The difference between lab grown and natural diamonds
Lab‑grown diamonds have surged in popularity in recent years, but if you’re not familiar with them, you may have a few questions. In this guide, we explain the main differences and similarities between lab‑grown and natural diamonds so you can make an informed choice when you’re ready to buy.
What is a lab grown diamond?
A lab diamond, also known as a man-made diamond, is a diamond which is created using high-temperature and high-pressure conditions or through Chemical Vapour Deposition in a laboratory setting. These specific conditions replicate and speed up the chemical reactions needed to create a diamond, resulting in a stone with the same chemical, physical and visual properties of a naturally grown diamond.
What is a natural diamond?
Natural diamonds are formed over 1–3 billion years under very high pressure and temperature conditions within the Earth’s mantle, at least ~85 miles (140 km) beneath the surface. These are the conditions replicated in laboratories to create lab‑grown diamonds with the same properties as natural diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds Vs natural diamonds
Compare lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds side by side for the complete picture of how they hold up next to one another.
|
Feature |
Lab grown diamonds |
Natural diamonds |
|
Origin |
Made in a laboratory using HPHT (high pressure, high temperature or Chemical Vapour Deposition) technology |
Formed deep in the Earth’s crust using natural heat and pressure |
|
Formation time |
Weeks to months |
1-3 billion years |
|
Rarity |
More readily available |
Naturally rare |
|
Environmental and ethical impact |
Lab grown diamonds are entirely traceable and avoid mining |
Can be sourced ethically, but relies on mining processes |
|
Scientific composition |
Pure carbon in a cubic crystal lattice |
Pure carbon in a cubic crystal lattice |
|
Hardness (Mohs rating) |
10 |
10 |
|
Detectibility |
Identical in appearance, lab growth patterns can be traced by scientists |
Identical in appearance, natural growth patterns can be traced by scientists |
|
Certification |
GIA, IGI, Shining Diamonds |
GIA, IGI, Shining Diamonds |
|
Price |
Lower resale value and lower initial cost |
Higher resale value and higher initial cost |
Common lab grown diamonds FAQs
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, lab‑grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. Although created in a laboratory, they possess the same chemical, physical and optical properties as naturally mined diamonds.
How are lab grown diamonds made?
Lab‑created diamonds are developed in high‑temperature, high‑pressure chambers (HPHT) or via chemical vapour deposition (CVD), both designed to replicate the conditions in which diamonds form. Carbon atoms arrange into a diamond crystal, producing the same brilliance and beauty as natural diamonds, it just takes a few months rather than billions of years.
Are lab grown diamonds ethical?
Because they are manufactured in a controlled environment, lab‑grown diamonds are fully traceable and are often chosen as an ethical alternative to mined diamonds.
How to tell lab grown diamonds from ‘real diamonds’
There is no visible difference between lab‑grown and natural diamonds to the naked eye. Both are cut and polished in the same way. Identification typically requires highly specialised equipment found in laboratories to detect growth signatures.
Do lab grown diamonds last?
Yes, as lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, they will last forever. Yet usually they are estimated to be around 30% less expensive than natural diamonds.
What else are lab grown diamonds known as?
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Lab diamonds
-
Lab created diamonds
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Man-made diamonds
-
Artificially manufactured diamonds
-
Synthetic diamonds
Thinking about buying a lab‑grown diamond engagement ring?
Browse our full selection online, or visit us in one of our state‑of‑the‑art showrooms. Alternatively, learn more about lab‑grown diamonds in our diamond buying guide.
