Diamonds are the only gemstone made of just one element – pure carbon. Perfect for engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and everything in between, these timeless gemstones have been exclusively earth made creations until recent years.
With the help of changing technologies, lab-grown diamonds have found their way into rings and other jewelry designs. Many people are now wondering what makes lab-grown diamonds different from natural ones and which option is best for their jewelry purchase.
Though they’re chemically and optically the same as natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are vastly different when it comes to creation, rarity and value. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that matches your priorities, but it’s key to understand the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds to help you find your fit.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
A natural diamond is a marvel millions – and often billions – of years in the making. A lab-grown diamond is made in just a few weeks here above ground in laboratories and production facilities. Though both have the same chemical, optical and physical properties, a lab-grown diamond is not the same as a natural diamond when it comes to formation, rarity or value.
This is why lab-grown diamonds are always referred to as lab-created, lab-grown, manmade, or other terms to highlight that they’re created rather than naturally formed like earth made diamonds.
Lab-Created Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: Creation
The creation of these gemstones is the biggest difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory settings, typically through High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods. In these methods, a lab-grown diamond is created over the course of several weeks. Both processes are popular for growing lab-made diamonds quickly and reliably. Today’s technologies allow for the creation of jewelry-quality lab-grown diamonds in various shapes, sizes and even colors.
Natural diamonds, on the other hand, were created deep in the earth over millions and often billions of years. Perfect conditions were required for these gemstones to develop naturally beneath the earth’s surface, separating ordinary carbon from rare crystal to naturally create diamonds. Incredible heat, pressure, time, and the right combination of elements made diamonds deep within the earth. Then, they were brought closer to the surface by equally rare volcanic eruptions. The natural diamonds found in fine jewelry are magical marvels of chance, uniqueness and beauty .
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: Rarity
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds offer beauty, brilliance and style. But these gemstones are vastly different when it comes to rarity. Jewelry-quality natural diamonds are much rarer than lab-grown diamonds of the same qualities.
Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamonds: Cost and Value
Lab-made diamonds are produced at scale, meaning their value is not tied to their rarity as they can be made limitlessly. This gives lab-created diamonds a much lower price tag than natural ones, but they also do not retain their value like most natural diamonds do.
Because lab-created diamonds can be produced in abundance, they are less expensive and make larger size diamonds more affordable. Their relative abundance may not ensure that they will hold value over time.
Lab-Made Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: Appearance
To the unaided eye, there are no major visual differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds. They’re both beautiful, sparkling additions to jewelry. But expert jewelers can often tell the difference between the two types of diamonds using advanced instrumentation . Lab-grown diamonds often grow too quickly, resulting in subtle signs you won’t find in natural diamonds.
Choosing Between Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds
When it comes to picking a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond, it’s all about what’s most important to you or the jewelry wearer if the purchase is a gift. Many people love the rarity and uniqueness of natural diamonds, while others are more focused on the price differences of lab-grown diamonds.
Ultimately, the “best” diamond is the one that matches the priorities of the jewelry wearer. Choose the diamond that represents your story and what matters most to you or your loved one.
FAQs About Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds
Are lab-created diamonds the same natural diamonds?
Lab-made diamonds and natural diamonds are both excellent choices for jewelry. They’re the same chemically and optically, giving sparkle to any piece. The differences are in rarity, value and creation processes. The best fit is the one that matches your priorities.
What are the differences between lab-made diamonds and natural diamonds?
The biggest differences between the two are their creation processes, value and rarity. Lab-made diamonds can be created endlessly in controlled settings, while natural diamonds are created within the earth. This makes natural diamonds rarer than lab-grown diamonds, giving them greater long-term value.
How can you tell the difference between lab-created diamonds vs natural diamonds?
To the unaided and untrained eye, there are no differences when looking at lab-made diamonds or natural diamonds. These gems both have the same refractive qualities, chemical composition and strength. An expert gemologist may be able to tell the differences between these two types of diamonds when comparing their trace elements or growth patterns.
Long-term value is another key difference, with natural diamonds typically holding their value more consistently than lab-grown diamonds.
Because lab-created diamonds can be produced in abundance, they are less expensive and make larger size diamonds more affordable. Their relative abundance may not ensure that they will hold value over time.
Which is better, lab-grown diamonds or natural diamonds?
When deciding which type of diamond is better, it all comes down to personal preferences. The “better” diamond is the one that has your preferred qualities.
Are natural diamonds more expensive than lab-grown diamonds?
Traditionally, natural diamonds have had a higher price tag than lab-grown diamonds. This is because of their increased rarity and uniqueness.
Do both kinds of diamonds look the same?
Yes, natural and lab-grown diamonds have identical optical properties, bringing virtually indistinguishable appearances when viewed in normal conditions. No two diamonds are exactly alike, but you can always count on our natural and lab-made diamonds to bring beauty to any jewelry design.
Is a natural diamond better for an engagement ring?
The “better” diamond is one that matches your values. Some people prefer the uniqueness of natural diamonds for engagement rings. Others like the budget considerations of lab-made diamonds. The right pick is the diamond that you feel best embodies your love story.
Are lab-grown diamonds a bad choice?
Your diamond is a personal choice that should reflect what’s most important to you. Some people love the opportunity of lab-grown diamonds, and others prefer the rarity of natural diamonds. One is not necessarily better than the other, they are simply different. Choose the diamond that feels best for you or your loved one.
Who sells conflict free diamonds?
At Blue Nile, we only offer responsibly sourced diamonds. You can be sure that your natural or lab-grown diamonds purchased from our selections meet the stringent standards of The Kimberley Process.