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Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference and Which One is Right for You?
If you're shopping for a diamond, chances are you've come across two main options: lab grown and natural diamonds. You might be wondering; what's the actual difference between the two? And more importantly, is one better than the other?
Here at Joshua James, we sell both lab grown and natural diamonds. That’s because we believe in giving our customers all the available options, without bias. Our job is to help and guide you so you understand the pros and cons of each so that you can make a decision that feels right for you.
In this blog, we’ll explore what lab grown and natural diamonds really are, how they compare in appearance, value, ethics, and sustainability, and tackle some of the most frequently asked questions. Now let’s take a look at both options.
What Are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years deep within the Earth’s mantle. They’re brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions and then mined from the Earth. Every natural diamond is, quite literally, a piece of our planet’s ancient history.
They are made entirely of carbon, and their hardness and brilliance are the result of intense pressure and heat over time. Each stone is unique, shaped by natural conditions over eons.
Take a look at our diamond guides to learn more.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are produced in a laboratory setting. Scientists replicate the high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions found in nature, or use Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) to grow diamonds layer by layer.
The result? A diamond that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a natural diamond. Unless you’re using specialised equipment, even a trained gemologist can’t tell the difference without advanced testing.
Take a look at our Lab-Grown Diamonds Guide for a deeper dive.
Key Differences Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds
Let’s break it down into key categories.
1. Origin
Natural: Formed deep within the Earth under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years. These stones are brought to the surface through volcanic activity and then extracted via mining.
Lab Grown: Created in controlled laboratory conditions using high-tech methods like High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). The process takes just a few weeks to months, depending on the size and method.
2. Appearance
Visually, lab grown and natural diamonds are virtually identical. Both are graded using the same 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
The only differences lie in their microscopic inclusions. Lab grown diamonds can show growth patterns or metallic inclusions unique to their production process; but these aren’t visible without magnification.
Explore our Diamond Guide to better understand what to look for when comparing diamond quality.
3. Price
Lab Grown: Generally 80-90% less expensive than natural diamonds of the same grade. This makes them an attractive option for getting more size or quality within your budget.
Natural: Carry a higher price tag due to their rarity and the legacy value attached to natural gemstones.
4. Value and Resale
Natural: Historically, natural diamonds hold value better. That said, unless you're purchasing exceptionally rare or larger stones, most standard natural diamonds don’t appreciate in value and resale prices often fall well below your original purchase price.
Lab Grown: Currently have limited resale value. As the market matures, this may change, but right now they’re generally seen as a personal purchase rather than an investment.
5. Environmental Impact
Natural: Diamond mining can cause significant environmental disruption, including land displacement and water use. However, many modern mines operate under strict environmental and ethical regulations.
Lab Grown: Production consumes a lot of energy, especially if non-renewable sources are used; but generally results in less ecological damage than large scale mining. Some lab grown diamond producers now use renewable energy to improve their sustainability credentials.
6. Ethics
Both types of diamonds can and should be ethically sourced:
Natural diamonds should come with ethical assurances like the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which aims to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds eliminate the need for mining entirely, making them an increasingly popular option among eco-conscious buyers.
Appearance: Can You Tell the Difference?
Short answer: no, not without lab equipment.
Whether it’s sparkle, fire, or brilliance, both lab grown and natural diamonds score equally high. You can find D colour, flawless diamonds in both types. When it comes to aesthetics, your choice can simply be about budget or sentiment.
If you're browsing at Joshua James, our diamonds are clearly labelled so you can make an informed decision, but you won’t be able to tell the difference just by looking.
Price Comparison: How Much Can You Save?
The cost difference is one of the biggest deciding factors for many shoppers.
Let’s say you have a budget of £2,500. With that, you could buy a:
1.00ct natural diamond of modest quality. Colour: H Clarity SI2 Cut: Good
Or a 2.00ct lab grown diamond of exceptional quality. Colour D Clarity IF Cut: Ideal
This flexibility can be a game changer, especially if you're after a larger or higher grade diamond. It's not about compromising; it's about choosing what matters more to you: rarity or size/quality.
You can compare prices directly in our Engagement Ring Collection.
Resale Value & Investment
When it comes to investment potential or resale value, it’s important to set realistic expectations, because most diamonds, whether natural or lab grown, rarely appreciate in value.
Natural diamonds have long been seen as the more traditional choice for those considering future resale. However, the reality is that only rare or exceptional natural diamonds: think large carat weights, top colour and clarity grades, or fancy coloured stones tend to hold or increase in value over time. The majority of commercial grade natural diamonds will typically resell at a lower price than their original retail cost.
Lab grown diamonds, meanwhile, have experienced a rapid decline in price over recent years due to improvements in production technology and increasing availability. This makes them fantastic for buyers wanting more size or quality for their money; but it also means that lab grown diamonds currently don’t perform well as investment pieces. Their resale market is still in its early stages and remains quite limited.
For most people, an engagement ring isn’t about financial return; it’s about personal meaning, emotion, and commitment. If your goal is to find a beautiful diamond that reflects your style and values, either option can be the perfect choice. Just approach it as a purchase from the heart, not the stock market.
Ethics and Sustainability
Sustainability and ethical sourcing have become essential considerations for many couples choosing their engagement rings today. It’s not just about how a diamond looks, it’s also about where it came from and how it was made.
Natural Diamonds:
The natural diamond industry has made significant progress in recent years, particularly around conflict free sourcing and responsible mining practices.
Reputable suppliers follow the Kimberley Process and other certification standards to help ensure diamonds are not funding conflict.
The process of mining natural diamonds still raises environmental concerns. Land excavation, water usage, and habitat disruption are inherent parts of traditional mining, even when regulations are in place.
Ethical natural diamonds do exist, but it’s crucial to buy from retailers who can provide transparency about their supply chain.
Lab Grown Diamonds:
Lab grown diamonds eliminate the need for mining altogether, which removes many of the environmental and human rights concerns linked to traditional diamond sourcing.
Producing diamonds in a lab still requires energy: sometimes a substantial amount. The environmental footprint depends largely on the source of that energy.
Some manufacturers use renewable energy sources to create diamonds with a significantly lower carbon footprint, while others may rely on fossil fuels.
As the lab grown industry matures, sustainability standards are improving, and many brands are working to become fully carbon neutral.
Certification and Grading
Traditionally, both lab grown and natural diamonds have been graded using the same criteria: the 4Cs cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. Grading reports from trusted authorities like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI) have long served as the benchmark for verifying a diamond’s quality and authenticity.
However, this landscape is about to change. Later this year, the GIA will discontinue using the 4Cs for lab grown diamonds, replacing them with a simpler system that classifies stones as either "Premium" or "Standard". While this new approach is intended to reduce consumer confusion, it has sparked some debate in the jewellery industry. Many professionals feel the 4Cs offer a clearer, more nuanced understanding of a diamond’s value, something that may be lost under the new system. Read our thoughts on this in our blog.
For lab grown diamonds that are still graded using the 4Cs (such as those certified by IGI or pre-change GIA reports), you’ll still see detailed breakdowns for each quality factor. This is often preferred by consumers who want transparency and the ability to compare across both lab grown and natural diamonds.
At Joshua James, we use both the GIA for grading our natural diamonds and the IGi for grading our lab grown diamonds.
Choosing Between Lab Grown and Natural
Ultimately, choosing between a lab grown and a natural diamond comes down to your personal values, budget, and what matters most to you in a piece of jewellery. Neither is better, they're simply different, and each has its own appeal.
Choose a lab grown diamond if you:
The Joshua James Approach
Because we sell both, we don’t steer customers toward one or the other. Instead, we focus on:
Transparency: Clear labelling of every diamond
Quality: We handpick all stones to meet strict quality standards
Education: Our team is trained to help you understand the differences without pressure
We want your ring to feel just right, whether it’s lab grown or naturally formed, it should reflect your values and your love story.
FAQs
1. Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin.
2. Will a lab grown diamond pass a diamond tester?
Yes, most modern testers will confirm that lab grown diamonds are indeed diamonds. However, older testers may confuse them with moissanite.
3. Do lab grown diamonds sparkle the same as natural ones?
Absolutely. Because they’re chemically identical, they reflect light in the same way.
4. Are lab grown diamonds ethical?
Generally, yes. They avoid the environmental and social issues associated with mining, though the ethics of energy use still apply.
5. Can I get insurance for a lab grown diamond ring?
Yes. Just like a natural diamond, lab grown diamonds can be insured for their full replacement value.
6. Do natural diamonds hold their value better?
Historically, yes but with some important context. Only rare or exceptional natural diamonds, such as those with large carat weights, flawless clarity, or unique colours, tend to maintain or appreciate in value over time. The majority of commercial grade natural diamonds typically resell for less than their original purchase price. So while natural diamonds have a stronger resale presence than lab grown stones, they shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as guaranteed investments.
7. How do I know if my diamond is lab grown or natural?
Check your certificate. All diamonds sold at Joshua James come with full certification detailing origin and grading.
8. Are lab grown diamonds flawless?
Not always. Just like natural diamonds, lab grown stones can have inclusions or blemishes. That’s why certification and grading are important.
9. Is it okay to mix lab grown and natural diamonds in one piece?
Of course! Many designs combine both, especially when mixing centre stones and accent diamonds. It’s entirely up to you.
10. Will lab grown diamonds become more popular in the future?
Trends suggest yes. As production methods improve and sustainability becomes more important, lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a lab grown and a natural diamond isn’t about which is better, it’s about what suits you best. Both are beautiful, durable, and meaningful in their own ways.
At Joshua James, we’re here to help you find a ring that reflects your values, your style, and your story. Whether it's from the Earth or a high-tech lab, your diamond is still a symbol of something extraordinary: love.
Feel free to explore our full range of natural and lab grown diamond rings, or book a consultation to speak with one of our experts.
Natural Vs Lab Grown Diamonds: Are Lab Diamonds Right For You?
Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference and Which One is Right for You?
If you're shopping for a diamond, chances are you've come across two main options: lab grown and natural diamonds. You might be wondering; what's the actual difference between the two? And more importantly, is one better than the other?Here at Joshua James, we sell both lab grown and natural diamonds. That’s because we believe in giving our customers all the available options, without bias. Our job is to help and guide you so you understand the pros and cons of each so that you can make a decision that feels right for you.
In this blog, we’ll explore what lab grown and natural diamonds really are, how they compare in appearance, value, ethics, and sustainability, and tackle some of the most frequently asked questions. Now let’s take a look at both options.
What Are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years deep within the Earth’s mantle. They’re brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions and then mined from the Earth. Every natural diamond is, quite literally, a piece of our planet’s ancient history.They are made entirely of carbon, and their hardness and brilliance are the result of intense pressure and heat over time. Each stone is unique, shaped by natural conditions over eons.
Take a look at our diamond guides to learn more.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are produced in a laboratory setting. Scientists replicate the high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions found in nature, or use Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) to grow diamonds layer by layer.The result? A diamond that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a natural diamond. Unless you’re using specialised equipment, even a trained gemologist can’t tell the difference without advanced testing.
Take a look at our Lab-Grown Diamonds Guide for a deeper dive.
Key Differences Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds
Let’s break it down into key categories.1. Origin
Natural: Formed deep within the Earth under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years. These stones are brought to the surface through volcanic activity and then extracted via mining.
Lab Grown: Created in controlled laboratory conditions using high-tech methods like High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). The process takes just a few weeks to months, depending on the size and method.
2. Appearance
Visually, lab grown and natural diamonds are virtually identical. Both are graded using the same 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
The only differences lie in their microscopic inclusions. Lab grown diamonds can show growth patterns or metallic inclusions unique to their production process; but these aren’t visible without magnification.
Explore our Diamond Guide to better understand what to look for when comparing diamond quality.
3. Price
Lab Grown: Generally 80-90% less expensive than natural diamonds of the same grade. This makes them an attractive option for getting more size or quality within your budget.
Natural: Carry a higher price tag due to their rarity and the legacy value attached to natural gemstones.
4. Value and Resale
Natural: Historically, natural diamonds hold value better. That said, unless you're purchasing exceptionally rare or larger stones, most standard natural diamonds don’t appreciate in value and resale prices often fall well below your original purchase price.
Lab Grown: Currently have limited resale value. As the market matures, this may change, but right now they’re generally seen as a personal purchase rather than an investment.
5. Environmental Impact
Natural: Diamond mining can cause significant environmental disruption, including land displacement and water use. However, many modern mines operate under strict environmental and ethical regulations.
Lab Grown: Production consumes a lot of energy, especially if non-renewable sources are used; but generally results in less ecological damage than large scale mining. Some lab grown diamond producers now use renewable energy to improve their sustainability credentials.
6. Ethics
Both types of diamonds can and should be ethically sourced:
Natural diamonds should come with ethical assurances like the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which aims to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds eliminate the need for mining entirely, making them an increasingly popular option among eco-conscious buyers.
Appearance: Can You Tell the Difference?
Short answer: no, not without lab equipment.Whether it’s sparkle, fire, or brilliance, both lab grown and natural diamonds score equally high. You can find D colour, flawless diamonds in both types. When it comes to aesthetics, your choice can simply be about budget or sentiment.
If you're browsing at Joshua James, our diamonds are clearly labelled so you can make an informed decision, but you won’t be able to tell the difference just by looking.
Price Comparison: How Much Can You Save?
The cost difference is one of the biggest deciding factors for many shoppers.Let’s say you have a budget of £2,500. With that, you could buy a:
1.00ct natural diamond of modest quality. Colour: H Clarity SI2 Cut: Good
Or a 2.00ct lab grown diamond of exceptional quality. Colour D Clarity IF Cut: Ideal
This flexibility can be a game changer, especially if you're after a larger or higher grade diamond. It's not about compromising; it's about choosing what matters more to you: rarity or size/quality.
You can compare prices directly in our Engagement Ring Collection.
Resale Value & Investment
When it comes to investment potential or resale value, it’s important to set realistic expectations, because most diamonds, whether natural or lab grown, rarely appreciate in value.Natural diamonds have long been seen as the more traditional choice for those considering future resale. However, the reality is that only rare or exceptional natural diamonds: think large carat weights, top colour and clarity grades, or fancy coloured stones tend to hold or increase in value over time. The majority of commercial grade natural diamonds will typically resell at a lower price than their original retail cost.
Lab grown diamonds, meanwhile, have experienced a rapid decline in price over recent years due to improvements in production technology and increasing availability. This makes them fantastic for buyers wanting more size or quality for their money; but it also means that lab grown diamonds currently don’t perform well as investment pieces. Their resale market is still in its early stages and remains quite limited.
For most people, an engagement ring isn’t about financial return; it’s about personal meaning, emotion, and commitment. If your goal is to find a beautiful diamond that reflects your style and values, either option can be the perfect choice. Just approach it as a purchase from the heart, not the stock market.
Ethics and Sustainability
Sustainability and ethical sourcing have become essential considerations for many couples choosing their engagement rings today. It’s not just about how a diamond looks, it’s also about where it came from and how it was made.Natural Diamonds:
The natural diamond industry has made significant progress in recent years, particularly around conflict free sourcing and responsible mining practices.
Reputable suppliers follow the Kimberley Process and other certification standards to help ensure diamonds are not funding conflict.
The process of mining natural diamonds still raises environmental concerns. Land excavation, water usage, and habitat disruption are inherent parts of traditional mining, even when regulations are in place.
Ethical natural diamonds do exist, but it’s crucial to buy from retailers who can provide transparency about their supply chain.
Lab Grown Diamonds:
Lab grown diamonds eliminate the need for mining altogether, which removes many of the environmental and human rights concerns linked to traditional diamond sourcing.
Producing diamonds in a lab still requires energy: sometimes a substantial amount. The environmental footprint depends largely on the source of that energy.
Some manufacturers use renewable energy sources to create diamonds with a significantly lower carbon footprint, while others may rely on fossil fuels.
As the lab grown industry matures, sustainability standards are improving, and many brands are working to become fully carbon neutral.
Certification and Grading
Traditionally, both lab grown and natural diamonds have been graded using the same criteria: the 4Cs cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. Grading reports from trusted authorities like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI) have long served as the benchmark for verifying a diamond’s quality and authenticity.However, this landscape is about to change. Later this year, the GIA will discontinue using the 4Cs for lab grown diamonds, replacing them with a simpler system that classifies stones as either "Premium" or "Standard". While this new approach is intended to reduce consumer confusion, it has sparked some debate in the jewellery industry. Many professionals feel the 4Cs offer a clearer, more nuanced understanding of a diamond’s value, something that may be lost under the new system. Read our thoughts on this in our blog.
For lab grown diamonds that are still graded using the 4Cs (such as those certified by IGI or pre-change GIA reports), you’ll still see detailed breakdowns for each quality factor. This is often preferred by consumers who want transparency and the ability to compare across both lab grown and natural diamonds.
At Joshua James, we use both the GIA for grading our natural diamonds and the IGi for grading our lab grown diamonds.
Choosing Between Lab Grown and Natural
Ultimately, choosing between a lab grown and a natural diamond comes down to your personal values, budget, and what matters most to you in a piece of jewellery. Neither is better, they're simply different, and each has its own appeal.Choose a lab grown diamond if you:
- Want to maximise size or quality within your budget
- Prioritise ethical and sustainable sourcing with no mining involved
- Are comfortable knowing it may not hold long-term resale value
- Prefer transparency in grading (especially while detailed 4C reports are still available through IGI or pre-change GIA reports)
- Are drawn to the rarity and natural origin of an Earth formed gemstone
- Want a stone with stronger resale potential, especially in the case of rare, high-quality diamonds
- Appreciate traditional legacy and symbolism, including diamonds formed over billions of years
The Joshua James Approach
Because we sell both, we don’t steer customers toward one or the other. Instead, we focus on:Transparency: Clear labelling of every diamond
Quality: We handpick all stones to meet strict quality standards
Education: Our team is trained to help you understand the differences without pressure
We want your ring to feel just right, whether it’s lab grown or naturally formed, it should reflect your values and your love story.
FAQs
1. Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds? Yes. Lab grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin.
2. Will a lab grown diamond pass a diamond tester?
Yes, most modern testers will confirm that lab grown diamonds are indeed diamonds. However, older testers may confuse them with moissanite.
3. Do lab grown diamonds sparkle the same as natural ones?
Absolutely. Because they’re chemically identical, they reflect light in the same way.
4. Are lab grown diamonds ethical?
Generally, yes. They avoid the environmental and social issues associated with mining, though the ethics of energy use still apply.
5. Can I get insurance for a lab grown diamond ring?
Yes. Just like a natural diamond, lab grown diamonds can be insured for their full replacement value.
6. Do natural diamonds hold their value better?
Historically, yes but with some important context. Only rare or exceptional natural diamonds, such as those with large carat weights, flawless clarity, or unique colours, tend to maintain or appreciate in value over time. The majority of commercial grade natural diamonds typically resell for less than their original purchase price. So while natural diamonds have a stronger resale presence than lab grown stones, they shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as guaranteed investments.
7. How do I know if my diamond is lab grown or natural?
Check your certificate. All diamonds sold at Joshua James come with full certification detailing origin and grading.
8. Are lab grown diamonds flawless?
Not always. Just like natural diamonds, lab grown stones can have inclusions or blemishes. That’s why certification and grading are important.
9. Is it okay to mix lab grown and natural diamonds in one piece?
Of course! Many designs combine both, especially when mixing centre stones and accent diamonds. It’s entirely up to you.
10. Will lab grown diamonds become more popular in the future?
Trends suggest yes. As production methods improve and sustainability becomes more important, lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a lab grown and a natural diamond isn’t about which is better, it’s about what suits you best. Both are beautiful, durable, and meaningful in their own ways.At Joshua James, we’re here to help you find a ring that reflects your values, your style, and your story. Whether it's from the Earth or a high-tech lab, your diamond is still a symbol of something extraordinary: love.
Feel free to explore our full range of natural and lab grown diamond rings, or book a consultation to speak with one of our experts.
By Shaun Bell on 09/06/2025