Difference Between Lab-Grown Diamonds and Natural Diamonds
Diamonds have long symbolized love, commitment, and beauty. But in recent years, another question has become increasingly common among couples and collectors alike: What’s the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond?
At Tom’s Diamonds, we’re proud to offer both natural and lab-grown options — each with its own story, advantages, and considerations. While the two may appear identical to the naked eye, their origins, certifications, and market values set them apart.
Let’s explore how these two remarkable types of diamonds compare — and how to choose the right one for your perfect ring or jewelry piece.
The Key Difference: Origin
At their core, lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are the same chemical element — pure carbon — with identical crystal structures. Both exhibit the same hardness, brilliance, and sparkle that make diamonds so coveted.
The only true difference is how and where they’re formed:
Natural Diamonds are created deep within the Earth, about 100 miles below the surface, under intense heat and pressure over 1 to 3 billion years. They are then brought closer to the surface by volcanic activity and later mined.
Lab-Grown Diamonds are formed in modern laboratories using advanced technology that replicates those same natural conditions. Using either HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) methods, scientists can grow a diamond that is optically, physically, and chemically identical to one formed in nature — but in just a few weeks.
At Tom’s Diamonds, both diamond types are ethically sourced and fully certified, giving you confidence in every purchase.
Chemical and Physical Composition
Here’s where science and beauty meet: both natural and lab-grown diamonds are crystallized carbon arranged in a cubic lattice structure.
That means they share the same:
Hardness (10 on the Mohs scale)
Refractive index (responsible for sparkle and brilliance)
Thermal conductivity (how they disperse heat)
To the naked eye, and even under a jeweler’s loupe, they look virtually identical. Only advanced laboratory equipment can distinguish between the two, based on trace growth patterns or inclusions unique to their formation process.
In other words: they’re the same diamond, just from different origins.
Certification and Grading
Whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown, proper certification ensures authenticity and quality.
Natural Diamonds are typically certified by grading organizations like GIA (Gemological Institute of America), AGS, or IGI, which detail the diamond’s 4Cs (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat).
Lab-Grown Diamonds are also certified — often by IGI, GIA, or GCAL — using the same grading standards.
The certification will clearly indicate whether the diamond is “laboratory-grown” or “natural.”
Both come with complete transparency regarding their origin, which helps buyers make an informed choice.
At Tom’s Diamonds, all our lab-grown and natural diamonds are accompanied by trusted third-party certifications for total peace of mind.
Market Value and Price Difference
One of the most noticeable differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds is market value.
Natural Diamonds are rarer and take billions of years to form, which contributes to their higher price and long-term value retention. They are often viewed as heirloom-quality stones with stable resale potential.
Lab-Grown Diamonds are typically 40–70% less expensive than their natural counterparts. This affordability makes them an attractive choice for those who prioritize size, quality, or sustainability without the premium price.
While lab-grown diamonds offer excellent value, their resale market is still developing — making natural diamonds a stronger long-term investment.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Both diamond types can be sourced responsibly, but their footprints differ:
Lab-Grown Diamonds require no mining, which means minimal land disruption and reduced environmental impact. Many are produced using renewable energy sources, appealing to eco-conscious buyers.
Natural Diamonds are mined, but leading producers now follow strict ethical and sustainability standards, ensuring conflict-free sourcing through programs like the Kimberley Process.
At Tom’s Diamonds, we are proud to offer both responsibly mined natural diamonds and sustainably created lab-grown diamonds, so you can make a choice aligned with your values.
Appearance and Sparkle
When viewed side-by-side, both diamond types offer the same brilliance and fire. Lab-grown diamonds exhibit the same sparkle, scintillation, and clarity grading as natural diamonds.
However, some natural diamond enthusiasts appreciate the subtle uniqueness of nature’s inclusions and growth lines — a fingerprint that makes each stone truly one-of-a-kind.
Which Diamond Type Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your priorities:
Choose a Natural Diamond if you value rarity, long-term market stability, and the timeless story of Earth’s creation.
Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond if you want greater size or quality at a lower price point, with an eco-friendly origin and identical beauty.
Either way, both are real diamonds, and both will shine brilliantly in your custom engagement ring, earrings, or pendant.
At Tom’s Diamonds, our specialists can walk you through both options — showing you the difference in sparkle, certification, and price — so you can make the decision that’s right for you.
Contact Us Today
At the end of the day, lab-grown and natural diamonds share the same essence: carbon, crystallized into something rare and radiant. The difference lies only in their origin — one born from the depths of the Earth, the other from the heights of human innovation.
No matter which diamond you choose, your piece from Tom’s Diamonds will carry the same meaning, beauty, and brilliance that define every love story we’re honored to craft. Fill out our Contact Us Form to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes — lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They share the exact same chemical, optical, and physical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin — one grows in a lab, the other deep within the Earth.
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Absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds and will test positive on a diamond tester. Only specialized laboratory equipment can distinguish between the two.
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Lab-grown diamonds currently have lower resale value than natural diamonds. However, they offer incredible beauty and affordability, allowing buyers to choose a larger or higher-quality stone within their budget.
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Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are certified by respected organizations such as IGI, GIA, and GCAL using the same 4Cs grading system applied to natural diamonds.
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Neither is “better” — it depends on what matters most to you. If you value rarity and tradition, a natural diamond is ideal. If you prefer sustainability and affordability, a lab-grown diamond is a beautiful, responsible choice.
Explore both natural and lab-grown diamonds and let our experts help you select the perfect diamond for your story.