Diamonds are diamonds, right? Not exactly. There’s a growing split in the market between lab-grown and natural diamonds. They look almost identical, but there are some key differences in how they’re made, priced, and valued.
Here’s a breakdown of how lab-grown and natural diamonds compare.
How They’re Made
Natural diamonds form deep underground over billions of years. High pressure and temperature turn carbon into crystal. They’re brought to the surface through volcanic activity.
Lab-grown diamonds are made in a controlled lab using machines. They mimic the same heat and pressure. There are two main methods: HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) and CVD (chemical vapor deposition). The result? A real diamond—just made faster.
natural Diamond
Lab-grown Diamond
Appearance
To the naked eye, lab-grown and natural diamonds look the same. Same sparkle. Same hardness. Even trained jewelers often need specialized equipment to tell them apart.
Both can be certified and graded on the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat.
Price
This is where things really split.
Lab-grown diamonds cost a lot less. You can usually get a 1-carat lab-grown diamond for 30–50% less than a natural one. That’s because they’re quicker and cheaper to produce—and the supply isn’t limited by nature.
Resale and Value Over Time
Natural diamonds tend to hold value better, though not always by much. Lab-grown diamonds usually have lower resale value. If you care about long-term investment, this is something to consider.
Environmental Impact
Lab-grown diamonds are marketed as more sustainable. They don’t require digging massive holes in the ground. But making them still takes a lot of energy—especially if it’s from fossil fuels.
Natural diamond mining has a bigger environmental footprint. Some companies follow ethical mining practices, but it depends on the source.
Ethical Concerns
Lab-grown diamonds don’t come with concerns around conflict zones or unfair labor. They’re made in a factory, often under regulated conditions.
Natural diamonds may come from regions with poor labor practices or where diamond sales fuel conflict. Buying from reputable jewelers who follow the Kimberley Process can help avoid that.
Which Should You Choose?
It depends on your priorities.
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Want to save money? Lab-grown is the better deal.
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Want something rare with long-term value? Go with natural.
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Focused on ethics or sustainability? Lab-grown may be the safer bet.
At the end of the day, both are real diamonds. One just comes from the earth, the other from a lab.
| Feature | Lab-Grown | Mined |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Grown in a lab | Formed underground |
| Composition | Real carbon diamond | Real carbon diamond |
| Look & Sparkle | Identical | Identical |
| Detection | Needs special equipment | Needs special equipment |
| Environmental Impact | Lower, more sustainable | Higher, resource-heavy |
| Ethical Sourcing | Conflict-free | May have sourcing issues |
| Price | 30–50% cheaper | More expensive |
| Resale Value | Lower resale market | Typically holds value more |
| Flaws & Inclusions | Can have imperfections | Can have imperfections |
| Certification | GIA, IGI, same as mined | GIA, IGI, same as lab-grown |
Bottom line
Same look. Different origin. Different price. Choose what makes sense for you.