Skip to main content Skip to footer content

natural vs. lab grown diamonds: what's the difference?

Choosing the type of diamond that's right for you is a personal decision, but we want you to have all the facts! Let's break down the key differences between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds so you can make the diamond purchase that's best for you.

lab grown & natural diamonds: the origin story

Lab grown and natural, mined diamonds possess the same physical, chemical and optical properties. Quite simply, a lab grown diamond is just as real as a natural diamond! The key difference between the two are their origins.

natural diamonds

lab grown diamonds

lab grown diamonds

Mined From the Earth

Grown in a Lab

Created Over Billions of Years

Created in Months

Prized for Their Rarity

Offer Incredible Value

similarities between lab grown
and natural diamonds

Both are real diamonds and no two diamonds are exactly alike.

Both our natural and lab grown diamonds are ethically sourced.

Helzberg uses third-party experts to grade both types of diamonds.

buying with confidence: diamond certification

Diamond certification from an independent, third-party diamond grading lab is just one of the ways to know that a diamond has been evaluated for quality. When searching for an engagement ring, you can buy confidently knowing that, in addition to being one of only two national AGS jewelers, Helzberg Diamonds only partners with the strictest and most highly trusted labs in the industry to ensure that both our natural and lab grown diamonds meet our unmatched standards of quality.

which type of diamond should i choose?

Again, deciding on the right diamond for you is a personal decision. It's best to consider the various benefits of both natural and lab grown diamonds to decide which one you'll love the most!

more sparkle for your spend

When comparing the two, you may be swayed by the fact that lab grown diamonds are real diamonds but cost less than their natural counterparts of similar carat weights and quality. The price-to-carat ratio of a lab grown diamond might be perfect if you have a set budget and want to maximize the sparkle of your diamond.

rare and finite

On the other hand, the rarity of a natural diamond might be its most appealing characteristic. A finite number of natural diamonds exist in the world, making it a fitting symbol for your one-of-a-kind love.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what matters most. Either way, you'll be selecting a gorgeous, high quality diamond that you and your significant other will love for a lifetime.

still need help deciding?

Then a personal consultation with a jewelry expert is in order! Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with one of our Associates to get all the help you need in deciding between a natural or lab grown diamond.

schedule an appointment

frequently asked questions

Chemically and visually, lab grown and earth-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from each other. Even with special, highly advanced equipment it's nearly impossible to tell the difference between the two.

Yes! (We're joking.) Neither type of diamond is superior to the other. They both have something to offer depending on what you're looking for. If you're intrigued by the rarity and beauty of a natural diamond that spent billions of years forming deep within the earth, then a mined diamond might be best for you. If you're fascinated by the scientific marvel of creating diamonds in a lab or by the fact that lab grown diamonds often cost less than their natural counterparts, then a lab grown diamond might be the way to go. Either way, you can't go wrong!