This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.
Lab-grown and natural diamonds are visually identical, with the same brilliance, hardness, and durability. The key difference lies in how they are created. Natural diamonds form over billions of years within the Earth, while lab-grown diamonds are produced in controlled environments using advanced technology.
Lab-grown diamonds are typically more affordable, allowing you to choose a larger or higher-quality stone for your budget. Natural diamonds, on the other hand, are valued for their rarity, history, and traditional appeal.
Understanding the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds will help you choose the right option based on what matters most to you.
Lab grown diamonds are created using advanced technological processes that replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form beneath the Earth’s surface. Instead of taking billions of years, this process takes only a few weeks while still producing a real diamond with the same chemical structure.
There are two main methods used in production: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). HPHT recreates the intense heat and pressure found deep within the Earth, while CVD grows diamonds layer by layer from carbon-rich gas in a controlled chamber. Both methods produce diamonds that are physically and optically identical to natural diamonds.
Learn more about HPHT vs CVD
Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme heat and pressure. Carbon atoms are compressed into a crystal structure over immense geological timescales, creating one of the hardest natural materials known.
These diamonds are brought closer to the Earth’s surface through volcanic eruptions and are later mined. Each natural diamond is unique due to the random conditions in which it formed, making no two stones exactly alike. Natural diamonds are finite, meaning their supply is limited. This rarity has played a significant role in their historical value and desirability.
Read more about how natural diamonds are formed
Yes, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural diamonds, meaning they are made of pure carbon formed in the same crystalline arrangement.
The only difference is their origin - lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory using advanced technology, while natural diamonds are formed within the Earth. Because they are identical in structure, lab grown diamonds exhibit the same brilliance, hardness, and durability, and are graded using the same standards as natural diamonds, including the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight). This is why they are recognised in the jewellery industry as genuine diamonds rather than imitations or simulants.
Alongside their scientific equivalence, lab grown diamonds are often chosen for their ethical sourcing and more accessible price point, making them a popular option for engagement rings.
Still wondering whether lab grown diamonds are genuine? Explore our in-depth article, are lab grown diamonds real?
No, you cannot tell the difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond with the naked eye. Both have the same chemical composition, crystal structure and optical properties, meaning they display the same brilliance, fire and sparkle when cut to the same standard.
Even experienced jewellers cannot distinguish between the two based on appearance alone. Specialised gemmological equipment is required to confirm a diamond's origin, whether it was formed naturally beneath the Earth's surface or created in a laboratory.
Natural diamonds are graded using the internationally recognised 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Independent gemmological laboratories assess these characteristics to determine a diamond's quality and value. A grading report provides buyers with confidence that the diamond has been evaluated objectively and accurately.
Most natural diamonds are certified by respected independent laboratory, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). These certificates detail the diamond's characteristics and help buyers compare different stones before making a purchase.
Lab grown diamonds are graded using exactly the same 4Cs as natural diamonds. Their origin does not affect how they are assessed, meaning a lab grown diamond with excellent cut, colour, clarity and carat weight will receive the same quality grading as a natural diamond with identical characteristics.
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are certified by International Gemological Institute (IGI), the most widely recognised and prominent lab for grading lab-grown diamonds. The grading report clearly states that the diamond is laboratory grown while providing the same detailed assessment used for natural diamonds.
Learn more in our diamond certification guide.
Lower Production Costs:
Lab grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments rather than mined from the Earth. This eliminates many of the costs associated with exploration, mining, transportation and distribution.
Greater Supply:
Unlike natural diamonds, which are finite, lab grown diamonds can be produced continuously. As manufacturing technology improves and production increases, supply grows, helping to keep prices lower.
Better Value for Buyers:
The lower cost of lab grown diamonds means buyers can often choose a larger carat weight, higher colour grade or better clarity without increasing their budget. This makes them an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings.
One of the biggest considerations for many buyers is whether their diamond will retain its value over time. While both lab grown and natural diamonds are genuine diamonds, their long-term resale value can differ significantly.
Natural diamonds generally hold their value better due to their rarity and limited supply. While both are real diamonds, the resale value of lab grown diamonds is typically lower because they can be produced in larger quantities and their retail prices have decreased as technology has advanced.
For many buyers, resale value is not the primary consideration. An engagement ring is often purchased as a symbol of commitment rather than an investment. If your priority is long-term resale value, a natural diamond may be the better choice. If your priority is maximising size and quality for your budget, a lab grown diamond can be a compelling alternative.
Choosing a diamond is a personal journey, and we’re here to make it simple and enjoyable. Whether natural or lab-grown, our team helps you compare both options with clarity and confidence.
We’ve helped thousands of couples find their engagement ring in Hatton Garden. Today, around 60–70% of our clients choose lab-grown diamonds because they offer a larger carat size and higher quality within budget, without compromising on beauty or brilliance.
We believe the right diamond is the one that fits your style, values, and budget not a one-size-fits-all approach.
