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Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds: How Do They Compare?

Written by Kristin Driver

Updated Jan 22 | 3 minute read

Jewelry
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    You've probably heard that lab-grown diamonds can be a great option if you're looking for a gem with all the sparkle of a diamond but without the high cost to your wallet (or the environment). But what are the key differences between a lab grown diamond vs natural diamonds? Let's take a look.

    What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

    A perfect blend of sparkle, science, and sustainability, lab grown diamonds are created using high-tech processes that replicate the way diamonds are made by the Earth. These are not “imitation" diamonds like cubic zirconia, but rather gems that are manmade with the same (or better) properties as diamonds mined from the Earth. The only real difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is where they come from.

    Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?

    Yes, lab-grown diamonds are, technically, real diamonds. The biggest difference is that one was formed naturally over millions of years, and the other was created in a lab over just a few weeks. You can't tell them apart with the naked eye, and even experts need special tools to spot the difference.

    Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds Comparison Chart

    FEATURE

    LAB-GROWN DIAMOND

    NATURAL DIAMOND
    Cost/Price 30-70% less than natural diamonds More costly due to rarity and mining costs
    Lifetime Value Great value, but resale options are still growing Retains value better in the long run
    Chemical Composition 100% pure carbon 100% pure carbon
    Shine Same sparkle and brilliance Same sparkle and brilliance
    Clarity Often clearer with fewer imperfections Can have natural inclusions
    Color Made to order in specific colors Natural variations; rare fancy colors are expensive
    Hardness 10/10 on the Mohs scale 10/10 on the Mohs scale
    Durability Durable for everyday wear Durable for everyday wear
    Certification Certified by labs like GIA and IGI Certified by labs like GIA and IGI
    Traceability Fully traceable; you know where it came from Harder to track origins
    Environmental Impact Eco-friendly; no mining involved Mining can have a big environmental footprint

    How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?

    Scientist have been studying diamond creation and making them in labs since the 1950s. There are two common methods used to grow diamonds in a lab setting:

    1. High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT): HPHT is a process that applies very high pressure and heat to a diamond seed to create diamonds, just like the Earth's crust does. The diamond seed is placed in a chamber and the high pressure and heat bond the atoms in the chamber to the seed, creating a diamond.

    2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): This is a high-tech approach where a diamond seed grows layer by layer in a chamber filled with carbon gas. It's sort of like 3D printing but for diamonds, and the results are known for producing super clear and consistent results.

    Alternatives to Lab-Grown Diamonds

    Lab grown diamonds are not diamond simulants. Some gems look like diamonds, but they don't have the same exact same characteristics. Gems that are sometimes confused with diamonds include:

    • Moissanite
    • White sapphire
    • Cubic-zirconia
    • White topaz
    • Zircon

    These gemstones are all softer than diamonds (whether lab created or natural). And while they all range from colorless to near colorless none have the fire and refractive index of diamonds (with the exception of moissanite - which is actually higher).

    Finding the Right Diamond for You

    Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds that are as hard and as sparkly as natural diamonds. Whether you're looking for lab grown diamonds or natural diamonds, the perfect stone is the one that sparks joy. And if you're looking for a deal from reputable jewelers, checkout today's deal on Marketplace, where our partners come together to offer limited time deals on brands you love.

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    Kristin Driver

    Kristin Driver is a Content Specialist with Synchrony and has a background in content strategy, planning, and production. As an expert in health and wellness and financial topics, her work has been published on Synchrony, Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, Stanford Health Care, Risk & Insurance, Modern Health Care, Risk Insider, CIO Review, and more.

    *The information, opinions and recommendations expressed in the article are for informational purposes only. Information has been obtained from sources generally believed to be reliable. However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, or any other, Synchrony does not provide any warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any information for its intended purpose or any results obtained from the use of such information. The data presented in the article was current as of the time of writing. Please consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented.
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