What is The Difference between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds?
Okay, so first things first. Natural diamonds—often called mined diamonds—are formed over millions of years deep under the Earth's surface. Heat, pressure, time… nature’s slow, deliberate artistry. They’re rare. Precious. There’s a story in every speck. I once held a small round diamond that literally smelled of earth, if that even makes sense. It was… grounding.Lab grown diamonds or lab created diamonds, lab made diamonds, whatever term you prefer—are different. Made in a lab. Obviously. They mimic nature’s process, but faster. Weeks or months instead of eons. They have the same carbon structure, sparkle just as much, and you can honestly barely tell the difference with the naked eye. Even jewellers sometimes have to squint.
Think of it like baking bread. Natural diamonds are the sourdough starter that’s been nurtured for years. Lab grown diamonds? The instant yeast version that’s just as tasty but faster. Same taste. Same texture. But the story is… different.
Ethical Lab Grown Diamonds Vs Natural Diamonds
Ethics. Oh, this is where things get messy. Because natural diamonds—mined diamonds—sometimes come with a heavy price. Not just money, but the environmental cost, and let’s be honest, some of the murkier social issues that you don’t want to think about over your morning tea.Lab grown diamonds? They’re cleaner. Less environmental impact. Traceable. No conflict zones. And, I don’t know, it feels… good. It’s the kind of choice where you can tell yourself, “Yep. My sparkle isn’t costing anyone pain.” Not to say every natural diamond is ethically sourced—some absolutely are—but the lab option just takes the guesswork out.
So if you’re the type to obsess over provenance (who isn’t?), lab created diamonds are like… instant peace of mind in a box.
Why Are Lab Grown Diamonds Cheaper Than Natural Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are almost always cheaper than mined diamonds. Why? Supply. Time. Effort.Mined diamonds require digging, transporting, and all the risks of mining. Add in the marketing—oh, the marketing!—and the “legend of rarity,” and the price inflates. Lab made diamonds skip a lot of that. Energy and equipment, yes. But no million-year wait. And less manual labour. Less transport. Less mystery markup.
Still, they’re not cheap-cheap. These diamonds are real, real diamonds. But your wallet will notice the difference. You could, in theory, buy a larger lab grown diamond for the same price as a smaller mined diamond. And who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle?
Which is Better for Engagement Rings, Lab Grown or Natural Diamonds?
Honestly, it depends. I’ve stared at so many rings it’s borderline obsessive. And I still can’t say definitively. But let’s break it down:Natural diamonds? Timeless, Traditional, That “forever” story feels real when you hold one. And lab-grown diamonds? Modern, Ethica, Stylishly conscious. And frankly, you can get more bang for your buck. Literally.
For engagement rings, I’d say think about the person more than the stone. Do they care about tradition, the story, the legend of mined diamonds? Or do they care about sustainability, budget, and size? The right choice is the one that feels… right in the hand, warm on the finger, and that makes you smile without thinking twice.
And yes, lab grown diamonds can be just as sparkly for daily wear. They hold up. They’re real diamonds. People notice shine, not origin.
FAQs
1. Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Absolutely. Chemically, physically, and visually, lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds. The difference is just where they come from.
2. Do lab grown diamonds lose value faster than natural diamonds?
Generally, yes. Natural diamonds can retain or even increase in value over decades. Lab made diamonds don’t have the same long-term resale track record—but they’re brilliant, beautiful, and far more affordable upfront.
3. How can I tell a lab grown diamond from a natural diamond?
It’s tricky. A trained jeweller with specialized tools can usually tell. To the naked eye, most people cannot. So really, it’s about trust in your jeweller.
So, at the end of the day, it comes down to choice. Lab created diamonds offer ethics, affordability, and size advantage. Natural diamonds give tradition, timeless allure, and a deep sense of history.
I can’t decide for you. And maybe that’s the point. Because holding a diamond—lab grown or natural—still makes your heart skip. Still feels like magic. And whether you pick the mined, ancient one or the modern lab made one, that sparkle? It’s forever.