Lab-grown and natural diamonds can look remarkably similar, but they differ significantly in how they are formed, their rarity, pricing and the factors buyers may consider when choosing between them.
If you are comparing diamonds for an engagement ring or fine jewellery, understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision.
In this guide, Alexander Jewellers in North Rocks, Sydney explains how lab-grown diamonds compare with natural diamonds, including their composition, appearance, certification, price considerations and long-term value.
Explore Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery or Find Your Perfect Diamond.
What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a diamond created in a controlled laboratory environment rather than formed naturally beneath the Earth's surface.
Lab-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds. Both consist predominantly of crystallised carbon and can display the hardness, brilliance and fire associated with diamond.
Lab-grown diamonds are not the same as diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia or moissanite.
What Is a Natural Diamond?
Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth under conditions of intense heat and pressure over geological timescales. They are brought closer to the surface through natural geological processes before being recovered through mining.
Their natural origin and finite geological supply are fundamental differences between natural and laboratory-grown diamonds.
Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Lab-Grown Diamond | Natural Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Created in a laboratory | Formed naturally within the Earth |
| Composition | Crystallised carbon | Crystallised carbon |
| Hardness | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
| Appearance | Can display the same optical characteristics as natural diamond | Traditional natural diamond appearance |
| Availability | Manufactured in controlled environments | Limited by natural geological supply |
| Price | Generally lower for comparable specifications | Generally higher for comparable specifications |
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds rather than diamond imitations.
They share essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds. The fundamental distinction is their origin: one is grown using technology in a laboratory environment, while the other forms naturally within the Earth.
This is different from materials such as cubic zirconia and moissanite, which have different chemical compositions and physical properties.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
Two principal technologies are used to grow diamonds in laboratories: HPHT and CVD.
HPHT – High Pressure High Temperature
HPHT uses very high pressure and temperature to create conditions in which carbon can crystallise around a diamond seed.
CVD – Chemical Vapour Deposition
CVD uses a carbon-containing gas in a controlled chamber. Carbon is deposited onto a diamond seed over time, allowing the diamond crystal to grow.
Neither method automatically determines whether one finished diamond will look better than another. Individual diamonds should be assessed according to their characteristics and grading information.
Can You Tell a Lab-Grown Diamond From a Natural Diamond?
It can be extremely difficult to distinguish a lab-grown diamond from a natural diamond through ordinary visual inspection alone.
Specialised gemmological equipment and testing methods can identify characteristics associated with a diamond's origin.
When purchasing a significant diamond, an independent grading report can provide important information about the stone and whether it is laboratory-grown or natural.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Graded?
Lab-grown diamonds can be assessed using familiar diamond characteristics including cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.
Independent gemmological laboratories, including GIA and IGI, issue reports for qualifying laboratory-grown diamonds. The exact terminology and grading information provided can vary between laboratories and over time, so buyers should review the report accompanying the individual diamond.
For engagement rings, don't choose on carat weight alone. Cut quality, proportions, dimensions and overall appearance can make a significant difference to how a diamond looks.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Sparkle Like Natural Diamonds?
They can. A lab-grown diamond can display the brilliance, fire and scintillation associated with diamond.
However, sparkle is not determined simply by whether a diamond is natural or laboratory-grown. The diamond's cut, proportions, shape and individual characteristics all influence its light performance.
If sparkle is important to you, compare the actual diamonds rather than relying solely on the grading report.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Cheaper Than Natural Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are generally priced lower than natural diamonds with broadly comparable characteristics. This can allow some buyers to consider a larger carat weight or different colour and clarity specifications within their budget.
However, diamond prices change and depend on many factors. There is no fixed percentage by which a lab-grown diamond will always cost less than a natural diamond.
Compare actual stones and current prices rather than relying on fixed discount claims.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Hold Their Value?
A diamond engagement ring should generally be purchased primarily as jewellery rather than as a financial investment.
Lab-grown and natural diamonds have different supply dynamics and secondary-market characteristics. The amount originally paid for a diamond should not be assumed to represent its future resale value.
If future resale value is important to you, discuss this before purchasing and avoid relying on guaranteed appreciation or investment claims.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds More Ethical or Sustainable?
There is no universal answer based solely on whether a diamond is lab-grown or natural.
Environmental and social impacts can depend on factors such as energy sources, manufacturing methods, mining practices, supply-chain standards and the individual producer.
For this reason, broad terms such as “ethical”, “sustainable”, “eco-friendly” or “carbon neutral” should be supported by specific information about the individual product and its supply chain.
If these factors are important to you, ask about the origin and available documentation for the particular diamond you are considering.
Which Diamond Shapes Are Available?
Lab-grown and natural diamonds are available in many popular shapes, including round, oval, pear, emerald, marquise, radiant and cushion.
The shape you choose can have a significant influence on the overall appearance of an engagement ring.
Read our Diamond Shapes Guide →
Lab-Grown or Natural Diamond: Which Should You Choose?
There is no single answer that suits every buyer.
A lab-grown diamond may appeal to you if:
- You want to explore a larger diamond or different specifications within a particular budget.
- You are comfortable choosing a technologically grown diamond.
- The geological rarity of a natural diamond is not a major priority for you.
A natural diamond may appeal to you if:
- Natural geological origin is important to you.
- You value the rarity and finite supply associated with natural diamonds.
- You specifically want a naturally formed stone for your engagement ring or jewellery.
Neither choice is automatically better. The right diamond depends on what matters most to you.
Choosing a Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring
Once you have chosen between laboratory-grown and natural, consider the diamond as a whole rather than focusing on a single specification.
Think about:
- Diamond shape
- Cut and proportions
- Colour
- Clarity
- Carat weight and face-up dimensions
- Engagement ring setting
- Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum
- Your overall budget
You can also compare how different settings affect the appearance and practicality of your ring.
Read: High-Set vs Low-Set Engagement Rings →
Shop Lab-Grown Diamonds in Sydney
Alexander Jewellers can help you compare lab-grown and natural diamonds for engagement rings and fine jewellery.
Visit our North Rocks, Sydney showroom to compare options in person, explore our current lab-grown diamond jewellery online, or speak with our team about creating a custom piece.
Shop Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery →
Visit Alexander Jewellers North Rocks →
Lab-Grown Diamond FAQs
Are lab-grown diamonds fake?
No. Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds. They should not be confused with diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia or moissanite.
Are lab-grown diamonds as hard as natural diamonds?
Diamond has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. Both laboratory-grown and natural diamonds have the characteristic hardness associated with diamond, although diamonds can still chip or suffer damage under certain conditions.
Can a jeweller identify a lab-grown diamond?
Determining origin may require specialised gemmological testing. A grading report can also identify whether a graded diamond is laboratory-grown or natural.
Is IGI certification available for lab-grown diamonds?
IGI provides grading reports for laboratory-grown diamonds. GIA also provides assessment services for laboratory-grown diamonds, although reporting terminology and formats can differ.
Are lab-grown diamonds suitable for engagement rings?
Yes. Their hardness and optical properties make lab-grown diamonds suitable for engagement rings and other fine jewellery.
Should I buy a lab-grown or natural diamond?
It depends on your priorities. Consider origin, rarity, specifications, appearance, current price and your personal preferences before deciding.
Reviewed by the Alexander Jewellers team in North Rocks, Sydney. Last updated: September 2026.
