Natural vs. Lab-made Diamonds: Which is the right choice for you?
If you're here, you're probably celebrating something big—and we’re so glad to be part of it (congratulations!) Whether you’re looking for the ring or starting to explore fine jewelry, you're wondering, "Do I go with a Natural Diamond or Lab-Made?"
It’s still one of the most common questions we hear, but it’s becoming less central as preferences shift. More and more clients are staying with natural diamonds for their lasting value and story, though lab-grown diamonds will have their place. The conversation around diamonds is always evolving, but one thing remains the same: you deserve honest, expert guidance to help choose what's right for you.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAB-GROWN AND NATURAL DIAMONDS?
That depends on your perception. At the molecular core, both are chemically the same, but how they’re made—and what they mean—are very different.
SCIENTIFIC SIMILARITIES:
- Chemical Composition: Both are pure carbon (C).
- Structure: Both have a cubic crystal structure.
- Hardness: Both score a 10 on the Mohs scale.
- Optical Properties: To the naked eye (and even under a microscope), they look virtually identical.
SCIENTIFIC DIFFERENCES:
Origin of Growth:
Natural Diamonds are formed over billions of years under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth. Lab-made diamonds are grown in a matter of days or weeks using either HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), most often in overseas laboratories. CVDs commonly exhibit a brown coloring or dark inclusions, so they undergo a post-growth HPHT treatment to make them look more desirable.
Inclusions & Trace Elements:
Natural diamonds may contain tiny natural inclusions and trace elements showcasing the Earth's creation process (e.g., nitrogen). Lab-grown diamonds can show metallic inclusions (HPHT) or growth patterns from the chemical vapor deposition.
Fluorescence & Growth Lines:
All lab-grown diamonds exhibit distinct fluorescence or growth lines under UV light or specialized imaging that gem labs use for identification.
ARE NATURAL DIAMONDS ACTUALLY RARE?
Yes—like any natural resource, natural diamonds are finite. They were formed billions of years ago deep within the Earth. In contrast, lab-made diamonds are manufactured and can be reproduced endlessly, making them abundant and less rare.
CREATED BY TIME OR DESIGNED FOR CONSISTENCY
Natural diamonds take billions of years to form under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth, making each one rare by nature. That slow formation means supply is limited, especially higher-quality stones. Natural diamonds, especially high-quality stones, have historically held some value and, in rare cases, even appreciated over time, making them a time-tested choice for those who value heirloom quality and desire lasting value.
We appreciate the innovation behind lab-grown diamonds—their unique manufacturing process allows industries to harness the same hardness, thermal conductivity, and electrical properties found in natural diamonds. Created in just weeks with advanced technology, lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural ones—but because they’re mass-produced, their long-term value is enormously impacted. As supply increases, prices have consistently fallen to a fraction of what they were a month or year before. While they can and will be a great choice for short-term wear, fun/costume pieces, or tighter budgets, they’re not selected with lasting value in mind.
WHERE DO DIAMONDS COME FROM?
Natural diamonds come from deep within the Earth and take billions of years to form, making each one a completely unique part of our planet’s history. The natural diamond industry has made meaningful progress in recent decades, with many producers committed to strict ethical and environmental standards, most notably through the Kimberley Process, to ensure diamonds are responsibly sourced and carefully handled. It has also catapulted some countries like Botswana from 3rd world to middle-income nation-states, able to provide peace, stability, and access to free public healthcare and education.
Lab-grown diamonds are created in high-tech labs in just weeks, offering a more readily available alternative to natural diamonds (comparable to synthetic rubies, sapphires, etc.) While they avoid excavation, their production requires extremely high temperatures and substantial energy—often sourced from fossil fuels like coal. So while they’re often marketed as the greener choice, the full environmental impact is more complex.
WHAT'S THE RIGHT CHOICE?
Choosing a diamond is personal, and there’s no single definition of “right.” For some, the tech-created process and speed of lab-grown diamonds are part of the appeal. For others, there’s something meaningful in choosing a natural diamond shaped by the Earth itself. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with what matters most to you. Both have their strengths—and understanding the difference just means you’re making a smarter, more informed decision. We're here to offer real, honest guidance without pressure, so you can choose what aligns with your values and feels meaningful for you—not just for this moment, but for the future you're building.
READY TO GET HANDS-ON?
We are home to the tri-state's largest onsite diamond selection. Stop by or Book an Appointment to start exploring your options and find the perfect diamond for your story.
