Diamonds have long been a symbol of beauty, love, and commitment, adorning engagement rings and special jewellery pieces. As a small independent jewellery designer, I appreciate the allure of diamonds, whether they are natural or lab-grown. Both types have unique qualities that can suit different tastes, budgets, and values. I have written this post to share the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds to help you make an informed decision for your next jewellery purchase.
What Are Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth under high pressure and temperature over billions of years. They are mined from the earth and can be found in various locations worldwide, from Africa to Russia and Canada. These diamonds are valued for their rarity and unique characteristics, which are shaped by the natural conditions under which they form.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are created in controlled laboratory environments that replicate the high-pressure, high-temperature conditions of natural diamond formation. These diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds but are generally more affordable and have a smaller environmental footprint.
Let's Compare
To make the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds clearer, here’s a comparison chart highlighting key aspects:
What are the differences in value and cost?
One of the most significant factors for many buyers is the price. Lab-grown diamonds offer a more budget-friendly option, typically costing 20-40% less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality.
What are the environmental and ethical considerations?
The environmental impact of diamond mining includes habitat destruction and significant carbon emissions. While lab-grown diamonds also require energy, especially in the high-temperature, high-pressure processes used to create them, they generally have a smaller ecological footprint.
Ethically, lab-grown diamonds often appeal to consumers concerned about the potential for conflict diamonds—those mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict. Many lab-grown diamonds are certified to be conflict-free, providing peace of mind for socially conscious consumers.
Do they look exactly the same?
Yes, they are visually identical, there are no physical differences when we compare natural diamonds vs lab diamonds once they're cut. In terms of quality, both natural and lab-grown diamonds can be stunning. They are graded using the same criteria—cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight—known as the 4 Cs. Lab-grown diamonds can be engineered to have fewer inclusions and more precise colours, often leading to high-quality stones. Natural diamonds, with their unique flaws and variations, offer a different kind of beauty, with each stone telling its own geological story.
How can you prove if a diamond is natural or lab-grown?
Lab-grown diamonds test positive with standard diamond testers because they are real diamonds, possessing the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. To distinguish between lab-grown and natural diamonds, specialist equipment is required. This equipment can detect the presence or absence of nitrogen within the stone. Natural diamonds typically contain trace amounts of nitrogen, which they accumulate during their formation under the Earth, while lab-grown diamonds are generally free of nitrogen.
For larger, certified diamonds, a unique identification number is often inscribed on the girdle using a laser. This microscopic inscription, visible only under 50x magnification, corresponds to a specific diamond lab report. This report provides detailed grading information about the diamond, including its cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, helping to verify the stone's authenticity and origin.
Do lab-grown diamonds come with a certificate?
Yes, our lab-grown diamonds are certified by the GIA or IGI who are the international leaders in gemstone grading. All our diamond jewellery with diamonds over 0.30ct are supplied with certification.
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grades lab-grown diamonds using a thorough process similar to that used for natural diamonds. Since 2007, GIA has been assessing lab-grown diamonds based on their colour, clarity, and cut grade standards. Additionally, GIA specifies whether the diamond was created using Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) methods. Unlike natural diamonds, GIA uses descriptive terms instead of traditional grading labels like ‘VS2’ for clarity or ‘D’ for colour. This approach can sometimes be confusing, leading some people to prefer lab diamonds certified by the International Gemological Institute (IGI), which uses the more widely recognised grading terms for colour and clarity.
What should I choose?
As a jewellery designer who works with both natural and lab-grown diamonds, I see the beauty and value in each. The choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference, budget, and values. Lab-grown diamonds are an excellent option for those looking for a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative without compromising on beauty or quality. Natural diamonds, with their ancient origins and unique characteristics, hold a special place for many who value their rarity and natural beauty.
Whatever you choose, it’s important to buy from a trusted source and to feel confident in your decision. Whether you are drawn to the timeless allure of natural diamonds or the modern appeal of lab-grown options, there’s a perfect diamond out there for you. Remember, the most important aspect of any diamond is the meaning and sentiment it carries for you and your loved ones.
If you need any further information about which diamond to choose we are here to answer any of your questions, or if you want to chat in person book a virtual consultation- we will happily talk about diamonds all day long!
