Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: What Is the Difference? 

Lab grown and natural diamonds are both real diamonds, but they have different origins. Natural diamonds form through geological processes inside the Earth, while lab grown diamonds are produced using technology in a controlled environment. 

For buyers, the important question is not whether one is a "real" diamond and the other is not. The better comparison is origin, identification, price, grading information and what matters most to you when choosing a diamond. 

What Is a Natural Diamond? 

A natural diamond forms in the Earth over geological timescales. Its carbon crystal structure develops under natural conditions deep within the planet. 

Natural diamonds can contain inclusions and other characteristics created during their formation. Their geological origin is part of what makes them distinct from laboratory-grown diamonds. 

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond? 

A lab grown diamond is produced in a laboratory rather than formed naturally in the Earth. 

The Diamond Guys explains that lab grown diamonds use carbon and have the same basic chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamonds. 

There are two main laboratory growth methods: 

HPHT 

High Pressure High Temperature, or HPHT, uses high pressure and high temperature to create conditions that simulate aspects of natural diamond formation. 

CVD 

Chemical Vapour Deposition, or CVD, uses a carbon-containing gas in a controlled environment to grow diamond material. 

GIA identifies HPHT and CVD as the two main methods used for laboratory-grown diamonds. 

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds? 

Yes. 

This is an important distinction between laboratory-grown diamonds and diamond simulants. 

GIA states that laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure and physical and optical properties as natural diamonds. They are diamonds, not imitation materials such as cubic zirconia or moissanite. 

The difference is their origin. 

A natural diamond was formed by geological processes. A laboratory-grown diamond was created through a controlled technological process. 

Can You Tell Them Apart by Looking? 

Not reliably. 

A laboratory-grown diamond can look the same as a natural diamond to the naked eye. GIA explains that specialised equipment and trained laboratory professionals are used to identify whether a diamond is natural or laboratory-grown. 

This is why certification and accurate product disclosure matter when buying a diamond. 

What About Diamond Quality? 

Both natural and lab grown diamonds can have different grades of colour, clarity and cut quality. 

The origin does not automatically determine whether a particular diamond is well cut or visually attractive. 

When comparing stones, look at the individual diamond rather than assuming that one origin always has better quality. 

The Diamond Guys explains that its specialists can help customers compare natural and lab-grown diamonds based on appearance, certification, size and budget. 

Why Are Lab Grown Diamonds Usually Less Expensive? 

One of the main reasons buyers consider lab grown diamonds is price. 

The Diamond Guys states that lab grown diamonds are significantly less expensive than natural diamonds and its website describes them as potentially up to 75% cheaper in Australia. 

The exact difference varies according to the individual stones being compared, including their carat weight, cut, colour, clarity and certification. 

For that reason, comparing two diamonds with the same carat weight alone does not provide a complete price comparison. 

What Should You Check Before Buying? 

1. Confirm the Diamond Origin 

Make sure the documentation clearly identifies whether the diamond is natural or laboratory-grown. 

The FTC's jewellery guidance states that laboratory-created diamonds should be clearly identified as laboratory-grown or laboratory-created rather than presented as mined diamonds. 

2. Review the Certification 

A grading report provides information about the diamond and its characteristics. It can also identify whether the stone is laboratory-grown. 

GIA notes that laboratory-grown diamonds are identified through specialised examination and that its documentation distinguishes laboratory-grown stones from natural diamonds. 

3. Compare the Individual Stone 

Look at cut, colour, clarity and carat weight rather than choosing based only on origin. 

4. Consider What Matters to You 

Natural diamonds may appeal to buyers who value geological origin and rarity. Lab grown diamonds may appeal to buyers who prioritise price and laboratory origin. 

Neither choice is automatically right for every buyer. 

Which Should You Choose? 

Choose a natural diamond if geological origin and the traditional natural diamond story are important to you. 

Choose a lab grown diamond if you want a diamond with essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties as a natural diamond while considering the lower price associated with laboratory production. 

The most useful approach is to compare individual diamonds, review their certification and decide which factors matter most to you.