Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds: What Actually Matters?
When shopping for a diamond, one of the biggest decisions today is choosing between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond. Both are real diamonds, both are beautiful, and both can last forever — but there are important differences that matter depending on your priorities.
At Gems by Gigi, we believe the best diamond is the one that fits your style, budget, and values. Here’s what actually matters when comparing lab grown and natural diamonds.
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond created in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technology that replicates how diamonds naturally form in the earth.
Lab grown diamonds have:
- The same physical properties as natural diamonds
- The same sparkle and brilliance
- The same hardness and durability
- The same chemical composition
Even professional jewelers often need specialized equipment to tell them apart.
What Is a Natural Diamond?
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the earth over billions of years through intense heat and pressure before being mined.
Many buyers love natural diamonds because of:
- Their rarity
- Their geological history
- Traditional value and symbolism
- Long-established market perception
Appearance: Can You Tell the Difference?
In everyday wear, most people cannot visually tell the difference between a lab grown and natural diamond.
Both can be:
- Colorless and brilliant
- Available in all popular cuts
- Certified for quality
- Stunning in engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets
The sparkle comes from the cut quality — not whether the diamond was mined or lab grown.
Price Difference
One of the biggest advantages of lab grown diamonds is value.
Lab grown diamonds typically cost significantly less than natural diamonds of similar size and quality. This allows buyers to:
- Choose a larger center stone
- Upgrade clarity or color
- Stay within budget
- Invest more into the setting design
For many couples, lab grown diamonds make luxury more accessible.
Durability and Everyday Wear
Both lab grown and natural diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them excellent for everyday jewelry and engagement rings.
A lab grown diamond is not “fake” or “soft.” It is a genuine diamond designed to last a lifetime with proper care.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Some buyers prefer lab grown diamonds because they avoid traditional mining practices and may have a smaller environmental footprint depending on production methods.
Others appreciate the natural origin and history behind mined diamonds.
The right choice often comes down to personal preference and values.
Resale and Long-Term Value
Natural diamonds have historically maintained stronger resale perception, although most diamonds — natural or lab grown — are not typically purchased as financial investments.
Many modern buyers focus more on:
- Beauty
- Size
- Style
- Budget
- Personal meaning
rather than resale value alone.
Which Diamond Is Right for You?
Choose a lab grown diamond if you want:
- Maximum size for your budget
- Exceptional sparkle and quality
- Modern luxury at a better value
- Eco-conscious alternatives
Choose a natural diamond if you value:
- Geological rarity
- Traditional symbolism
- Natural origin
- Long-standing diamond heritage
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, both lab grown and natural diamonds are real diamonds capable of celebrating life’s most meaningful moments.
The most important thing is choosing a piece you genuinely love and feel confident wearing every day.
Whether you prefer timeless natural beauty or the modern value of lab grown diamonds, Gems by Gigi offers elegant jewelry designed to shine for years to come.
Still have questions about lab grown diamonds? Here are some common questions I get all the time:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. They are not fake or imitation stones.
Can you tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?
To the naked eye, most people cannot tell the difference. Even professional jewelers often require specialized equipment to identify whether a diamond is lab grown or natural.
Do lab grown diamonds sparkle like natural diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds have the same brilliance, fire, and sparkle as natural diamonds because they are made of the same material.
Are lab grown diamonds good for engagement rings?
Absolutely. Lab grown diamonds are durable enough for everyday wear and are a popular choice for engagement rings because they offer excellent size and quality at a more affordable price.
Are natural diamonds more valuable than lab grown diamonds?
Natural diamonds have historically held stronger resale perception due to their rarity. However, many buyers today prioritize beauty, size, and value over long-term resale considerations.
Do lab grown diamonds last forever?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are just as durable as natural diamonds and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Why are lab grown diamonds less expensive?
Lab grown diamonds can be created more efficiently than mined diamonds, which often makes them significantly more affordable while still offering the same beauty and durability.
Which is better: lab grown or natural diamonds?
Neither option is universally better — it depends on your personal preferences, budget, and priorities. Some buyers prefer the rarity of natural diamonds, while others love the value and modern appeal of lab grown diamonds.
Are lab grown diamonds ethical?
Many buyers choose lab grown diamonds because they avoid traditional mining and may have a smaller environmental impact depending on production methods.
Can lab grown diamonds be certified?
Yes. Many lab grown diamonds are certified by respected grading laboratories and evaluated for cut, clarity, color, and carat weight just like natural diamonds.
Here are some hoop earrings with 6ct total weight of lab grown oval diamonds. This would just be too expensive as natural diamonds. So you can go for the bigger look on a better price point.
And you can get colored lab grown diamonds that would be astronomically higher in price!
Look at these gorgeous unique cuts. Impossible to find as natural diamonds. These really stand out and can let you express a different style.