Sparkling raw and polished lab grown and natural diamonds on a black background.

Natural vs. lab grown diamonds

What's the difference?

Natural and lab grown diamonds are more alike than you may think. Read on to learn more about each, so you can confidently choose the best option for you.

The origin story

Natural and lab grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical and optical properties. Both are real diamonds — the key difference is their origins.

Natural diamonds
Lab grown diamonds
Origin
Created over billions of years and mined from the earth’s mantle
Grown in a controlled lab over several months
Value
Prized for their rarity: only a finite number exist
Offers incredible value: you can get a larger diamond for your budget
Durability
10 on the Mohs scale
10 on the Mohs scale
Grading scale
Quality is measured by the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity and carat weight
Quality is measured by the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity and carat weight
Certification
Certified by independent, third-party diamond grading labs
Certified by independent, third-party diamond grading labs
Composition
Carbon with trace amounts of nitrogen
Pure carbon
Craftsmanship
Ethically sourced, then expertly cut and polished
Ethically sourced, then expertly cut and polished
Natural polished and raw diamonds on a black background

What is a natural diamond?

Natural diamonds are made primarily of carbon with small traces of nitrogen. Once they’re extracted from the earth, they're expertly cut and polished into the brilliant gemstones you know and love.

Created over billions of years

Deep within the earth's mantle, high pressure and heat formed diamond crystals from bonded carbon atoms. Eventually, volcanic eruptions pushed them upwards, about 100 miles beneath the earth's surface. This is why we call them nature's loveliest miracles.

Rare & finite

A natural diamond’s rarity might be its most appealing characteristic. Only a finite number of natural diamonds exist in the world, making them a fitting symbol for your one-of-a-kind love.

Lab-grown polished diamonds on a white background

What is a lab grown diamond?

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds that happen to be created in a lab. Using advanced technology in highly controlled environments, scientists are able to successfully replicate the natural diamond-making process within just a few months.

Identical in beauty & composition

From their chemical composition to the way they sparkle in the light, lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in every way. Like natural diamonds, no two lab grown diamonds are exactly alike.

More diamond for your budget

Lab grown diamonds cost less than their natural counterparts of similar carat weights and quality, so you can size up while staying within your budget.

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Yes, lab created diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.

Yes, lab grown diamonds will test as real diamonds on a standard diamond tester. Because they’re chemically identical to natural diamonds, they react the same way to thermal and electrical conductivity tests.

No, you can’t tell the difference just by looking because they both appear identical to the naked eye. Only advanced gemological testing can identify subtle growth patterns or inclusions unique to lab grown stones.

Yes, reputable lab grown diamonds often come with certification from trusted gemological labs like IGI or GIA. These reports detail the diamond’s characteristics and indicate its lab grown status.