# Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds

## The Complete Comparison & Guide 

## Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

**Direct Answer:** Yes — lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. The only difference is origin.

-   Same carbon crystal structure (cubic crystalline carbon)
-   Same hardness: 10/10 on the Mohs scale
-   Same refractive index, brilliance, and fire
-   Certified by IGI and GIA using the same 4Cs framework as natural diamonds
-   The FTC recognizes lab-grown diamonds as real diamonds

## What is the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds?

**Direct Answer:** The only difference is origin. Natural diamonds form underground over billions of years; lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory in weeks using CVD or HPHT technology. Both are real diamonds.

-   **Origin:** Natural = Earth-formed over 1–3 billion years; Lab-grown = created in weeks
-   **Composition:** Identical — both are pure carbon crystal
-   **Price:** Lab-grown diamonds cost 50–80% less than comparable natural diamonds
-   **Certification:** Both certified by IGI and GIA using the same 4Cs grading
-   **Resale:** Natural diamonds have a stronger resale market

[See our CVD vs HPHT diamond guide →](/pages/cvd-vs-hpht-diamonds)

## Which is better: lab-grown or natural diamonds?

**Direct Answer:** Neither is objectively better — the right choice depends on your priorities. Lab-grown is better for value and size; natural is better for rarity and resale.

-   **Choose lab-grown if:** You want maximum size and quality within your budget, prioritize ethics, or don't plan to resell
-   **Choose natural if:** Geological rarity matters to you, or long-term resale value is a priority
-   Both are real diamonds — the decision is personal, not qualitative

## Are lab-grown diamonds cheaper? Why?

**Direct Answer:** Yes — lab-grown diamonds cost 50–80% less than natural diamonds of the same quality. The lower price reflects their origin, not their quality — the diamond itself is identical.

-   No mining, land rights, or extraction costs required
-   Scalable production drives prices down as technology improves
-   A 1.00ct lab-grown diamond (G, VS1, Excellent cut) costs a fraction of the equivalent natural stone
-   Lower price = larger, higher-quality diamond within the same budget

## Do lab-grown diamonds look different from natural diamonds?

**Direct Answer:** No — lab-grown and natural diamonds are visually indistinguishable to the naked eye, to jewelers, and to standard diamond testers. Only advanced spectroscopic equipment can tell them apart.

-   Identical brilliance, fire, and scintillation
-   Same color and clarity grading scale
-   A gemologist cannot distinguish them without specialized equipment
-   IGI certificates clearly state whether a diamond is lab-grown or natural

## Which certification is best for lab-grown diamonds?

**Direct Answer:** IGI (International Gemological Institute) is the industry standard for lab-grown diamond certification. All DEEVE lab-grown diamonds are IGI-certified.

-   IGI: largest volume of lab-grown grading globally, consistent and detailed reports
-   GIA: strongest for natural diamonds; also certifies lab-grown
-   Always verify the certificate at igi.org or gia.edu before purchasing

[See our full IGI certificate guide →](/pages/igi-certificate-explained)

## Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value?

**Direct Answer:** Lab-grown diamonds do not hold value as well as natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamond prices have dropped 50–80% over the past decade as production scales. Buy for beauty, not investment.

-   Natural diamonds: finite supply supports stronger long-term value retention
-   Lab-grown diamonds: prices continue to fall as production technology scales
-   The value of a lab-grown diamond is in the purchase price — not future resale

## Are lab-grown diamonds ethical?

**Direct Answer:** Yes — lab-grown diamonds have a transparent, traceable supply chain with no mining impact. They are the most ethical choice for buyers concerned about environmental and social impact.

-   No mining — eliminates land disruption, water use, and community displacement
-   Fully traceable origin — no conflict diamond risk
-   Lower carbon footprint than mined diamonds (especially with renewable energy production)

**Want the full scientific deep dive?** [Read our in-depth lab-grown vs natural diamond guide →](/blogs/diamond-education/lab-grown-vs-natural-diamonds-identical-structure-different-origins-a-scientific-review)

**Related:** [Diamond Buying Guide →](/pages/diamond-buying-guide) | [Diamond Basics FAQ →](/pages/diamond-basics-faq-2) | [Buying Decisions FAQ →](/pages/diamond-buying-decisions-faq) | [Diamond Education Hub →](/pages/diamond-education-hub)

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> Source: [DEEVE](deeve.ca/pages/lab-vs-natural-diamonds)