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?
Natural diamonds are formed over time beneath the earth’s surface, shaped by heat and pressure. Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments that replicate these conditions, producing stones with the same core properties. While composition is identical, their origins differ—offering distinct perspectives shaped by nature or technology.
Lab-Created Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: Creation
The primary distinction between natural and lab-grown diamonds lies in how they’re formed. Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using advanced processes, while natural diamonds are shaped over time beneath the earth’s surface and brought closer through rare geological events. While their composition is the same, their origins offer different perspectives—one defined by nature and time, the other by precision and control.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: Rarity
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds offer beauty, brilliance, and style. Natural diamonds are especially valued for their rarity, with jewelry-quality stones far less abundant than lab-grown diamonds of similar qualities.
Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamonds: Cost and Value
Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments, allowing for consistent production across a wide range of sizes and specifications. Because they can be produced more efficiently and in greater quantities than natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are typically priced lower and may not retain long-term resale value in the same way natural diamonds can. As with all diamonds, pricing is influenced by factors such as cut, color, clarity, carat weight, origin, and overall market demand.
Lab-Made Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: Appearance
To the unaided eye, natural and lab-grown diamonds appear virtually identical, offering the same brilliance. The difference lies in their formation, with subtle variations only visible through expert analysis. In everyday wear, these distinctions aren’t seen—they don’t change how the diamond is experienced.
Choosing Between Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds
Choosing between natural and lab-grown diamonds comes down to what feels most meaningful to you. Natural diamonds are valued for their origin and rarity, while lab-grown options offer greater accessibility and range. Both share the same visual qualities—the right choice is the one that aligns with your priorities.
FAQs About Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds
Are lab-created diamonds the same as natural diamonds?
Lab-created and natural diamonds are chemically identical—each offering the same brilliance.
Natural diamonds are prized for their rarity and origin, while lab-created stones offer a more modern approach.
Are lab-grown diamonds as hard as natural diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are just as hard as natural diamonds because they have the same crystal structure and chemical makeup—pure carbon arranged in a diamond lattice.
Both rank 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means they're equally durable and resistant to scratching.
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.
While you can try a few simple home diamond tests—like checking fog, water buoyancy or light reflection—these methods aren't foolproof. For the most accurate results, it's best to rely on a professional jeweler or grading report.
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, whether that means the rarity of a natural stone or the accessibility of lab-grown diamond gifts.
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. Whether set in engagement rings, necklaces or earrings, they offer the same brilliance and beauty.
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 best diamond type 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, while 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 the natural or lab-grown diamonds you purchase from our selections meet the stringent standards of the Kimberley Process.