

A Complete Guide to Natural VS Lab-Grown Diamonds

When looking for a diamond engagement ring, lab-grown diamonds also known as man made diamonds, are a good option because of their increasing popularity over the last few years. But there may be some doubt about the concept. People might not find romance in a diamond that is grown professionally in a lab and is regarded as "synthetic."
However, spend some time exploring lab grown diamond vs natural diamond differences, and you might find lab made diamonds to be a delightful surprise
Difference Between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds
The production process and the effects on the environment are the main distinctions between lab-grown and natural diamonds. They are technically the same chemical structure, but one originates on the Earth and the other is developed in a sterile factory setting. Nevertheless, the experts describe further distinguishing traits that set these stones apart.
How They Are Made

The majority of Mined diamonds that are currently available on the market were created in the mantle layer, which is located far below the surface of the Earth. The element carbon underwent atomic-level rearrangement and assumed the solid form of a diamond as a result of billions of years of extreme heat and pressure.
Deep-source volcanic eruptions brought the valuable rocks closer to the Earth's surface in regions of the world where the right temperature and circumstances were present to form them. The procedure shatters diamonds, creating more tiny fragments than large ones. The valuable stones are then extracted from these enormous, far-reaching craters.
Conversely, lab-grown diamonds are precisely that: diamonds created in a laboratory. They are usually created using two distinct methods, which are chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT). Both techniques use pure carbon, tremendous heat, and severe pressure to produce the diamond's crystalline structure.
But the most important aspect is that a lab-created diamond is chemically identical to a real diamond because it is still made entirely of carbon.
A common question arises: are CVD and lab grown diamonds the same? Yes, CVD is simply one method of producing lab made diamonds, both yielding genuine diamonds.
Price
The natural diamond is rare, and that increases its price. It depends on elaborate and expensive mining efforts with no guarantee of what can be brought out of the ground. The labor and energy that go into mining and polishing the stones, along with the strategic and rather dubious origins of the diamond market itself, plus its management and promotion, all add up to their price.
On the other hand, since lab created diamonds don’t face the same supply chains as mined diamonds, they’ll usually be cheaper than natural ones.
Value
What is essential here is to appreciate that value, monetary value, is determined by the market and what a buyer is willing to pay for a stone. No stone has intrinsic value, no matter how rare or perfect it is. Just as the natural diamond of the same gradation would have cost less to buy initially, this lab-grown diamond will fetch less money if it can be proved to be lab-grown.
Purchasing your diamond engagement ring is important because it symbolizes the love and commitment you have for your partner, not because it can be converted into cash. But just because your stone was lab-created does not mean an appraiser will take off value. They will just assign a grade based on a separate set of values.
Also, lab-grown diamond tech is still evolving, which might cause their value to fluctuate. If larger quantities and an easier manufacturing process can bring these prices down, the price will be reduced in this way. Apart from lab-grown diamonds, the natural ones might also suffer a drop in their price if the younger folks become less attracted to the idea of diamonds as a symbol of love and marriage.
Durability
Man-made diamonds have the same layout of atoms as that of natural diamonds, as the crystal structure of both diamonds is similar, and the way carbon atoms of both types are organized is the same. Their hardness and physical attributes, in other words, are similar to each other
No wonder a diamond is the hardest mineral on Earth; the Mohs scale of both natural and lab-grown diamonds is 10. And because you wear it every day, they are the ideal gem for an engagement ring. The two kinds of diamonds are equally resistant to wear, chipping, and scratches. Although they are not indestructible, diamonds are meant to last for more than a lifetime when properly cared for.
Clarity
It should be noted here that the synthetic diamonds are categorized by the same 4C (clarity, color, cut, and carat) characteristics just like the natural stones. This is a significant piece of information because whether the stone is lab-grown or not, 4Cs are the priority factors for the valuation.
The defects or "inclusions" that detract from the luminance and harm the clarity of the stone will also be present in the lab-grown diamonds as they are the products of the technology. (A stone may be cloudier and have a lower clarity rating the more inclusions it contains.) Lab-grown diamonds have clarity grades ranging from Flawless (F1) to Included 3 (I3), just like natural diamonds.These flaws, whether seen or not, affect the stone’s clarity grade. This ensures real lab-grown diamonds meet the same standards
Color
The same applies here. The color grading system used for real diamonds will be the same for a high-quality lab-grown diamond. Most buyers choose GH color diamonds, which are near-colorless (graded G to J), as they appear indistinguishable from pricier colorless stones (D to F) which are almost colorless, because there is no discernible difference between a lab-grown and a natural diamond.
True colorless diamonds, graded D through F, are extremely rare and therefore quite costly.
What are GIA and IGI Certified Lab Created Diamonds?

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are globally renowned for their rigorous and trusted diamond certification processes. Both GIA certified lab grown diamonds and IGI certified lab diamonds are evaluated to confirm they are chemically identical to natural diamonds, ensuring authenticity and quality. Whether for mined or lab-created stones, GIA certified diamonds and IGI certified diamonds are highly valued in the jewelry industry for their precision and reliability.
To earn certification, lab-grown diamonds undergo meticulous inspections by expert gemologists using advanced tools. The process assesses the 4C characteristics carat weight, color, clarity, and cut to provide a comprehensive evaluation. This rigorous grading ensures that GIA certified lab grown diamonds and IGI certified lab diamonds meet the same standards as their mined counterparts.
By providing detailed certification reports, GIA and IGI empower buyers to make informed decisions, fostering confidence in the quality and authenticity of lab-grown diamonds as sustainable, ethical alternatives to mined diamonds.
Advantages of Purchasing a Lab-Grown Diamond
As lab-grown diamonds in the USA cost from 30 to 50 percent less than natural ones, you have a great chance to get a bigger diamond and still get the benefit of it being real. A lab-grown diamond that has similar four C's to those of a natural one is, to the naked eye, indistinguishable from its mined counterpart.
Due to the fact that lab-grown diamonds are molecularly and structurally identical to natural ones, their refraction level is also equally good. Lab-grown diamonds will be just as brilliant since they share the same physical and chemical characteristics as natural diamonds.
The reason why some folks believe lab-grown diamonds are morally sound is that they are environmentally friendly. Despite that, the Kimberley Process has been quite instrumental in the suppression of the flow of conflict diamonds ever since its inception in 2003. An ethical diamonds serves the purpose of a natural diamond but without the burden of the higher cost. Simply put, buying a lab-created stone is going to lead to more savings.
Drawbacks of Purchasing a Lab-Grown Diamond
There is a rarity component to a natural diamond. Owing to the fact that it is scarce, a real diamond is likely to be a store of value for a more extended period than one that is manufactured in a lab is, as per knowledge. The very basic law of supply and demand tells us that the value will be higher when there is more demand, especially when the supply is limited.
Even if the diamonds can be created from scratch, still, their value may not be sustainable throughout the entire time. As a result, the prices of these products will fall in the market when the oversupply conditions prevail, leading demands to be more.
Although a man-made diamond avoids the moral and environmental problems associated with natural diamond mining, lab-grown diamonds also have sustainability problems. Because it takes a lot of heat to make a diamond, an HPHT-treated diamond uses a lot of energy. The CVD approach uses the same amount of energy as a month's worth of residential power.
Conclusion
The ethical and environmental implications of introducing natural diamonds to the market may be the best argument for buying lab-grown diamonds. As Gen Z and Millennials' consumer attitudes change, they are increasingly focused on making sure their money supports businesses that share their ideals.
In the debate of real diamond vs lab diamond, many are choosing the latter not just for value, but for peace of mind. Since lab-grown diamonds USA are created in a controlled setting, you don’t have to worry about the injustice tied to low-wage labor or environmental harm and making the choice clear in the comparison of manufactured diamonds vs real.
If you prefer lab-grown diamonds for their environmental-friendliness and ethical considerations, and wondering where to buy conflict-free diamonds, explore Ouros Jewels’ exquisite collection of lab grown diamonds for stunning, customizable jewelry that reflects your values and style.
FAQ
Does a lab-grown diamond qualify as a "synthetic" diamond?
No. Lab-grown diamonds are made of pure carbon, identical to mined diamonds. A 2018 FTC revision removed "natural" from diamond definitions, recognizing both as genuine diamonds.
Can the general public distinguish between diamonds that are mined and those that are made in a lab?
No, the difference between the two is almost impossible to distinguish. The majority of jewelers can only distinguish between the two by looking for a tiny laser inscription that reads "lab-created" on the stone (with a diamond loupe).
Which type of diamond should I pick?
It depends on your priorities. If budget and ethics matter, buy lab grown diamonds for affordability and sustainability. For rarity, consider mined diamonds.
Are Lab Diamonds Good?
In general, the response is yes. They cost less than natural diamonds and look and shine the same. So, you can get a bigger lab-grown diamond at the cost of the same weight natural diamond.
How to tell a natural and lab-grown diamond apart?
A precisely cut, internally perfect diamond is very rare and costly. Accredited gemological labs reference and grade lab-grown and natural diamonds based on the different amounts of internal "inclusions" that resemble fingerprints. Lab-grown diamonds with lower clarity grades may contain visible inclusions to the naked eye." Determining if a diamond is outstanding, very good, good, or bad also heavily depends on its cut and color.
Do lab-created diamonds have the same value as actual diamonds?
Although a diamond is a substantial financial commitment, a lab-created diamond will yield a larger diamond. The cost of a synthetic diamond is typically less expensive than a natural diamond of the same grade and size.
Is it possible to have a personalized lab-grown diamond ring?
Yes, Ouros Jewels offers customizable lab diamonds for sale, including eternity rings and unique designs tailored to your style.
Can you tell whether a diamond was created in a lab or naturally?
No, just seeing won't tell you. Without specialized equipment, it is impossible to distinguish between lab-grown and natural diamonds. Even gemologists with extensive knowledge rely on technology to assess diamonds.
Do lab-grown diamonds have the same strength and hardness as real diamonds?
Of course. Natural and lab-grown diamonds are equally strong and resilient. Because they are scratch-resistant and have a Mohs rating of 10, they can be worn safely every day. Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can sparkle for a lifetime if they are properly cared for.
Are lab-grown diamonds a trend or here to stay?
Lab-grown diamonds are here to stay. With growing demand from younger buyers focused on sustainability and affordability, they’ve become a major part of the
Are CVD and lab grown diamonds same?
Yes, CVD diamonds are a type of lab grown diamond. They’re made using a process called Chemical Vapor Deposition, where diamonds are grown in a laboratory. It’s just one of the ways lab grown diamonds are created, resulting in beautiful, genuine and conflict free diamonds.
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