Lab-grown vs natural diamonds: what is the difference?
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond: the same chemical composition (carbon), the same crystal structure and the same optical properties as a mined diamond. The difference is the origin — it grows under laboratory conditions. You cannot tell them apart with the naked eye; gemological equipment is required.
| Lab-grown diamond | Natural diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Grown in a laboratory | Formed deep in the earth and mined |
| Chemical composition | Carbon (C) | Carbon (C) |
| Structure | Cubic crystal | Cubic crystal |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 | 10 |
| Price | Usually lower at similar size and quality | Usually higher |
How lab-grown diamonds are made
There are two main methods: HPHT (high pressure, high temperature), which imitates conditions deep in the earth, and CVD (chemical vapour deposition), where a small diamond seed grows layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas. Both produce a diamond crystal.
What it means for you
- Price: at similar size and quality a lab-grown diamond is usually less expensive — so the same budget can buy a larger stone.
- Appearance: the same brilliance and durability. The shape (round, oval, pear and so on) affects the look more than the origin.
- Resale: the resale market for lab-grown diamonds differs from the market for natural diamonds. Think of the piece as a purchase to wear, not as an investment.
How we label
On every page the word “diamond” is accompanied by “lab-grown” next to the stone — “lab-grown diamond”. This site’s collection offers lab-grown diamonds, and a separate line with moissanite, which is not a diamond and is always labelled as moissanite. More: moissanite vs lab-grown diamond · disclosure.
Questions to ask any seller
- Is the stone a lab-grown diamond, a natural diamond or another stone?
- Which data (weight, shape, dimensions) was checked, and by whom?
- What are the cancellation, return and warranty policies?
Shop: lab-grown diamonds · engagement rings.