Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

So you’re in the market for a diamond? Maybe an engagement ring, a necklace, or a pair of earrings to celebrate a special occasion, special someone, or yourself. You might have heard about both natural and lab-grown diamonds, but you’re still unsure: What’s the real difference between the two? And how do you know which is right for you? 

The short answer is there isn’t much of a difference. With that said, both lab-grown and natural diamonds have their merits to consider. Understanding the differences can make a world of difference when you’re making such a significant purchase. Whether you’re drawn to the history of natural diamonds or curious about the advantages of lab grown diamonds, we’ll break down both to help you make the best decision. 

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds? 

Lab grown diamonds are exactly what they sound like - diamonds that are grown in a laboratory. For decades now, scientists have mastered recreating the conditions deep within the earth’s core, where natural diamonds are formed over millions of years. With high pressure, high temperatures, and chemical reactions, modern jewelers can produce diamonds that are chemically and physically identical to a natural one.

Natural or mined diamonds, by contrast, are formed over millions, even billions, of years under immense pressure and heat within the earth’s core. These diamonds are extracted through mining, a controversial process that often comes with an environmental impact. 

So, while lab grown diamonds take much less time to produce, the core difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is their origin. Both, however, result in stunning, real diamonds with the same level of quality and sparkle you’d expect from the gem.

The Science of Similarity 

As you compare diamonds side by side, you might ask yourself, “ But are lab grown diamonds real?” The answer is, yes! Lab grown diamonds are composed of pure carbon, just like natural diamonds, and display the same crystal structure. They have the same brilliance, the same hardness, and even more importantly the same durability. 

If you’re looking for more confirmation that they are the same as natural diamonds, they’re also graded by the same standard - the 4Cs ( cut, color, clarity, and carat). This means that when you’re shopping for lab grown or natural diamonds, you’re simply comparing apples to apples in terms of quality. 

While on your search, you might also come across common lab grown diamond myths. Maybe you’ve heard they don't last as long or aren't as valuable. The reality? As mentioned before, lab grown diamonds are just as durable as natural ones, and their longevity is the same. Plus, the financial value is in their quality - just like natural diamonds. 

Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds

Now that we know that lab grown diamonds are essentially real diamonds, let’s talk about the benefits that set them apart. Say you’ve found a natural diamond you love, but the price tag is making you hesitate. Or maybe you want to take the sustainability route and mined diamonds don’t align with your values. Lab grown diamonds offer some benefits that are worth considering in your search. 

• Environmental Impact: Because lab grown diamonds are produced in a controlled environment that requires fewer resources than traditional mining, they are a more eco-conscious choice. If sustainability is a top concern for you, lab grown diamonds offer a way to enjoy the beauty of diamonds without the environmental impact.
• Cost: If we’re being honest, any diamond you choose comes with a significant investment. But lab grown diamonds can save you anywhere from 20-40% off the price tag of your purchase. And that’s compared to a natural diamond of the same size and quality. 
• Quality: Since lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, we often see stones that have fewer inclusions, meaning you’re more likely to find a clearer stone. 

Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds

By this point, it should be clear that outside of the origin, the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is practically indistinguishable. And because most of us aren’t gemologists, you can feel confident that to the naked eye of family, friends, or strangers, they appear the same. 

Because of this, lab grown diamonds have continued to gain popularity, especially the eco and budget-conscious shoppers still looking for a high level of quality. They’ve increasingly become a go-to for those who want to make a smart and sustainable choice. 

So, What’s the Difference Between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds?

If you guessed one is developed in the earth's core (or mantle) and the other is developed in a lab, you’re correct. How are they the same? They are both beautiful, durable, and most importantly real diamonds. 

When it comes to choosing which is right for you, consider what matters most, whether it’s the environmental impact, your budget, or the size and quality of the stone you can get for your money. Lab grown diamonds offer accessible, ethical options without sacrificing the qualities that make diamonds the special, sought-after, gem that it is. 

At Plum Diamonds, we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality lab grown diamonds that combine beauty with modern, sustainable technology. From our large collection of engagement rings to our unique lab grown diamond jewelry, we’re passionate about creating diamonds that meet ethical and quality standards. After all, you should only compromise on which diamond to choose, not its quality or environmental impact.