Diamonds are never just diamonds. They’re love stories cast in light, milestones made permanent, expressions of style, and heirlooms in the making. But as technology evolves and values shift, the way we think about diamonds is changing too, especially when it comes to how they’re formed.
For many couples, the journey begins with one key question: what’s the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds? And beyond that, how do you choose the one that’s right for you?
At Greenwich St. Jewelers, we believe in empowering our clients with clarity and context. Whether you're exploring your first fine jewelry piece or selecting the perfect engagement ring, understanding the nuances between lab grown and natural diamonds can help you align your decision with your values, lifestyle, and budget. In this guide, we’ll unpack the key distinctions, from how each diamond is formed to how they’re priced, perceived, and passed down.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. That’s the first and most important thing to understand.
While the term "lab grown" might sound synthetic, these diamonds are chemically and structurally identical to their natural counterparts. They share the same brilliance, hardness, and durability, and they’re graded using the same 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) by respected gemological labs like GIA and IGI [1].
What sets them apart is how they're formed. Natural diamonds are created deep within the Earth over billions of years. Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, are grown in advanced facilities that replicate the conditions found underground, but in a matter of weeks. [2].
It's also important not to confuse lab grown diamonds with diamond simulants like moissanite or cubic zirconia. Simulants may look similar at first glance, but they’re entirely different materials and don’t offer the same optical or physical properties as a true diamond.
Whether created by nature or technology, a real diamond is judged by its beauty, quality, and significance. And both lab grown and natural diamonds can deliver on all three.
Key Differences Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds
While lab grown and natural diamonds may be visually identical, their differences go far beyond what the eye can see. From formation to future value, here’s how they compare.
Price
Price is one of the most immediate differences. Lab grown diamonds typically cost 30–50% less than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality. This allows buyers to prioritize carat weight, color, or clarity within a more accessible budget.
When it comes to long-term value, natural diamonds tend to hold their resale worth better due to their rarity and longstanding market history. Lab diamonds, while gaining acceptance, are newer to the market and subject to greater fluctuations in resale value.
Neither is “better,” it’s about understanding what matters most to you: value now, or value over time.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
There’s a widespread belief that lab grown diamonds are the more sustainable or “mining-free” choice. In reality, the picture is more nuanced.
While the diamonds themselves are grown in labs, the materials used in their creation, including carbon sources like graphite or methane gas and metal fluxes, often have ties to mining. These mined inputs are essential to creating the high-pressure, high-temperature environment required to grow a diamond, raising ethical and environmental concerns that are frequently overlooked in marketing narratives.
Lab diamond production is also energy-intensive [4]. Without full transparency around where and how that energy is sourced, claims of sustainability remain murky at best.
By contrast, Natural diamonds contribute to the prosperity of their country of origin. Up to 80% of value stays within local communities by creating jobs, funding essential infrastructure, and conservation efforts.
At Greenwich St. Jewelers, we focus on responsibly sourced natural diamonds, prioritizing transparency, ethics, and minimal environmental impact. When chosen with care and integrity, a natural diamond reflects values that go far beyond trends, honoring both the beauty of the earth and the people behind each stone.… just as conscious as opting for lab grown.
What It Really Comes Down To: Value
The biggest difference between lab grown and natural diamonds isn’t ethics, it’s value.
Lab grown diamonds are less expensive because they’re factory produced and supply far exceeds demand. But that lower upfront cost comes with a tradeoff: lab grown diamonds currently hold little to no resale value. As the market continues to flood, prices drop, and these stones are unlikely to appreciate or retain worth over time.
Natural diamonds, by contrast, are finite and formed over 1 to 3 billion years. Their rarity, legacy, and demand have helped them retain long-term value. Many natural diamonds can be passed down, resold, or even reset for future generations, making them not just meaningful, but enduring.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Diamond Simulants
This is where the conversation often gets confusing, so let’s clear things up.
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. Diamond simulants are not.
Simulants like moissanite and cubic zirconia are entirely different materials. While they may resemble diamonds at a glance, they don’t have the same chemical makeup, hardness, or brilliance. They can scratch, cloud, or wear down over time, and while they’re often budget-friendly, they’re not built to last in the way diamonds are [3].
Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, are indistinguishable from natural diamonds without specialized equipment. They're graded and certified in the same way, cut with the same precision, and crafted to the same standards as earth-formed stones.
If you're looking for a true diamond, with lasting beauty, durability, and meaning, a simulant won’t measure up. Whether you choose a lab grown or natural diamond, both offer a level of permanence that simulants simply can’t match.
Which Diamond Type Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s the beauty of it.
Choosing between a lab grown and a natural diamond is ultimately a personal decision, shaped by your values, your budget, and your connection to the piece itself.
If you're looking for maximum size or quality within a set budget, lab grown diamonds offer flexibility without sacrificing beauty or brilliance. For those who value rarity, long-term investment potential, or the romance of something formed deep within the Earth, a natural diamond may hold greater appeal.
At Greenwich St. Jewelers, we help you explore both options with transparency and insight. We focus on craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and education, so that whatever you choose, you know it was the right choice for you.
Because in the end, the best diamond isn’t just about how it was made. It’s about what it means to you.
Citations:
[1] Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real? - https://www.igi.org/are-lab-grown-diamonds-real/
[2] How Diamonds Are Formed? - https://www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org/about-diamonds/formation-of-diamonds/
[3] Properties of Diamond Stimulants - https://www.gemsociety.org/article/diamond-and-simulant-comparison-chart/
[4] Natural Diamonds vs Lab Grown Diamonds - https://www.naturaldiamonds.com/natural-diamond-types-and-alternatives/lab-grown-diamonds/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22370132634&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5ubABhDIARIsAHMighY9ko841p8y_alpzTMv08p1tBCYqpQokqnIMng_rFkJn0gLes4pxDwaAiCQEALw_wcB
