There are several trusted methods for creating lab-grown diamonds that yield stunning gemstones. Consistent quality and scalable production make lab-grown diamonds the latest option for fine jewelry gems.
With stunning lab-grown and natural diamonds on the market, there are new options for buying diamond jewelry. Learn more about the differences between lab-grown diamonds versus natural diamonds to help you find the right gem.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
Lab-created diamonds have the same optical, chemical, and physical properties as a diamond that is grown naturally under the earth's surface. A lab-grown diamond is appraised using the same 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat) and can deliver the same fire, scintillation and sparkle as a natural diamond.
Lab-Created Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: Creation
The creation of these gems is the biggest difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory setting, typically through High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods. These diamonds are created in a laboratory over several weeks or months, starting from a seed upon which layers of carbon grow. Once the desired diamond size is reached, the lab-created diamonds are then finished from rough gems into jewelry-quality lab-made diamonds.
Natural diamonds, on the other hand, were created deep in the earth over millions or billions of years. Carbon atoms bonded together in exceptionally hot conditions with high pressure, building layers of tightly packed carbon over time and forming a diamond. The diamonds sat deep in the earth for millions of years, until volcanic eruptions quickly pushed them to the surface. These eruptions, known as Kimberlite eruptions, are believed to have occurred 65.5 to 25 million years ago. They quickly brought diamonds to the cooler conditions of the earth’s crust, allowing the gems to harden in rocks that they are then mined from. The natural diamonds are eventually cut and polished from rough gems into diamonds fit for jewelry.
The origin of lab-created and earth made diamonds is their biggest difference. Despite having vastly different origins, both types of diamonds bring the same optical and chemical components.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Earth Created Diamonds: 4Cs
The objective qualities of diamonds, both earth created and lab-made, are determined by their 4Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat. The 4Cs of diamonds are used to determine their quality by assessing an individual diamond’s performance in the four distinct categories. Because earth created and lab-made diamonds are chemically and optically the same, they can both be uniformly graded by their cut, color, clarity and carat.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) offers in-depth analysis of both lab-grown and natural diamonds, allowing buyers to purchase their preferred gem type with full transparency of the stone’s quality. Diamond simulants, such as moissanite and cubic zirconia, do not come with GIA ratings.
High-quality diamonds are available in both lab-made and natural varieties, with a wide range of GIA ratings at every one of the Cs. Just as there are large variations in diamond quality for natural diamonds, two lab-made diamonds can have vastly different GIA ratings depending on their 4Cs.
Lab-Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: Cost
When considering the cost of lab-grown diamonds versus natural diamonds, rarity is the biggest factor that creates price differences between the two types of diamonds. Natural diamonds carry a higher price tag than lab-created diamonds due to the rarity value of these earth made gems. Lab-made diamonds, on the other hand, can be 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.
Lab-created diamonds have the same optical, chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds. However, 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-Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: Certification
Because natural and lab-made diamonds are chemically identical, they can be graded to the same exacting standards. GIA assessments and certifications are available for both natural and lab-made diamonds. Both types of gems can also be insured with jewelry insurance.
Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamonds: Appearance
When comparing the appearance of natural and lab-made diamonds, especially with the unaided or untrained eye, there aren’t any significant differences to see. This is because lab-made diamonds behave the same as natural diamonds, with the same refractive qualities and additional optics. In terms of jewelry, this means that both kinds of diamonds have brilliance, sparkle, fire and other sought-after qualities that make them perfect for any wear.
In non-scientific terms, lab-made diamonds and natural diamonds both look the same because they are both diamonds with the same chemical structure. They’re both leading options for rings, bracelets and any other type of jewelry.
Lab-Made Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: Buying Process
At Blue Nile, we make it easy to choose the perfect lab-made or natural diamond for any jewelry style. We offer a large selection of loose natural diamonds and loose lab-made diamonds for sale, with diamonds of all shapes, sizes and colors to choose from. To purchase a lab-made or natural diamond, simply review our options, paying special attention to each gem’s GIA ratings.
FAQs About Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds
Are lab-created diamonds as good as natural diamonds?
Lab-made diamonds and natural diamonds are both excellent choices for jewelry. They’re chemically and optically identical, giving unique sparkle to any piece. Yes, lab-created diamonds are just as brilliant as natural ones.
What are the differences between lab-made diamonds and natural diamonds?
The biggest differences between the two are their creation process 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.
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 inclusions. These differences do not influence the beauty or durability of lab-grown and natural diamonds.
Which is better, lab-grown diamonds or natural diamonds?
When deciding which type of diamond is better, it all comes down to personal preference. The “better” diamond is the one that has your preferred qualities. Some people prefer the rarity of natural diamonds, while others prefer the non-mined element of lab-made diamonds. If you are searching for responsibly sourced diamonds, our natural or lab-grown diamonds are both excellent choices.
Are natural diamonds more expensive than lab-grown diamonds?
Traditionally, earth made diamonds have had a higher price tag than lab-grown diamonds. Historically, natural diamonds have typically held their value.
Do both kinds of diamonds look the same?
Yes, natural and lab-grown diamonds have identical optical properties, bringing virtually indistinguishable appearances. No two diamonds are exactly alike, but you can always count on our natural and lab-made diamonds to bring unique sparkle to any jewelry design.