When you choose an engagement ring, it should tell a story—your love story. Whether it reflects a timeless, enduring history or a fun, adventurous journey together, your ring should be as special as your relationship.
As you begin shopping, the 4 Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight) are the obvious considerations. But one thing you may not have thought about is whether your beloved’s engagement ring will be a natural or lab-grown diamond.
While both options are authentic and look identical, it’s important to understand the difference between them when making your final decision. The true distinction really lies in origin, price, and your personal values. In this blog, we’ll examine the similarities and differences between the two to help you make a clear and informed decision about your engagement ring purchase.
What is a Natural Diamond?
The natural diamond engagement ring begins its journey 140 to 200 km below the Earth’s surface, in the mantle, where carbon atoms crystallize under temperatures exceeding 1,000°C and immense pressure. These diamonds form a natural crystal lattice, making them one of the strongest materials on Earth. Over the course of 1 to 3 billion years, these diamonds are eventually forced to the surface by volcanic eruptions.
Known as nature’s time capsules, natural diamonds bear subtle quirks in colour, clarity, and crystal pattern that tell their story. Many contain microscopic inclusions, or “fingerprints,” that indicate natural origin. While most are near colourless, they can also occur in shades of yellow, brown, blue, green, and even pink.
What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Created in high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical-vapour-deposition (CVD) reactors, lab-grown diamonds are produced in precisely controlled environments over just 2 to 6 weeks. This process meticulously builds the diamond, atom by atom, resulting in a gemstone that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a natural diamond.
HPHT Lab Diamonds
The HPHT process mimics the extreme conditions natural diamonds undergo. A tiny diamond seed is placed in a pressurized chamber and subjected to heat to over 2,000°C and 1.5 million psi of pressure. Carbon atoms then bond to the seed, crystallizing into a larger diamond.
CVD Lab Diamonds
In this method, a thin piece of diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber filled with a carbon-rich gas mixture—typically methane and hydrogen. The gas is heated to break down the molecules, allowing the carbon atoms to settle onto the seed layer by layer until the diamond reaches its desired size. Some CVD diamonds then undergo additional pressure and heat treatment to enhance their properties.
Both HPHT and CVD methods create diamonds that are virtually indistinguishable from natural stones. Thanks to the precision and repeatability of these processes, lab-grown diamond engagement rings offer a modern, high-quality, and more affordable alternative.
Fact vs. Fiction
Before you decide between a lab-grown and natural diamond engagement ring, let’s clear the air with some myth-busting fact and fiction:
Fiction: Lab-grown diamonds are “fake.”
Fact: Lab-grown diamonds carry the same strong crystal lattice—scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale—and are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.
Fiction: Natural diamonds always gain value.
Fact: As with any natural resource, the markets are unpredictable. The value of diamonds fluctuates with supply and fashion.
Fiction: Lab-grown diamonds look different from natural diamonds.
Fact: With the naked eye, even experts can’t tell the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds. It requires specialized equipment to distinguish between them.
Fiction: Lab-grown diamonds are flawless.
Fact: Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can contain inclusions and quirks, making them as unique as their owner.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings: The Similarities & Differences
| Factor | Natural Diamonds | Lab-Grown Diamonds |
| Durability | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
| Brilliance | Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 | Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 |
| Colour | Typically colourless, but can also occur in yellow, blue, brown, and pink | Typically colourless, but can also occur in many colour options that are often more vibrant than natural options |
| Grading | Graded on the 4 Cs: Cut, colour, clarity, and carat | Graded on the 4 Cs: Cut, colour, clarity, and carat |
| Certification | Certified by reputable gemological institutions | Certified by reputable gemological institutions |
| Origin | Formed deep in the Earth over billions of years, mined, cut, and polished | Grown in controlled laboratories over several days to weeks, then cut and polished |
| Rarity | Limited quantities based on geological conditions | Can be produced in increasing quantities as technology advances |
| Price | Higher cost due to mining and rarity | Lower cost due to availability |
The Benefits of Choosing a Natural Diamond Engagement Ring
Heritage
For history buffs and those seeking a connection to nature, a natural diamond engagement ring offers a tangible link to billions of years of the Earth’s past.
Storytelling
If you’re looking for an “Of the Earth” origin story for your engagement ring, natural diamonds deliver with their long road to your finger. These diamonds evoke tradition, romance, and timeless elegance.
The Benefits of Choosing a Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring
Affordability
For those who are looking to get more for their money, a 2-carat lab-grown diamond can often cost less than a 1-carat natural stone. Lab-grown diamonds make it easier than ever to own a stunning, high-quality ring without compromising on size or beauty.
Innovative Appeal
Perfect for tech-savvy couples looking to embrace the future. Lab-grown diamonds embody the science and modern craftsmanship behind each stone.
Your Diamond, Your Way
When it comes to choosing between a natural or lab-grown diamond for your engagement ring, the right choice is always the one that reflects your values, style, and story. It’s your love story—we’re simply here to help you tell it.
When you work with the team at Modern Diamond Brokers, we’ll guide you through every step of creating a one-of-a-kind engagement ring. With personalized design, expert advice, and no unnecessary markups, we make the process as seamless and meaningful as the ring itself.
Because in the end, it’s about one thing: your love story, above all else. Contact Modern Diamond Brokers to get started.