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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.
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.
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.
At Regal, our mission centres on designing and crafting extraordinary engagement rings, ensuring the custom experience is within reach for everyone. Love is at the core of our work, and we are dedicated to making this journey as special as possible.
We maintain an unbiased approach toward diamond sourcing, not owning or being affiliated with any specific mines or manufacturers. This unique business model allows us to access a global inventory of diamonds in real-time, purchasing a diamond only after understanding our customer's desires. This ensures we have no vested interest in promoting either natural or lab-grown diamonds over the other. We diligently search worldwide to find a diamond that perfectly matches your specifications.
Our inclusion of lab-grown diamonds in our offerings resulted from several key factors:
- The rapid rise in customer awareness and demand for lab-grown diamonds.
- The desire of many customers to achieve a specific aesthetic with a larger diamond, made affordable through lab-grown options.
- Significant advancements in the quality of lab-grown diamonds, now available in higher colours (D-H) and clarities (IF-VS) that meet our high standards.
- By offering both natural and lab-grown diamonds, we ensure that you have the flexibility to choose the perfect diamond that aligns with your vision and values.
We are your premier jeweller situated in the renowned Hatton Garden of London. Our expertise lies in crafting custom engagement rings, featuring both certified natural and lab-grown diamonds, wedding bands, and a diverse selection of luxury watches. At the core of Regal is a fervent dedication to delivering unparalleled customer service, coupled with impeccable craftsmanship and competitive pricing. Our commitment extends to understanding and fulfilling each client's unique desires and needs, ensuring the utmost care in every interaction.