The choice between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond is one of the most personal decisions in fine jewellery. Both are real diamonds — chemically, physically, and optically identical — and both carry their own significance. What differs is their origin, their cost, and what that origin means to you.
This guide offers a clear, honest comparison covering how each is made, how they compare in quality and appearance, what they cost, and how to decide which is right for you. At The Jewel Concierge, we specialise in lab-grown diamonds, and we believe the best decision is always an informed one.
What Are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds formed deep within the Earth's mantle over one to three billion years ago. Carbon atoms, subjected to extreme heat and pressure roughly 150 to 200 kilometres below the surface, crystallised into the structure we recognise as diamond. Volcanic activity eventually carried these crystals closer to the surface, where they were deposited in formations known as kimberlite pipes.
Natural diamonds are mined from these deposits across countries including Botswana, Russia, Canada, South Africa, and Australia. They are then cut, polished, graded, and sold through a supply chain that typically involves multiple intermediaries before reaching a retail customer.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology that replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds form. The result is a crystal that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond.
There are two primary methods used to create lab-grown diamonds:
- High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): A small diamond seed is placed in a chamber and exposed to extreme heat (around 1,500°C) and pressure, mimicking the conditions found deep within the Earth. Carbon material dissolves and crystallises around the seed, forming a diamond over a period of days to weeks.
- Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD): A diamond seed is placed in a sealed chamber filled with carbon-rich gas, typically methane. The gas is heated to very high temperatures, breaking down its molecular bonds. Carbon atoms then deposit onto the seed layer by layer, gradually growing a diamond crystal.
Both methods produce genuine diamonds. The stones are then cut and polished by skilled craftspeople using the same techniques applied to natural diamonds, and they are graded to the same standards by independent gemological laboratories.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes. This is one of the most important points to understand. Lab-grown diamonds are not imitations, simulants, or alternatives. They are diamonds. They share the same crystal structure, the same chemical composition (pure carbon), the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and the same optical properties as natural diamonds. They refract light the same way, they exhibit the same fire and brilliance, and they are graded using the same 4Cs framework of cut, colour, clarity, and carat.
The distinction between lab-grown and natural diamonds is one of origin, not of substance. A lab-grown diamond was created in a laboratory in a matter of weeks. A natural diamond was formed in the Earth over billions of years. Both are real, and both are beautiful.
This is different from diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia or moissanite, which have entirely different chemical compositions and physical properties. Lab-grown diamonds will pass a standard diamond tester because they are, in every measurable sense, diamonds.
Can You Tell the Difference?
Not with the naked eye. Even trained gemologists cannot visually distinguish between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond without specialised equipment. The differences are microscopic, relating to growth patterns and trace elements that formed during creation.
Natural diamonds sometimes contain tiny mineral inclusions that reflect their geological journey. Lab-grown diamonds may contain different types of microscopic markers depending on whether they were created using HPHT or CVD. These differences are only detectable under high magnification with advanced instruments and have no impact on the diamond's beauty, durability, or performance.
Every certified lab-grown diamond is laser-inscribed on the girdle (the thin edge around the circumference) with a unique identification number, confirming its origin. This inscription is invisible to the naked eye but can be read under magnification, providing transparency and traceability.
Quality and Certification
Lab-grown diamonds are graded and certified by the same independent gemological laboratories that grade natural diamonds, including the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The grading process evaluates the same criteria: cut quality, colour grade, clarity grade, and carat weight.
Because lab-grown diamonds are produced under controlled conditions, they can often be grown to achieve high colour and clarity grades. However, just like natural diamonds, the quality of a lab-grown stone varies from one diamond to the next. Cut quality, proportions, symmetry, and polish all influence how well a diamond performs, which is why expert guidance matters regardless of origin.
At The Jewel Concierge, every diamond we source meets strict quality standards. We do not simply select diamonds by grade, we evaluate each stone for its overall beauty, light performance, and suitability for the design it will be set in. You can learn more about how we approach diamond selection in our guide to the 4Cs.
Cost Comparison
One of the most significant differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds is cost. Lab-grown diamonds are typically 70% to 85% less expensive than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality. This is not because they are inferior, it is because their production does not involve the same extraction, transportation, and supply chain costs associated with mining.
In practical terms, this means a couple choosing a lab-grown diamond can often select a larger or higher-quality stone within the same budget, or invest the savings elsewhere, whether in a more intricate setting, a matching wedding band, or their future together.
It is worth noting that lab-grown diamond prices have continued to decrease as production technology has advanced and supply has grown. This trend reflects improving efficiency, not declining quality. The diamonds themselves are no different in composition or beauty.
A Note on Resale Value
Natural diamonds have historically retained a higher percentage of their purchase price on the secondary market, though resale values vary widely depending on the stone and market conditions. Lab-grown diamonds currently hold less resale value due to increasing supply and decreasing production costs.
However, for many buyers, resale value is not the primary consideration. An engagement ring is chosen for its emotional significance, its beauty, and what it represents. It is a piece you wear every day for a lifetime, not an investment instrument. If long-term financial value is your priority, the comparison is relevant. If your priority is finding the most beautiful ring that aligns with your values and budget, the value proposition of lab-grown diamonds is compelling.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
The environmental and ethical profile of a diamond depends heavily on its origin and the practices of the companies involved in its journey to market.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds do not require mining, which eliminates the land disruption, water use, and habitat impact associated with large-scale extraction. Studies suggest that lab-grown diamond production uses significantly less water per carat and can produce substantially lower carbon emissions than mining, depending on the energy source used in the laboratory.
At The Jewel Concierge, our lab-grown diamonds are certified carbon neutral through Carbon Positive Australia, and our commitment to sustainability extends across our sourcing, packaging, and business practices. We view sustainability as a journey rather than a destination, and we are transparent about the choices we make and why.
Natural Diamonds
The natural diamond industry has made meaningful progress in addressing environmental and ethical concerns over the past two decades. The Kimberley Process, established in 2003, was designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market. Many mining companies have invested in rehabilitation of mined land, community development, and improved labour practices.
However, mining remains an extractive process. It requires significant land disturbance, water usage, and energy. The supply chain for natural diamonds is also longer and more complex, which can make full traceability more difficult to achieve.
Neither option is without nuance. What matters most is choosing a jeweller who is honest about their sourcing practices and committed to continuous improvement.
Common Misconceptions
Lab-grown diamonds are fake
This is incorrect. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. They are real diamonds by every scientific and gemological standard. The Federal Trade Commission in the United States removed the word “natural” from its definition of a diamond in 2018, formally recognising that lab-grown diamonds are diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds do not last
Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable as natural diamonds. They share the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), the same crystal structure, and the same resistance to scratching and wear. A lab-grown diamond will last a lifetime and beyond, just like a natural one.
You can tell a lab-grown diamond by looking at it
You cannot. There is no visible difference between a lab-grown and a natural diamond to the naked eye. Professional gemologists require specialised equipment to identify the origin of a diamond.
Lab-grown diamonds are only for people on a budget
Lab-grown diamonds appeal to a wide range of buyers, many of whom could afford a natural diamond but choose lab-grown because it aligns with their values, allows them to prioritise design and size, or simply because they prefer the transparency and modernity of the choice. Choosing lab-grown is a considered decision, not a compromise.
Natural diamonds are always a better investment
While natural diamonds have historically retained more resale value, diamonds of any origin are not reliable financial investments. Most engagement ring diamonds do not appreciate in value. The value of a ring lies in what it means to the people who wear it and exchange it.
Which Should You Choose?
There is no universally right answer. The best choice depends on what matters most to you as an individual or as a couple.
A lab-grown diamond may be right for you if:
- You want a larger or higher-quality diamond within your budget
- Environmental sustainability and ethical sourcing are priorities
- You value transparency and traceability in what you buy
- You are drawn to the modernity and forward-thinking nature of the choice
- Resale value is not a primary concern
A natural diamond may be right for you if:
- You value the geological rarity and history of a natural stone
- Long-term resale value is an important consideration
- You feel a personal or emotional connection to the idea of a stone formed over billions of years
- Tradition and heritage are important to your purchase decision
At The Jewel Concierge, we specialise in lab-grown diamonds because we believe they represent the future of fine jewellery: beautiful, ethical, transparent, and accessible. But we also believe that every person deserves to make an informed choice that feels right for them.
Explore Lab-Grown Diamonds at The Jewel Concierge
If you are considering a lab-grown diamond for your engagement ring or fine jewellery piece, we are here to guide you. Our concierge team offers expert advice on diamond shapes, the 4Cs, setting styles, and every other aspect of choosing the right piece.
Every ring we create is handcrafted to order using certified lab-grown diamonds and premium precious metals, backed by a lifetime warranty, complimentary ring sizing and engraving, and the care of a brand built by people who genuinely love what they do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab-grown diamonds as strong as natural diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds have exactly the same hardness, durability, and resistance to wear as natural diamonds. They score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest known material. A lab-grown diamond will not scratch, chip, or degrade any differently than a natural diamond.
Do lab-grown diamonds come with certification?
Yes. All lab-grown diamonds we use at The Jewel Concierge come with independent certification from reputable gemological laboratories such as the IGI. Each certificate details the diamond's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, along with confirmation of its lab-grown origin.
Will a lab-grown diamond pass a diamond tester?
Yes. Because lab-grown diamonds have the same thermal and electrical conductivity as natural diamonds, they will pass a standard diamond tester. This is because they are, in every scientific sense, real diamonds.
How much cheaper are lab-grown diamonds compared to natural?
Lab-grown diamonds are typically 70% to 85% less expensive than natural diamonds of equivalent size and quality. The exact savings depend on the specific stone, but the difference is substantial and allows many buyers to choose a larger or higher-quality diamond than they could otherwise afford.
Do lab-grown diamonds lose their sparkle over time?
No. Lab-grown diamonds maintain their brilliance, fire, and sparkle indefinitely, just like natural diamonds. Regular cleaning will keep your diamond looking its best, and you can follow our jewellery cleaning guide for simple at-home care tips.
Can I use a lab-grown diamond in a custom ring design?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds can be used in any ring design, from classic solitaires to intricate halo settings, trilogy rings, and fully bespoke creations. Our Bespoke Journey allows you to design a completely custom piece around your chosen diamond, with no additional design cost.
Are lab-grown diamonds ethical?
Lab-grown diamonds avoid the environmental and ethical concerns associated with mining, including land disruption, water use, and supply chain complexity. At The Jewel Concierge, our diamonds are certified carbon neutral through Carbon Positive Australia, and we are committed to transparent, responsible sourcing across every aspect of our business.
Make an Informed Choice
Whether you are drawn to the modern elegance of a lab-grown diamond or the geological history of a natural stone, the most important thing is that you choose with confidence. Every couple deserves a ring that is beautiful, meaningful, and aligned with their values.
Browse our engagement ring collection, begin your Bespoke Journey, or book a virtual consultation with our team.
