-made diamonds) are real diamonds, chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. The primary difference is their origin. Lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory setting using two advanced methods: High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

Both of these processes mimic the natural conditions that occur deep within the Earth, allowing carbon atoms to bond and crystallize into diamonds. While the process takes a matter of weeks or months, compared to the billions of years required for natural diamonds to form, the result is a diamond with the same stunning sparkle, hardness, and brilliance.

Origin: Created in a laboratory
Formation: Takes weeks to months in a controlled environment
Environmental Impact: Far less disruptive than mining, with a smaller carbon footprint.

Key Differences Between Lab Grown Diamonds and Natural Diamonds

1. Appearance and Quality

Despite coming from different origins, lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds are virtually identical to the naked eye. Both are made of 100% pure carbon and exhibit the same brilliance, fire, and hardness. They are graded according to the same criteria—the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight).

Lab Grown Diamonds: Lab grown diamonds can be produced with fewer inclusions (imperfections) and more control over the growth process, which means they may appear cleaner and more flawless than natural diamonds of the same size and shape.
Natural Diamonds: Natural diamonds are unique, often with natural inclusions or "fingerprints" that make each one special. These inclusions are a direct result of the billions of years it took for the diamond to form.

2. Price

One of the biggest advantages of lab grown diamonds is their affordability. Because they are produced in a lab, the cost of production is much lower than the cost of mining and extracting natural diamonds. As a result, lab grown diamonds can be up to 30-40% more affordable than natural diamonds of the same size and quality.

Natural Diamonds: Because they are mined, natural diamonds are generally more expensive. The rarity and supply limitations contribute to their higher cost.
Lab Grown Diamonds: More affordable, allowing you to get a larger or higher-quality diamond for your budget. This makes lab grown diamonds a great choice for couples who want a bigger stone without breaking the bank.

3. Ethical Considerations and Environmental Impact

The ethical and environmental impact of diamonds is an important consideration for many buyers. Lab grown diamonds offer a significant advantage in this area:

Natural Diamonds: Diamond mining can contribute to deforestation, water contamination, and other environmental issues. In some regions, the mining process is also associated with human rights abuses and exploitation, particularly with conflict diamonds or blood diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds: Created in controlled laboratory environments, lab grown diamonds have a much smaller environmental footprint. They do not involve harmful mining practices and are free from the ethical concerns associated with conflict diamonds. If you are looking for a more sustainable, ethical option, lab grown diamonds provide peace of mind.

4. Rarity and Investment Value

Natural diamonds are often seen as more rare due to their long formation process and limited supply. This rarity makes them valuable, and many people view natural diamonds as a long-term investment. However, because the demand for diamonds is not as finite as it once was, and lab grown diamonds are becoming more widely accepted, the long-term investment potential of natural diamonds is a subject of debate.

Natural Diamonds: Rare and limited by nature, natural diamonds have historically been a symbol of wealth and status. They may hold or increase in value over time.
Lab Grown Diamonds: Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, are not rare in the same way. As the technology to create lab grown diamonds continues to improve, they may become more abundant. This means they might not hold their value in the same way that natural diamonds do, though their beauty and affordability remain undeniable.

5. Certification

Both lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds can be certified by reputable gemological organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and International Gemological Institute (IGI). These certificates provide detailed information about the diamond’s quality, including its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

Natural Diamonds: Certification includes information on the diamond’s origin, which can provide details about whether it is conflict-free.
Lab Grown Diamonds: Certification for lab grown diamonds verifies that they were created in a laboratory, offering the same transparency as natural diamonds.

Which Diamond Is Right for You?

When deciding between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond, consider the following:

Choose a Natural Diamond if you value rarity and tradition and are looking for a long-term investment piece. Natural diamonds carry a sense of history and legacy, and their formation process is unparalleled.
Choose a Lab Grown Diamond if you prioritize environmental sustainability and affordability. Lab grown diamonds offer a beautiful, high-quality alternative that allows you to get more for your money, with the added benefit of knowing that the diamond was created in an eco-friendly, ethical way.

Both types of diamonds are stunning and meaningful, and the right choice for you will depend on your personal values, style, and budget.

Conclusion: A Diamond is a Diamond

Whether you choose a lab grown diamond or a natural diamond, you’re still choosing a real diamond. Both options offer the same brilliance, durability, and beauty, but they come with different considerations in terms of price, environmental impact, and ethical implications.

At the end of the day, a diamond is a symbol of love and commitment. Whether it’s grown in a lab or mined from the Earth, it represents the promise of a future together.

Ready to explore your options? Browse our stunning collection of lab grown diamonds to find the perfect one for you!

Have questions or need more information? Reach out to our team of experts for personalized guidance to help you make the best choice for your engagement or special occasion.