Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds – What's The Difference?

When it comes to finding the perfect diamond, there’s one big question: lab-grown or natural? Both are gorgeous and valuable, but they come from very different places. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between lab-grown vs natural diamonds so you can make an informed decision that fits your style, values, and budget.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or man-made diamonds, are real diamonds – just made in a laboratory. They’re chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds, but they’re created in a controlled environment, not deep beneath the Earth.

How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Created

There are two main methods for creating lab-grown diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

• HPHT mimics the conditions found inside the Earth, using intense heat and pressure to grow a diamond from a small seed of diamond material. The result is a diamond that forms in a similar way to how natural diamonds form.
• CVD works by breaking down a hydrocarbon gas mixture in a high-temperature chamber. These gases slowly deposit carbon onto a substrate, building up diamond crystals layer by layer. This method allows for more precision in shaping the diamond and produces a pure crystal structure.

Both methods create diamonds that are essentially identical to natural diamonds, both in look and in the way they shine. They’re just made in a fraction of the time – usually within weeks or months.

If you’d like more info about these processes, check out this guide from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The GIA is a leading authority in diamond grading and serves as an essential resource for both consumers and jewellers.

Key Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds

• Ethically Made: Since they aren’t mined, lab-grown diamonds don’t carry the same ethical concerns as natural diamonds. No harmful mining practices are involved, so you can feel good about your purchase knowing that it supports fair labor practices and avoids conflict zones.

What Are Natural Diamonds?

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over millions of years under extreme heat and pressure. This natural process makes them incredibly rare – and each diamond is one-of-a-kind, taking billions of years to form. Their scarcity and geological formation give them a timeless appeal.

The Formation Process of Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds are born under intense pressure, between 93 and 125 miles beneath the Earth’s surface. Over millions of years, carbon atoms bond under the Earth’s extreme temperature and pressure to create a diamond’s crystal structure. Once these diamonds reach the Earth’s surface, they’re mined from kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits, making them even rarer.

The geological conditions required to create natural diamonds are so unique that finding these gems can feel like discovering a piece of Earth’s history. Each diamond’s journey from deep inside the planet to your jewelry box is something truly special.

Characteristics of Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds are loved for their rarity and distinct qualities, like their color, clarity, cut, and carat weight (the 4 Cs), all of which are valuable for grading the diamond. Every natural diamond is unique – some have small inclusions (imperfections) that give them character and charm, while others have pristine clarity. The way each diamond catches the light, its shape, and its journey all contribute to its individuality.

What’s particularly beautiful about natural diamonds is that their imperfections often make them more meaningful. A small flaw can tell the story of their creation, adding depth and authenticity to the stone.

Key Differences Between Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds

Wondering how lab-grown and natural diamonds stack up against each other? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Though both types of diamonds have the same carbon structure, lab-grown diamonds are made in weeks or months, while natural diamonds take millions of years. This difference in creation time is what gives each diamond its unique charm, whether it’s the deep history of a natural diamond or the modern appeal of a lab-grown one.

Whether you go for the flawless appeal of a lab-grown diamond or the individual charm of a natural one, both can dazzle and shine in their own way.

Lab-Grown Diamond vs Natural: Which Is Right for You?

The choice between a lab-grown or natural diamond ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, priorities, and budget.

Budget

If you’re looking to save some money, lab-grown diamonds are usually the more affordable option. You can get a bigger or higher-quality man-made diamond for the same price as a smaller natural one, so you don’t have to compromise on size or sparkle.

Ethics

If sustainability and ethical sourcing are important to you, lab-grown diamonds are a great choice. They don’t involve the environmental and social concerns associated with mining, so you can feel good about your purchase.

Tradition

Natural diamonds have centuries of tradition behind them. If you want something that carries a rich history and timeless appeal, a natural diamond might be the one for you. Natural diamonds are often passed down through generations, becoming cherished family heirlooms.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice is personal. Some people value the story and history behind natural, mined diamonds, while others are drawn to the innovation, ethics and affordability of lab-grown diamonds – either way, both options offer something unique.

While we’ve focused on the debate between lab-grown diamonds vs natural, there’s another gem that’s worth considering: Moissanite. It's a super affordable, eco-friendly alternative that packs some serious sparkle – it's even more brilliant than diamonds! While not a diamond, Moissanite's hard, durable nature (a solid 9.25 on the Mohs scale) makes it perfect for daily wear.

Moissanite is a fantastic option if you're after that diamond look without the hefty price tag. Plus, it's often created in a lab, so it's both ethical and sustainable. So, if you're all about a high-impact, wallet-friendly gem, Moissanite might just be your go-to.

Curious? Explore Moissanite Rings Here

Final Thoughts…

Whether you’re drawn to the eco-friendliness and affordability of lab-grown diamonds or the rare, traditional appeal of natural diamonds, Jewlr has something for everyone. Customize your look or keep it classic – whatever you choose, you’ll be getting a stunning piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime, with a story that’s uniquely yours.

View Our Entire Wedding Jewelry Collection

Sources

• Butcher, A. (2021). Is there a sustainable alternative to diamond mining? International Gem Society. https://www.gemsociety.org/article/sustainable-alternative-to-diamond-mining/
• Shigley, J.E. (2016). HPHT and CVD Diamond Growth Processes: Making Lab-Grown Diamonds. Gemological Institute of America. https://www.gia.edu/hpht-and-cvd-diamond-growth-processes
• Shirey, S. B., & Smit, K. V. (2018). How do diamonds form in the deep Earth? Gemological Institute of America. https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/winter-2018-how-do-diamonds-form-in-the-deep-earth
• What is the Kimberley Process? (n.d.) Kimberley Process. https://www.kimberleyprocess.com/about/what-is-kp