Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds: The Sparkly Showdown That Actually Matters
Trying to choose between a lab grown and a natural diamond? You’re not alone. If you’ve been browsing engagement rings or diamond jewellery lately, chances are you’ve stumbled across both options and are wondering: what’s the difference, does it actually matter, and which one is right for you?
At Joshua James, we offer both lab grown and natural diamonds. Why? Because we believe our job isn’t to steer you in one direction, but to help you understand the facts clearly, so you can make a decision that reflects your values, your style, and your budget. No fluff, no bias, just real advice.
So, let’s get into it. Here’s everything you need to know about lab grown versus natural diamonds, written in plain English and backed by real-world insight.
What Are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are Earth’s original treasure. Formed deep beneath the surface over billions of years, they are created through extreme pressure and heat, eventually surfacing thanks to volcanic activity. Every natural diamond is a tiny piece of geological history, completely unique and shaped by nature’s unpredictable hand.
They are made entirely from carbon, just like their lab grown counterparts, but each one tells a story that spans the history of our planet. It is why many people see natural diamonds not just as jewellery, but as symbols of legacy, longevity, and tradition.
Can You Spot the Difference Between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds?
To the naked eye, absolutely not.
Lab grown and natural diamonds are both graded using the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. They both offer the same sparkle, fire, and brilliance. You can find flawless D colour stones in either type, and even trained jewellers need advanced tools to detect any differences.
The only subtle difference lies in how they form. Lab grown diamonds may have slightly different inclusions, such as metallic traces from the CVD process, but you would never notice them without magnification. So from a visual and wearability standpoint, they are completely interchangeable.
Price: Why Lab Grown Diamonds Offer More for Your Money
This is where things get interesting. Lab grown diamonds can cost up to 80 to 90 percent less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality.
Let’s break that down with a real example. If your budget is £2,500, you could choose:
- A 1.00 carat natural diamond with a H colour, SI2 clarity, and a Good cut.
- Or a 2.00 carat lab grown diamond with a D colour, Internally Flawless clarity, and an Ideal cut.
That is a significant difference in both size and quality for the same spend. And it is not about compromising either. Lab grown diamonds are not synthetic imitations; they are real diamonds with real value, especially for buyers who want more sparkle for less money.
