Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds: What’s The Difference in Appearance and Cost?

Lab grown diamonds have absolutely exploded in popularity over the last few years. Although they were first developed around 70 years ago, it’s only been in the last 5-10 years they’ve become so common amongst jewellers. 

Although you might be hearing about lab grown a lot, many people don’t really know what actually sets the two different types of diamonds apart. In this guide, our jewellery experts will walk you through lab grown vs natural diamonds, their perhaps surprising similarities, and their differences. 

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultured diamonds, are real diamonds created in controlled laboratory environments. They're produced using advanced technological processes that replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the Earth's mantle - extreme heat and pressure over time.

The two main methods used are High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both processes create diamonds that are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.

What Are Natural Diamonds?

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle, approximately 100-200 miles below the surface. Created over millions, sometimes billions, of years through intense heat and pressure, they're brought to the Earth's surface through volcanic eruptions. 

One of the most significant things that makes diamonds so special is their uniqueness. Each natural diamond is completely individual, carrying with it a story that spans potentially billions of years. 

Appearance: Can You Tell the Difference?

The simple answer? No. To the naked eye, lab grown and natural diamonds are almost certainly indistinguishable. Both types:

• Have the same brilliance and sparkle

• Share identical optical properties

• Display the same fire and scintillation

• Come in the same range of colours and clarities

• Have the same hardness rating of 10 on the Mohs scale

Even experienced jewellers (like us!) cannot tell the difference without specialised equipment. 

 

The 4 Cs Apply to Both

Whether lab grown or natural, all diamonds are graded using the same criteria:

Cut - How well the diamond has been shaped and faceted

Colour - The absence of colour (with D being the highest grade)

Clarity - The absence of inclusions and blemishes

Carat - The weight of the diamond

Both types can achieve excellent grades across all four categories, meaning you can find stunning examples of each.

 

Read more about the 4 Cs

 

Lab vs Real Diamond Cost Differences

This is where you’ll find the biggest difference between lab grown vs natural diamonds. Lab grown diamonds typically cost 60-80% less than natural diamonds of comparable quality. 

To show you how the prices differ, we’ve created a price comparison based on our range of loose diamonds from Wedstones. 

 

 

Natural Diamond Pricing

• Rarity drives value

• Extensive mining and supply chain costs

• Historical market positioning

• Investment potential

Lab Grown Diamond Pricing

• Predictable production process

• Lower overhead costs

• Newer market segment

• Faster production timeline

A 1-carat, excellent cut, D colour, SI1 clarity natural diamond engagement ring might cost £5,000-£8,000, while a lab grown diamond with identical specifications could cost £2,000-£3,000.

Sustainability and Ethics

Many couples today are drawn to lab grown diamonds for their environmental and ethical benefits:

Lab Grown Advantages:

• Minimal environmental impact

• No mining required

• Guaranteed conflict-free origin

• Reduced carbon footprint

Natural Diamond Considerations:

• Established certification systems like the Kimberley Process ensure ethically sourced diamonds

• Supporting mining communities

• Geological rarity

• Natural diamonds will always be more valuable

At Wedstones, all of our natural diamonds are sourced via ‘The Kimberley Process’. This is an international initiative established in 2003 to address the issue of conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds.

We're committed to ethically sourced diamonds, regardless of your choice, ensuring all our natural diamonds are conflict-free and responsibly sourced. 

Investment Value

Although perhaps not the most romantic consideration, it’s still important to understand the investment impact of your choice. 

Natural diamonds tend to hold their value much better over time due to their rarity and established market demand. They're also often viewed as heirloom pieces that can be passed down through generations.

Lab grown diamonds are a newer market with a much less established resale value. Ultimately, they’re much less valuable (in terms of monetary value) than mined diamonds. 

Which Should You Choose?

The decision between lab grown and natural diamonds often comes down to personal values and priorities:

Choose Natural If:

• You value the geological story and rarity

• Investment potential is important

• You prefer traditional heritage

• You want your jewellery to hold its value

Choose Lab Grown If:

• Environmental impact is a key concern

• You want maximum size for your budget

What Do We Recommend?

At Wedstones, we believe both lab grown and natural diamonds have their place in beautiful fine jewellery. That’s why we offer jewellery in both types.  

What matters most is finding a diamond that fits your budget, values, and vision for your special piece. 

Whether you choose lab grown or natural, our expert jewellers will create a stunning piece of jewellery that you'll treasure forever.

If you’d like a bespoke or handmade ring, we can even incorporate both lab grown and mined stones, as well as adding family heirlooms to make your jewellery perfectly unique. 

Visit Our Evesham Showroom

We'd love to show you both lab grown and natural diamond options in person, so you can choose exactly what suits your style and budget. At our Evesham showroom, you can compare different options and get expert guidance tailored to your specific needs and budget.

Book your free, no-obligation appointment, or contact us via email, WhatsApp, or phone. We’re here to help you make the perfect choice for your special moment.