Diamond Education
Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
Both are real diamonds. Both are beautiful. The difference is where they come from and what that means for you.
First: What Makes a Diamond Real?
A diamond is defined by its physical and chemical composition, not by how it was formed. Both natural and lab grown diamonds are made of pure crystallized carbon arranged in the same atomic structure. They share identical hardness, brilliance, and optical properties. A gemologist using standard equipment cannot tell them apart without specialized testing.
When you hear the term "lab grown diamond," it does not mean synthetic, simulated, or fake. It means a genuine diamond grown in a controlled environment rather than extracted from the earth. The Federal Trade Commission recognizes lab grown diamonds as real diamonds.
Same carbon. Same crystal structure. Same diamond.
How Each Diamond Is Formed
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Natural Diamonds
Formed between 1 billion and 3.3 billion years ago, approximately 100 miles beneath the earth's surface under immense heat and pressure. Volcanic activity carried them upward through kimberlite pipes, where they were eventually discovered and mined. Each natural diamond is a geological artifact, a piece of the earth itself.
- Formed over billions of years
- Mined from kimberlite deposits worldwide
- Each stone is geologically unique
- Certified by GIA and other leading gemological labs
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Lab Grown Diamonds
Created in a controlled laboratory environment using one of two processes: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT), which replicates the natural conditions of diamond formation, or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), which builds the diamond layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas. The process takes weeks to months rather than billions of years.
- Grown in weeks using advanced technology
- HPHT or CVD growth methods
- Identical physical and optical properties to mined diamonds
- Certified by IGI and GIA
Side by Side: Key Differences
Understanding the practical distinctions helps you make the choice that is right for your priorities, your partner, and your budget.
Factor
Natural Diamond
Lab Grown Diamond
Composition
Pure crystallized carbon
Pure crystallized carbon
Hardness
10 on the Mohs scale
10 on the Mohs scale
Brilliance
Identical
Identical
Origin
Mined from the earth
Grown in a laboratory
Formation Time
1 to 3.3 billion years
Weeks to months
Price
Higher cost per carat
50 to 80% less than comparable natural
Resale Value
Established secondary market
Emerging, lower resale value currently
Environmental Impact
Land disturbance from mining
Energy-intensive production
Rarity
Finite natural resource
Can be produced on demand
Certification
GIA, AGS, and others
IGI, GIA (with lab grown notation)
Which Diamond Is Right for You?
There is no universally correct answer. The right diamond depends on what matters most to you and your partner.
Choose a Natural Diamond If...
- The geological origin and rarity of the stone is meaningful to you
- You value the idea that your diamond took billions of years to form
- Long-term resale value is a consideration
- You want a stone with a unique natural story and character
- You are selecting a colored diamond, where natural stones have greater rarity and value distinction
Choose a Lab Grown Diamond If...
- You want to maximize carat size or quality within your budget
- Ethical sourcing transparency is a priority for you
- You prefer to allocate more budget toward the setting or the wedding
- The physical beauty and durability of the stone matter more than its origin story
- You want a larger, higher-clarity stone than your budget would allow in natural
Common Questions
Can you tell a lab grown diamond from a natural diamond just by looking at it?
No. Lab grown and natural diamonds are visually identical. Even experienced gemologists cannot distinguish between them using standard loupe or microscope inspection. Detection requires specialized equipment such as a DiamondView machine that reads trace element signatures and growth patterns. This is why certification from a reputable lab, which notes whether the stone is natural or lab grown, is important documentation to have.
Are lab grown diamonds graded the same way as natural diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are graded using the same 4Cs system as natural diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Leading gemological laboratories including the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and GIA issue grading reports for lab grown diamonds. The report will note that the stone is laboratory grown, but the grading criteria and standards are identical to those applied to natural diamonds.
Do lab grown diamonds hold their value?
Lab grown diamonds currently have a lower resale value than comparable natural diamonds, and prices for lab grown stones have decreased significantly as production has scaled. Natural diamonds have a more established secondary market with broader resale infrastructure. If long-term financial value retention is important to your decision, a natural diamond historically holds value better. That said, many couples prioritize the beauty and wearability of the stone over its resale potential, which is a completely valid approach.
Are lab grown diamonds more ethical than mined diamonds?
The ethical picture is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Lab grown diamonds avoid concerns around artisanal mining conditions in certain regions, which is meaningful to many buyers. However, lab grown diamond production is energy-intensive, and the environmental footprint depends significantly on whether the facility uses renewable energy sources. Natural diamonds sourced through reputable channels, including those compliant with the Kimberley Process, come from regulated supply chains that also support mining community livelihoods. At Midtown Jewelers, we are committed to responsible sourcing across both categories. We are happy to walk you through the specific origin and certification of any stone you are considering.
Can I get a lab grown diamond in the same shapes and sizes as natural diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are available in all the same shapes as natural diamonds, including round, oval, cushion, emerald, pear, radiant, princess, marquise, asscher, and heart. They are also available across a full range of carat weights and quality grades. Because lab grown diamonds cost significantly less per carat, many couples use that budget advantage to select a larger or higher-clarity stone in the shape they love most.
What does Midtown Jewelers recommend?
We do not favor one over the other. Both are beautiful, durable, and real. Our job is to understand what matters most to you and help you find the stone that fits your values, your aesthetic vision, and your budget. Some of our clients feel strongly about the geological origin of a natural diamond. Others would rather put that savings toward a larger stone or a more elaborate setting. Both are great decisions. Come in and let us show you both side by side. There is no pressure and no wrong answer.
Ready to See Both Side by Side?
Our team at Midtown Jewelers in Historic Herndon, Virginia will walk you through natural and lab grown options in person with no pressure and no commitment. Every great ring starts with a conversation.