Lab Grown Vs Natural Diamonds

Choosing between a lab-grown and a natural diamond can be a tough decision, so it's always good to do your research first. If you're not sure of the similarities and differences, our guide will explain everything, so you can make the best decision when buying that all-important diamond. 

What’s the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds? 

Lab-grown and natural diamonds are chemically identical. They're both made from carbon. They both have the same crystal structure. They're both rated 10 for hardness on the Mohs scale, and both a lab-grown and a natural diamond of the same quality will have the same fire and brilliance.

There are only a handful of differences between a natural diamond and a lab-grown one, which come down to where they come from, what they cost and how they hold value.

How are natural and lab grown diamonds made

Natural diamonds form over billions of years, deep below the Earth's surface, under heat reaching over 1,000 degrees Celsius and extreme pressure. They are then mined and brought to the surface.

Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, form in just weeks or months. They're made inside machines that recreate the same conditions. There are two methods that do this:

• HPHT: High Pressure, High Temperature

• CVD: Chemical Vapour Deposition

These methods create a diamond that is chemically the same and is still a real diamond. It's just grown above ground in a shorter time.

How can you tell lab grown and natural diamonds apart?

With the naked eye, you can't. You can't even tell under a jeweller's loupe. The only way to tell is through specialist equipment or by choosing a certified diamond. Lab-grown diamonds from GIA or IGI have a tiny laser inscription on the girdle, invisible to the eye, confirming their origin. 

The price difference between a natural and lab grown diamond

Lab-grown diamonds are significantly more affordable than natural diamonds. You could save 60% on a diamond of the same cut, colour, clarity and carat, just by choosing the lab-grown option. This means your budget can stretch further, allowing you to afford a bigger stone, a higher clarity grade, a better cut, or all three. 

Resale value

Natural diamonds tend to hold their value better over time, especially in antique jewellery. This is because lab-grown diamonds aren't as rare as natural diamonds, as more can always be made to keep up with demand. Natural diamonds are finite: once they're gone, they're gone. 

Environmental impact

Lab-grown diamonds bypass the environmental impact that comes with mining, although the machines that grow them still use significant energy. Many lab-grown diamond manufacturers now choose renewable power, which makes them a greener option.

That's not to say natural diamonds can't be ethical. Reputable suppliers like us here at Shining Diamonds offer fully traceable, conflict-free natural stones.

Which should I choose? 

Still not sure which to choose? Use our chart to help you decide. 

 

How can Shining Diamonds help? 

Our team is on hand to help you find the perfect stone for you, whether that be for a special proposal, a cherished gift or an investment piece.. Book an appointment for tailored advice today.