Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: Complete Buyer’s Guide
If you’re shopping for an engagement ring, wedding ring, or diamond jewelry, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to choose a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond.
Both are genuine diamonds. Both have the characteristic diamond crystal structure, and both can offer exceptional brilliance, fire, and durability. The biggest difference is where and how the diamond formed.
Natural diamonds formed through geological processes deep within the Earth over extremely long periods of time. Lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that grows diamond material in a controlled laboratory environment.
For couples shopping for an engagement ring in Greensboro, NC, understanding the differences between these two options can make it much easier to determine which one fits your priorities and budget.
At Spring Garden Jewelry, we believe an informed customer is an empowered customer. This guide explains the science behind natural and lab-grown diamonds, how they are made, how they compare in appearance and durability, and the advantages and considerations of each.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds at a Glance
| Feature | Natural Diamond | Lab-Grown Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Formed naturally within the Earth | Grown in a controlled laboratory environment |
| Primary composition | Carbon | Carbon |
| Crystal structure | Diamond cubic crystal structure | Diamond cubic crystal structure |
| Hardness | 10 on Mohs scale | 10 on Mohs scale |
| Appearance | Diamond brilliance and fire | Diamond brilliance and fire |
| Gemological grading | Yes | Yes |
| Common growth process | Geological formation | HPHT or CVD |
| Formation time | Geological timescales | Generally days to weeks |
| Visual identification | Generally not possible by eye | Generally not possible by eye |
| Main distinction | Natural geological origin | Laboratory origin |
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) explains that laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The key distinction is their origin.
What Is a Natural Diamond?
A natural diamond is a naturally occurring mineral formed deep within the Earth.
Diamond consists primarily of carbon atoms arranged in a highly organized crystal structure. Under the extreme temperature and pressure conditions found deep within the Earth, carbon can crystallize into diamond.
Some natural diamonds are extraordinarily old, having formed hundreds of millions or even billions of years ago.
Eventually, geological activity transported some diamond crystals closer to the Earth’s surface, where they could be recovered, cut, polished, graded, and ultimately turned into jewelry.
For many buyers, that natural geological history is an important part of a diamond’s appeal.
How Are Natural Diamonds Formed?
Natural diamond formation takes place under conditions that are very different from the environment at Earth’s surface.
Deep underground, intense pressure and temperature allow carbon atoms to organize into the diamond crystal structure.
The resulting rough diamond may remain underground for an extremely long period before geological processes bring it closer to the surface.
Once recovered, the rough diamond must be carefully planned, cut, and polished to produce a finished gemstone.
The final beauty of a natural diamond depends not only on its origin but also on how effectively the rough material is transformed into a finished stone.
What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is diamond material created through a controlled technological process rather than through natural geological formation.
This distinction is important because lab-grown diamonds are not the same as diamond simulants.
A diamond simulant, such as cubic zirconia, is a different material designed to resemble diamond.
A lab-grown diamond, by contrast, has essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure, optical properties, and physical properties as natural diamond.
The difference is its origin.
Instead of waiting for geological processes to produce a diamond, manufacturers use a diamond seed and specialized equipment to grow diamond material under controlled conditions.
There are two primary methods used to grow laboratory-grown diamonds:
- High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT)
- Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
How Are HPHT Diamonds Made?
HPHT stands for High Pressure, High Temperature.
The process is designed to reproduce some of the high-pressure and high-temperature conditions associated with natural diamond formation.
A small diamond seed is placed into a growth chamber with a carbon source and other materials. The chamber is subjected to extremely high temperatures and pressures, causing carbon to crystallize onto the diamond seed.
GIA reports that HPHT growth can use temperatures of approximately 1,300 to 1,600°C and pressures around 5 to 6 GPa. Depending on the desired size and quality, growth can occur over days or weeks.
Once the rough crystal has been grown, it is cut and polished into a finished diamond.
How Are CVD Diamonds Made?
CVD stands for Chemical Vapor Deposition.
Instead of using the extreme pressures associated with HPHT growth, CVD uses a controlled chamber containing carbon-containing gases.
A diamond seed is placed inside the chamber. Energy activates the gas mixture, allowing carbon-containing material to deposit onto the diamond seed and grow the diamond layer by layer.
CVD generally uses lower pressures than HPHT and operates at temperatures that can range from approximately 700°C to 1,300°C depending on the process.
CVD-grown diamonds can also undergo additional treatment after growth. For example, some may receive additional treatment to modify or improve their color.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes.
This is one of the most important distinctions for diamond shoppers to understand.
Lab-grown diamonds are not simply diamond-looking stones.
They are diamond material created through a technological process rather than a geological one.
GIA states that laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure, optical properties, and physical properties as natural diamonds.
The primary difference is origin.
Are Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds the Same Chemically?
They are extremely similar.
Both are primarily carbon arranged in the diamond crystal structure.
However, the growth environment can leave different trace elements, inclusions, and growth characteristics within the finished diamond.
These characteristics can help trained gemologists and advanced testing equipment determine whether a diamond is natural or laboratory-grown.
That means the distinction isn’t necessarily visible to the average person looking at a finished diamond.
Can You Tell a Lab-Grown Diamond From a Natural Diamond?
Generally, you cannot reliably distinguish them simply by looking at them.
A high-quality natural diamond and a high-quality lab-grown diamond can look remarkably similar when they are cut and polished.
Traditional visual inspection is not necessarily sufficient to identify the origin of a diamond.
Professional gemological laboratories use advanced testing methods to identify natural and laboratory-grown diamonds. Differences in their growth processes can produce identifiable characteristics that specialized equipment can detect.
This is one reason grading documentation is important when purchasing a significant diamond.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds as Strong as Natural Diamonds?
For everyday jewelry use, both natural and lab-grown diamonds are exceptionally hard materials.
Diamond ranks 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, and lab-grown diamonds possess essentially the same physical properties as natural diamonds.
However, there is an important distinction between hardness and toughness.
Hardness
Hardness refers primarily to a material’s resistance to scratching.
Diamond is exceptionally hard, which is one reason it has been used in jewelry for generations.
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds have the hardness associated with diamond.
Toughness
Toughness refers to a material’s resistance to breaking, chipping, or fracturing.
Although diamond is extremely hard, it is not impossible to damage.
A diamond can chip or fracture if struck with enough force, particularly around vulnerable areas of the stone.
This applies to both natural and lab-grown diamonds.
What Does This Mean for an Engagement Ring?
When evaluating an engagement ring, don’t focus exclusively on whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown.
The shape, cut, inclusions, setting, prong protection, and how the ring is worn can all influence durability.
For example, pointed corners on shapes such as pear, marquise, and princess cuts can require additional protection compared with more rounded shapes.
A properly designed setting can help protect the diamond regardless of whether it is natural or lab-grown.
Advantages of Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds have characteristics that make them particularly appealing to certain buyers.
Natural Geological Origin
A natural diamond formed through geological processes inside the Earth.
For some buyers, that natural origin is the most important characteristic of the stone.
Geological History
Natural diamonds can have an extraordinary geological history.
Some formed hundreds of millions or billions of years ago and remained deep within the Earth until geological processes brought them closer to the surface.
For buyers who appreciate the history behind a gemstone, this can add significant sentimental value.
Traditional Diamond Choice
Natural diamonds have been associated with engagement rings and fine jewelry for generations.
Some buyers prefer the traditional nature of a naturally formed diamond.
Natural Rarity
Natural diamonds are products of geological processes and finite natural deposits.
For some buyers, the rarity and natural origin of the stone are important considerations when choosing a diamond.
Considerations When Buying a Natural Diamond
Natural diamonds also have factors buyers should consider carefully. Check our article on How to Choose an Engagement Ring
Higher Purchase Price
Natural diamonds generally cost more than comparable lab-grown diamonds.
That price difference can have a significant effect on what you can purchase within a specific budget.
Mining and Origin
Natural diamonds are recovered from the Earth.
For buyers who are particularly concerned about sourcing, environmental impact, or mining practices, it can be worthwhile to ask questions about a diamond’s origin and sourcing.
Your Budget May Purchase a Smaller Diamond
Because natural diamonds typically carry a higher price than comparable lab-grown diamonds, a fixed budget may purchase a smaller natural diamond.
For some shoppers, the natural origin is worth that additional cost.
For others, maximizing carat weight or other specifications may be more important.
Advantages of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds have become an increasingly popular option for jewelry shoppers.
Often Lower Purchase Price
One of the biggest reasons consumers consider lab-grown diamonds is their typically lower purchase price compared with comparable natural diamonds.
This can allow shoppers to allocate their budget differently.
More Carat Weight Within a Budget
A lab-grown diamond may allow a shopper to consider a larger carat weight while staying within the same overall budget.
Alternatively, the savings could be allocated toward a more elaborate setting, wedding band, or other jewelry.
Genuine Diamond Material
Lab-grown diamonds aren’t diamond simulants.
They have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.
Modern Growing Technology
Some buyers appreciate the technological innovation involved in growing diamonds in a controlled environment.
For shoppers who prefer a non-mined diamond, laboratory-grown diamonds provide an alternative to naturally sourced stones.
Considerations When Buying a Lab-Grown Diamond
Lab-grown diamonds also have characteristics you should understand before purchasing.
Laboratory Origin
A laboratory-grown diamond did not form naturally inside the Earth.
If natural geological origin is important to you, this distinction may make a natural diamond the better fit for your personal preferences.
Resale and Future Value
Buyers should be cautious about treating any diamond purchase as an investment.
Diamond resale value can differ substantially from the original retail price, and market conditions can change.
If future resale or trade-in value matters to you, ask your jeweler about the store’s specific policies before purchasing.
Clear Identification
Lab-grown diamonds should be clearly identified as laboratory-grown or laboratory-created rather than represented as mined diamonds.
The Federal Trade Commission’s Jewelry Guides require appropriate disclosure so consumers understand the nature and origin of the product they are purchasing.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: Which Looks Better?
There is no automatic visual winner.
A diamond’s appearance is influenced by factors such as:
- Cut
- Proportions
- Symmetry
- Polish
- Color
- Clarity
- Shape
- Lighting
A beautifully cut lab-grown diamond can display exceptional brilliance and fire.
A beautifully cut natural diamond can do the same.
The origin of the diamond alone doesn’t tell you how attractive a particular stone will be.
When comparing diamonds, look at the actual stone and its grading information rather than assuming one origin will automatically look better.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: Which Is More Durable?
Both are diamond and have a Mohs hardness of 10.
Laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same physical properties as natural diamonds.
Instead of asking only whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown, consider:
- The diamond’s shape
- Cut quality
- Clarity characteristics
- Setting design
- Prong protection
- Exposed corners
- Intended use
- Proper care
For an engagement ring that will be worn every day, the design and setting deserve just as much attention as the diamond’s origin.
Understanding the 4Cs
Whether you choose a natural or lab-grown diamond, the traditional 4Cs remain important.
Cut
Cut describes how a diamond’s proportions, angles, symmetry, and finishing affect the way it interacts with light.
A well-cut diamond can produce strong brilliance and fire.
For many buyers, cut quality is one of the most important factors to consider.
Color
Color refers to the degree of body color visible in a diamond.
For traditional colorless-to-near-colorless diamonds, the grading scale allows shoppers to compare color consistently.
The amount of color you prefer is ultimately a matter of personal preference and budget.
Clarity
Clarity refers to internal and external characteristics commonly known as inclusions and blemishes.
Not every inclusion is visible to the naked eye, which is why viewing the actual diamond can be valuable when making a purchase.
Carat Weight
Carat measures a diamond’s weight.
It does not directly tell you how large the diamond will appear from the top.
Two diamonds with identical carat weights can have different dimensions and visual appearances depending on their shape and proportions.
Don’t Shop by Carat Alone
One of the easiest mistakes a first-time diamond buyer can make is focusing almost entirely on carat weight.
Bigger doesn’t automatically mean better.
A well-cut diamond with excellent proportions can have impressive brilliance even when it weighs less than another stone.
When comparing diamonds, consider the entire combination:
Cut + Color + Clarity + Carat + Shape + Proportions + Budget
This becomes especially important when comparing natural and lab-grown diamonds because the difference in price can allow you to prioritize different characteristics.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Have Inclusions?
Yes.
Lab-grown diamonds can have internal characteristics and growth-related features.
The characteristics found in laboratory-grown diamonds can differ from those commonly found in natural diamonds, and trained gemologists can use these characteristics as part of the identification process.
A lab-grown diamond should not automatically be assumed to be flawless.
Just like natural diamonds, laboratory-grown diamonds should be evaluated based on their actual characteristics and grading information.
Should You Buy a Graded Diamond?
For a significant diamond purchase, independent gemological documentation can be an important tool.
A grading or quality document can provide information about characteristics such as:
- Carat weight
- Color
- Clarity
- Measurements
- Cut information where applicable
- Diamond identification
- Growth method for lab-grown diamonds
- Treatments where applicable
GIA uses specialized testing to identify laboratory-grown diamonds and can document the growth method and other characteristics.
When purchasing a significant diamond, ask to see the applicable documentation and make sure the information corresponds to the actual stone.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown: What Should You Buy?
There isn’t one choice that is right for every buyer.
The better question is:
What characteristics matter most to you?
A Natural Diamond May Appeal to You If You Value:
- Natural geological origin
- The history of a naturally formed gemstone
- Traditional diamond ownership
- Natural rarity
- The traditional engagement-ring experience
A Lab-Grown Diamond May Appeal to You If You Value:
- A lower purchase price
- More carat weight within your budget
- Higher color or clarity specifications within your budget
- Laboratory origin
- Modern diamond-growing technology
- A genuine diamond that was not mined
Neither choice is automatically right or wrong.
Your budget, priorities, personal preferences, and expectations should guide the decision.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds in Greensboro, NC
If you’re shopping for a diamond engagement ring in Greensboro, NC, Spring Garden Jewelry can help you explore both natural and lab-grown diamond options.
Our Greensboro jewelry store offers new and pre-owned jewelry in our showroom, while our extended online marketplace through our authorized Stuller relationship gives customers access to a much larger selection.
You can browse engagement rings, diamond jewelry, wedding bands, and other pieces online. Depending on the product, you may also be able to explore customization options.
When you find something you love, Spring Garden Jewelry can assist with the ordering process and have the item shipped to our Greensboro store for pickup.
Whether you’re looking for a natural diamond engagement ring in Greensboro or want to explore lab-grown diamonds in Greensboro, NC, our goal is to help you understand your options before making a purchase.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Diamond
Before purchasing a diamond, consider asking your jeweler:
Is the Diamond Natural or Laboratory-Grown?
Make sure you understand the diamond’s origin before purchasing.
Does the Diamond Have a Grading Report?
Ask what documentation accompanies the diamond and which organization issued it.
What Are the Diamond’s 4Cs?
Understand the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight of the stone you’re considering.
What Is the Diamond’s Shape?
Round, oval, emerald, cushion, princess, pear, marquise, radiant, and other shapes can have very different appearances.
Has the Diamond Been Treated?
Ask whether the diamond has received any treatments and whether those treatments have been disclosed.
What Is the Return or Exchange Policy?
Understand the store’s policies before completing your purchase.
What Happens if the Ring Needs to Be Resized?
Ask about sizing options and any associated costs before purchasing.
What Care Does the Jewelry Require?
Your jeweler should be able to explain how to care for the diamond and its setting.
The Bottom Line
Natural and lab-grown diamonds have many important similarities.
Both are diamond material. Both can be exceptionally beautiful. Both have a Mohs hardness of 10. Both can be cut into the same popular diamond shapes and used in engagement rings and fine jewelry.
The fundamental difference is origin.
A natural diamond formed through geological processes within the Earth. A laboratory-grown diamond was created using advanced technology in a controlled environment.
For some buyers, the natural origin and geological history of a natural diamond are worth the additional cost.
For others, a lab-grown diamond offers the opportunity to purchase a larger stone or different combination of characteristics within a particular budget.
The most important thing is to understand exactly what you’re purchasing, compare the actual diamonds, review the available documentation, and choose the option that best fits your priorities.
Explore Diamond & Engagement Ring Options in Greensboro
Ready to compare natural and lab-grown diamonds?
Visit Spring Garden Jewelry at 3015 Spring Garden St in Greensboro, NC, or explore our extended jewelry marketplace to discover additional engagement rings and diamond jewelry available through our authorized Stuller relationship.
Spring Garden Jewelry
3015 Spring Garden St
Greensboro, NC 27403
(336) 283-7241
springgardenjewelry@gmail.com
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