Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: Full Difference (2025)

Diamonds symbolize love, elegance, and luxury. As a lab grown diamond jewelry company based in Mumbai, India, we understand the importance of choosing the perfect gem. 

Buyers now have two options: lab-grown diamonds, crafted using advanced technology to replicate natural processes, and natural diamonds, formed deep within the Earth over billions of years.

Lab-grown diamonds are identical in brilliance and structure to natural diamonds but are more affordable and sustainable, making them a modern, eco-friendly choice. Natural diamonds, though rare and steeped in tradition, come at a higher cost and environmental impact.

Lab-grown diamonds vs natural diamonds, focusing on their differences and similarities 

Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds

Aspect	Lab-Grown Diamonds	Natural Diamonds
1. Origin	Created in laboratories using HPHT or CVD methods.	Formed naturally over billions of years underground.
2. Composition	Chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.	Composed of carbon, often with natural inclusions.
3. Appearance	Virtually indistinguishable; fewer inclusions due to controlled creation.	Unique with natural imperfections and "depth" in sparkle.
4. Cost	40–70% cheaper than natural diamonds of the same quality.	Higher due to rarity and mining expenses.
5. Environmental Impact	Eco-friendly; minimal environmental disruption.	Mining can cause habitat destruction and soil erosion.
6. Ethical Concerns	100% conflict-free.	Risk of conflict diamonds, mitigated by certification processes.
7. Value/Investment	Lower resale value; not considered a long-term investment.	Holds value better, especially rare and large stones.
8. Popularity	Increasingly popular for affordability and sustainability.	Preferred for tradition and luxury markets.
9. Certification	Certified by IGI, GCAL, GIA; clearly labeled as lab-grown.	Certified by GIA, AGS, or others; indicates natural origin.
10. Durability	Equally durable; both score 10 on the Mohs scale.	Equally durable; ideal for daily wear.

1. Origin

• Lab-Grown Diamonds:
• Created in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond formation process.
• Methods include HPHT (High-Pressure High-Temperature) and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition).
• Natural Diamonds:
• Formed naturally over billions of years deep within the Earth under extreme pressure and heat.
• Mined from deposits around the world, often in Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.

See examples of our Lab-grown diamonds collections

• Lab grown diamond studs for women
• Lab grown diamond rings
• Lab grown diamond earrings for women
• Silver cross pendant
• Diamond mangalsutra
• Lab grown diamond bracelets
• Lab Grown Diamond Pendant

2. Composition

• Lab-Grown Diamonds:
  
  
• Chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.
• Composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure.
• Natural Diamonds:
  
  
• Also made of carbon, but may contain tiny inclusions or imperfections due to their natural formation.

3. Appearance

• Lab-Grown Diamonds:
  
  
• Virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds to the naked eye.
• High-quality lab diamonds often have fewer inclusions and better color grades due to controlled manufacturing.
• Natural Diamonds:
  
  
• Each stone is unique, with slight imperfections or inclusions that add to its character.
• Natural diamonds often have more "depth" in their sparkle due to their irregularities.

4. Cost

• Lab-Grown Diamonds:
  
  
• Typically 40–70% cheaper than natural diamonds of the same quality.
• Pricing is not influenced by rarity since they can be produced in large quantities.
• Natural Diamonds:
  
  
• Higher cost due to rarity, mining, and distribution expenses.
• Larger carat sizes and rare colors (like pink or blue) command premium prices.

5. Environmental Impact

• Lab-Grown Diamonds:
  
  
• More eco-friendly with significantly reduced environmental disruption.
• Requires electricity, but renewable energy sources are increasingly used.
• Natural Diamonds:
  
  
• Mining can cause deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat destruction.
• Ethical mining practices have improved, but environmental impacts remain substantial.

6. Ethical Concerns

• Lab-Grown Diamonds:
• 100% conflict-free since they’re created in labs.
• Natural Diamonds:
• Risk of being "blood diamonds" if sourced from conflict zones.
• Certification programs like the Kimberley Process aim to ensure ethical sourcing.

7. Value and Investment

• Lab-Grown Diamonds:
  
  
• Lower resale value compared to natural diamonds.
• Not considered a long-term investment due to their affordability and scalability.
• Natural Diamonds:
  
  
• Hold value better, especially for rare stones.
• Seen as a store of wealth or heirloom pieces.

8. Popularity and Market Trends

• Lab-Grown Diamonds:
  
  
• Increasingly popular among younger buyers (Millennials and Gen Z) due to affordability and sustainability.
• Growing share in the engagement ring and jewelry markets.
• Natural Diamonds:
  
  
• Still preferred for traditional and luxury markets.
• Symbolic value and natural rarity maintain their status.

9. Certification

• Lab-Grown Diamonds:
  
  
• Certified by organizations like IGI, GCAL, and GIA.
• Certificates specify that the diamond is lab-grown.
• Natural Diamonds:
  
  
• Certified by GIA, AGS, or other reputable organizations.
• Certificates indicate origin and grading (cut, color, clarity, carat).

10. Durability

• Both lab-grown and natural diamonds score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them equally durable and suitable for everyday wear.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds if:
  
  
• You prioritize sustainability, affordability, and modern trends.
• You want a larger or higher-quality diamond for the same budget.
• Choose Natural Diamonds if:
  
  
• You value rarity, tradition, and long-term investment potential.
• You’re drawn to the uniqueness and symbolic value of Earth-formed stones.

Let me know if you'd like specific guidance based on your preferences or budget!