Although Natural and Lab Grown Diamonds they have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties, there are fundamental differences in formation, rarity, and price. You can also explore The Radiance of Diamonds and Gold for a deeper look at their brilliance in fine jewelry.

Understanding the Basics: What Are Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Diamonds are among the most valuable and sought-after gemstones, whether they are naturally occurring, formed deep within the Earth over millions of years, or created using modern laboratory techniques. Despite their striking similarity in chemical composition and physical properties, there are fundamental differences between them, which we highlight below:

Natural Diamonds: Formation and Characteristics

• Natural diamonds are diamonds that form naturally deep within the Earth under extreme conditions of extreme heat and pressure, over millions of years. 
• Natural diamonds are composed primarily of the element carbon (approximately 99.95%), with very small amounts of other atoms (0.05%) that are not part of their basic chemistry.
• Chemical Composition: It consists entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a three-dimensional crystal lattice structure, giving it its extreme hardness.
• Hardness: Natural diamonds are the hardest known natural substance on Earth, ranking 10th on the Mohs scale of hardness (a scale of 1 to 10). This hardness makes them highly resistant to scratches and abrasion.
• Optical Properties: Natural diamonds have a high ability to scatter light, giving them their distinctive brilliance and sparkle. When white light passes through them, they refract to reveal the seven colors of the spectrum.

Lab-Grown Diamonds: Creation Process and Attributes

• Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or lab-grown diamonds, are diamonds produced in a controlled laboratory environment. They are manufactured using techniques that mimic the natural conditions in which diamonds form underground, but in a much shorter time (a few weeks).
• Chemical Composition and Physical Properties: Lab-grown diamonds are 100% identical to natural diamonds in their chemical composition (pure carbon) and physical properties such as hardness, luster, and brilliance.
• Clarity: Lab-grown diamonds are often purer than natural diamonds due to the controlled environment in which they are produced. Learn more about how clarity affects value and appearance in our Professional Diamond Clarity resource.

Visual and Chemical Similarities

The fundamental difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds lies in their source and method of formation. Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth over millions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are produced in a human-controlled environment in a much shorter time. Although experts can distinguish between them using specialized instruments based on subtle differences in inclusions and growth patterns, the naked eye cannot tell the difference.

Comparing Value and Pricing: Making an Informed Investment

The value of natural and lab-grown diamonds varies greatly, depending on several key factors:

Price Differences Between Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

• Natural diamonds: Often significantly more expensive than lab-grown diamonds. Natural diamonds that are identical in quality and size can cost between 60% and 85% more than lab-grown diamonds. This difference is due to the rarity of natural diamonds and the high cost of mining and exploration.
• Lab-grown diamonds: Initially, they are much less expensive, allowing consumers to obtain a larger or higher-quality diamond for the same budget as natural diamonds.

Resale Value and Longevity

• Natural Diamonds: Natural diamonds tend to retain a much better resale value. They can retain approximately 50% of their original value upon resale. In some cases, their value can increase over time based on rarity and market demand. They are traditionally viewed as a long-term investment.
• Lab-Grown Diamonds: Their value declines sharply after purchase. They are expected to retain only 10-40% of their original value upon resale. This is due to the ability of laboratories to mass-produce them, which reduces their rarity and investment value. As technology continues to improve and production costs decline, their resale value is likely to continue to decline.

Budgeting for Your Ideal Diamond

• Natural diamonds: They still retain their status as a symbol of rarity and luxury, dominating the traditional jewelry market. Many prefer them as investments and a symbol of special occasions.
• Laboratory-grown diamonds: They are gaining increasing popularity due to their affordability, ethical sourcing, and environmental benefits (they do not require extensive mining). They are viewed as a sustainable alternative.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations

The diamond market is undergoing a major transformation with the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds as an alternative to natural diamonds. While the two types are similar in chemical, physical, and optical properties, there are fundamental differences in the ethical and environmental considerations associated with their production, as follows:

Environmental Impact of Diamond Mining vs. Lab Creation

• Natural Diamonds and Human Rights Violations: Mining operations can displace local communities and impact their livelihoods, in addition to issues such as forced labor and exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Lab-grown diamonds and transparency at source: Lab-grown diamonds are produced in controlled environments, providing greater transparency about their source and production process.

Ethical Sourcing and Conflict-Free Assurance

• Natural Diamonds and Working Conditions: Some diamond mines may involve hazardous working conditions, unfair wages, and, in some cases, child labor. While many large, responsible mines are committed to improving working conditions, challenges persist in less regulated sectors.
• Lab-grown and Conflict-Free Diamonds: Because lab-grown diamonds do not require mining, they are not linked to the funding of conflicts or human rights abuses associated with blood diamonds.

Certifications and Industry Standards

• Natural Diamonds and Blood/Conflict Diamonds: Historically, some diamond mining operations have been linked to the financing of armed conflict and human rights abuses, particularly in certain regions of Africa. 
• Despite initiatives such as the Kimberley Process aimed at preventing the trade in blood diamonds, criticism remains that they are not entirely sufficient to ensure that all diamonds are conflict-free.
• Lab-grown diamonds and safe working conditions: Lab-grown diamonds feature regulated and safe working conditions, with advanced safety protocols and fair wages for workers, reducing the risks associated with working in mines.

Quality and Aesthetics: Choosing the Right Diamond for You

Diamonds have long been a symbol of beauty and luxury, and with technological advancements, two main options have emerged on the market: natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. While they differ in their formation, they share many essential characteristics, including:

The 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under intense heat and pressure over billions of years. This natural geological process contributes to the formation of unique inclusions known as “nature’s fingerprints.” These inclusions can be tiny fractures or mineral particles trapped within the diamond and are part of its unique character. The quality of natural diamonds is evaluated based on the “4 Cs”: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. If you’re curious about how cut impacts sparkle, check out our Comprehensive Guide to Diamond Cuts.

Customization Options and Design Flexibility

The essence of designing a diamond, whether natural or lab-grown, is to highlight its brilliance and sparkle. Although their origins differ, the basic principles of cutting and polishing that enhance the stone’s beauty are very similar.

Durability and Maintenance Considerations

• Natural Diamonds and Design Principles: Natural diamond design is based on achieving balance, proportion, contrast, unity, harmony, movement, and focus. These principles guide the diamond sculptor in determining the optimal shape and cut for the stone to maximize its brilliance and light dispersion.
• Laboratory-Grown Diamonds and Design Principles and Challenges: Although the growth process is controlled, lab-grown diamonds also grow as raw crystals that may contain some inclusions or growth lines characteristic of the manufacturing process. The challenge lies in transforming these raw crystals into high-quality polished stones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Tell the Difference Between Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Yes, it’s possible to distinguish between natural and lab-grown diamonds, but not with the naked eye in most cases. Both are composed of carbon and have the same chemical composition and physical properties, including hardness.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.

How Do I Choose Between Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Choosing the right diamond is a personal decision, largely dependent on your priorities and budget. Whether you choose natural or lab-grown diamonds, both have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties, making them virtually identical to the naked eye.