Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds (10 Differences)

Diamonds have always held a special place in history. But today, one question keeps coming up: what separates lab-grown diamonds from natural ones?

Both shine brilliantly. Both are made from pure carbon. But how they come into existence couldn’t be more different. Some people care about sustainability and cost. Others lean toward the natural beauty and tradition behind mined gems. Knowing what sets them apart can help you choose wisely.

This guide lays it all out in simple terms. You’ll walk away knowing exactly which type fits your needs and preferences.

10 Key Differences Between Lab-Grown Diamond and Natural Diamond

Differences	Natural Diamonds	Lab-Grown Diamonds
*Formation*	Formed naturally deep within the earth over billions of years	Created in the lab using Advanced technology
*Quality*	Best in quality due to natural formation	High quality with fewer imperfections due to lab-created
*Cost*	More expensive due to rarity and formation	Less expensive due to instant formation within a week and less than 40 to 50% less than natural diamonds
*Color*	Natural Diamonds are in different colors	Lab-Grown diamonds also come in different colors, same like natural diamonds
*Appearance*	Identical visually but unique with different characteristics	Identical visually the same as a natural diamond no necked differences
*Affordability*	Higher in price due to the rarity and mining cost	Most budget-friendly and best in budget cost
*Clarity*	Natural diamonds have inclusions and imperfections	Fewer inclusions and can be clearer than natural diamonds
*Hardness*	Extremely hard ranking 10 on the mohs scale	Equally hard on ranking Mohs scale 10
*Environmental impact*	Natural diamond mining can have a harmful environmental impact	More eco-friendly and smaller in size
*Certification*	Certified by the GIA or the IGI organization	Certified by IGI and other labs to confirm authenticity

How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Formed?

Diamonds grown in labs are no different from those taken from the earth in terms of structure or sparkle. They have identical physical and chemical traits. No visible difference exists between the two. The only real change is the origin. Lab-grown types are produced through high-tech processes instead of natural mining.

There are two primary methods for producing lab-grown diamonds in the laboratory.

1. HPHT (High-Pressure High-Temperature)

Diamonds made through the HPHT method come from intense heat and pressure, just like what exists deep inside the Earth, where natural diamonds are born. This extreme environment turns carbon into a diamond crystal. Once formed, it’s shaped and polished into the gemstones used in jewelry.

2. CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)

A different approach, CVD, involves heating carbon-rich gases inside a sealed chamber. When the temperature hits 1,400°F, the gas breaks apart. Carbon atoms start settling onto a base layer. Over time, those atoms build up until a diamond is formed.

Though the two techniques differ, the result is the same. These diamonds match the real thing in beauty, strength, and shine.

The Advantages of Buying Lab-Grown Diamonds

More than 70% of millennials choose lab-grown diamonds because they are more affordable and align with ethical values.

Here are the five advantages of buying lab-grown diamonds:

Eco-Friendly: These diamonds don’t hurt the planet. Less water is used. Less energy, too. No digging, no destruction of land. When you pick one, you’re making a cleaner choice for Earth.
Affordable: Lab-made diamonds are easier on the wallet. They’re made faster and don’t involve mining, which brings the cost down. Since they aren’t limited by nature, the price stays within reach, perfect for luxury with value.
Ethical Sourcing: These diamonds are produced in monitored conditions. There’s no harm to workers, and no hidden damage in the supply chain. Buying one means you're supporting a system that values people and honesty.
Customization: You get more creative freedom here. Lab diamonds come in different shapes, cuts, and sizes, and customizing a ring becomes easy. No matter the design idea, there's a way to make it yours.
Identical to Natural Diamonds: On the surface, there’s no visible difference between lab and mined diamonds. They share the same sparkle, structure, and quality. To the eye and touch, they’re completely alike.

Explore these five online retailers to get your best quality lab diamond jewelry.

How Are Natural Diamonds Formed?

The Earth, through immense time and pressure, creates natural diamonds far below its surface. These gems develop their shine, strength, and clear look from this tough environment. What sets them apart is not just beauty, but also the way nature builds them under harsh conditions.

People have admired these stones for a long time. They were part of the trade in ancient India. Later, in the 15th century, Europe’s richest and most powerful began to wear them proudly. Not everything has changed; the path is still beautiful due to cutting-edge, rarity, and price.

Natural diamonds are formed under high pressure and temperature beneath the Earth's surface over billions of years, around 90 to 120 kilometers below. The process begins when carbon is exposed to high pressure and temperature millions of times.

The violent heat, reaching temperatures of around 1,300 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, combined with immense pressure, causes the carbon tiles to bond in a crystal clear structure.

This process occurs in special geological conditions, generally in stormy pipes called kimberlite pipes. Over time, stormy eruptions bring these diamonds near to the face, where they can be booby-trapped. This natural creation process is what makes diamonds so rare and precious.

The Advantages of Buying Natural Diamonds

Here are the six advantages to buying Natural diamonds:

True Rarity: Unlike many gems, natural diamonds don’t form overnight. It takes millions of years and very specific conditions underground. That’s why finding high-quality ones is so rare. Their glow never fades, making them special across generations
Resale Strength: Over time, natural diamonds either keep their worth or become even more valuable. Their lasting beauty, strength, and rarity help them stand strong in the resale world. Compared to many other gems, they often sell for more.
Emotional Value: Diamonds mean more than shine. For centuries, they’ve stood for loyalty, love, and important moments. They’ve been part of big life events, engagements, birthdays, and anniversaries, because of how deeply people connect with them.
A Cultural Gem: From royal crowns to ancient beliefs, diamonds have played important roles in history. Different societies admired them for wealth, charm, and power. This deep-rooted legacy adds meaning to every stone.
Investment Angle: Diamonds aren’t like stocks or bonds. Their value doesn’t shift every day. Because they’re rare and hard to replace, they often become more valuable over the years. For those seeking a solid foundation, they offer a lasting path to growth

Resale Value: Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds

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There is a higher resale value of lab-grown diamonds over natural diamonds. Natural diamonds are, thus, rarer and have a long history of being treated as a precious investment.

Rarity adds to their worth; these diamonds also hold emotional and cultural meaning. These reasons together increase how much they're worth when sold again. You get the same sparkle and strong quality in lab-made diamonds as you do in natural ones.

The difference? You don’t have to spend as much, but they are much more budget-friendly than mined diamonds; they’re easier to find, too. Lab-grown diamonds are easy to produce, so they don’t hold their value well when you try to sell them later. Natural ones, being rarer, usually hold their value better.

Learn about the resale value of lab diamonds by carat weight to get better jewelry for you.

How Can You Identify a Natural Diamond from a Lab-Grown Diamond?

istockphoto/SeventyFour

The difference between natural and lab-created diamonds takes a trained eye, but it can be done.

Over time, natural diamonds develop unique inclusions, tiny marks shaped by nature over thousands of years. Lab-grown ones, on the other hand, often have more even or regular inclusions.
In synthetic diamonds, curved growth lines may appear. Natural diamonds usually lack such patterns and tend to show more random and subtle internal growth.
UV light brings out more clues. Natural diamonds generally glow blue. Lab-grown diamonds might glow differently or show no glow at all.
The most accurate way to know what type of diamond you're looking at is through certification. Trusted labs like GIA or IGI can confirm if it’s natural or man-made.

Final Verdict: Lab-Created vs Natural Diamonds

What matters more to you, origin or practicality? That’s the real question when choosing between lab-grown and natural diamonds. Natural diamonds are formed by nature over millions of years, which gives them a sense of wonder and a rich history.

People often choose them for their beauty and value, which may increase over time. They’re also seen as symbols of lasting love and wealth.

Now, if you're more focused on cost or eco-consciousness, lab-grown diamonds are a smart route. They shine just as bright. They’re also just as tough. And they come without the high price tag.

Both types are equally suited for meaningful jewelry. In the end, it’s about what you want the most, something rare with history or something modern and smart.

Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, offer a more affordable and environmentally friendly option, with the same visual appeal and durability. Both types of diamonds are ideal for engagement rings and fine jewelry, so the decision comes down to what matters most to you.

FAQS

Which is Better: GIA or IGI certification for lab-grown and natural diamonds?

People look for different things when picking a diamond certification. Some want prestige and accuracy; that’s where GIA comes in. Its detailed reports are trusted by many, especially for top-tier natural diamonds. IGI, while not as exclusive, finishes reports faster and keeps costs lower. That makes it a strong option for lab-made diamonds and shoppers working within a budget.

Are lab-grown diamonds as durable as natural diamonds?

Yes, cultured diamonds are as resistant as any other natural diamond. They have the same hardness and scratch resistance, so they are equally adequate for use in jewelry.

Will lab-grown diamonds last a lifetime and become cloudy over time?

They can last for decades without losing clarity. Lab-grown diamonds don’t get cloudy on their own. But grime, oil, or fine scratches can make them look dull. Cleaning them the right way will restore their shine.

Lab-Grown Diamond vs Natural Diamond