Choosing the perfect diamond can be both exciting and overwhelming. While it’s easy to get caught up in the sparkle of each stone, understanding what goes into the creation and characteristics of each type can help you make a confident, well-informed choice. Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, a special milestone, or simply want to invest in a precious piece of jewelry, the first big question many people ask is: “Should I buy a natural diamond or a lab created one?”
Each option comes with its own benefits, value propositions, and unique features. The answer often depends on your personal preferences, budget, and long-term goals. After all, the right diamond should capture your individuality and lifestyle. In this post, we will discuss the differences between natural and lab created diamonds in detail, and also provide an overview of popular diamond shapes and cuts to help you navigate the dazzling world of diamonds.
As a diamond broker, our goal is always to guide you through the process of choosing the stone that is perfectly suited to you. We offer a range of natural and lab created diamonds, and we are here to answer any questions you may have about quality, sourcing, cost, and beyond. By the end of this post, you’ll not only know more about the differences between these two categories of diamonds, but also gain insights into the popular shapes that can bring a certain style and personality to your piece of jewelry.
Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds are the classic choice that most people think of when they envision a sparkling stone in a beautiful ring or pendant. Formed over millions of years deep within the Earth, natural diamonds are created under intense heat and pressure. These conditions compress carbon atoms in such a way that an extraordinary crystalline structure is formed. That slow, natural process is part of what gives each diamond its unique character. In fact, every natural diamond’s structure can reveal intricate details about its geological journey.
The Beauty of a Long Geological History
The Earth’s constant movement, combined with specific temperatures and pressures in the planet’s mantle, allows diamonds to form. Tectonic shifts and volcanic activity then bring them closer to the surface, where they can be mined and eventually cut, polished, and set into jewelry. Because the formation process takes such a long time and depends on many variables, each natural diamond has slight differences in clarity, color, and inclusions.
Many people are drawn to natural diamonds because these subtle variations connect them to the deep history of our planet. Holding a natural diamond is, in a way, holding a piece of Earth’s story, something that took nature millions of years to create. This unique factor often carries emotional resonance for those who choose natural diamonds.
Value and Appreciation Over Time
Another key point in favor of natural diamonds is their history of appreciating in value over the long term. While no one can guarantee that any particular diamond will always increase in price, past performance of natural diamonds often shows stable or rising values. This historical trend is tied to the relative rarity and the traditional place of natural diamonds in the global market. Owning a natural diamond can be viewed not only as a romantic gesture or a piece of sentimental jewelry, but also as a potential long-term investment.
Because they generally command higher prices than lab created diamonds, natural diamonds may come with a larger initial investment. However, for some buyers, especially those who appreciate the geological story and the prestige often associated with natural diamonds, the value is worth it. Being able to pass down a natural diamond to the next generation can also be a way of preserving both sentimental and market value.
Uniqueness and Personal Connection
Each natural diamond has its own set of internal characteristics, which gemologists refer to as “fingerprints.” These are tiny inclusions or formations that occur during the diamond’s creation process. While inclusions are often seen as imperfections, they are actually key indicators that confirm a diamond’s natural origin and uniqueness. Rather than diminishing the diamond’s beauty, subtle inclusions can serve as a special reminder that no two natural diamonds are exactly alike.
People who prefer a natural diamond often speak about the personal connection they feel, knowing that the diamond’s journey started millions of years ago, long before any human laid eyes on it. This connection can feel deeply meaningful, particularly for special occasions like engagements, weddings, or anniversaries.
Lab Created Diamonds
Lab created diamonds are a more recent phenomenon in the jewelry market, although the technology has been in development for decades. These diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultured diamonds, are grown in a laboratory setting through two primary methods: HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). Despite their origin, lab created diamonds have the same chemical structure—carbon atoms arranged in a diamond crystal—as natural diamonds. This means they possess the same brilliance, hardness, and sparkle that you’d expect from a diamond.
Controlled Creation for Exceptional Clarity
One of the key advantages of lab created diamonds is that their production happens in a controlled environment. Scientists can closely monitor temperature, pressure, and the chemical makeup required to grow a diamond. Because of this level of control, lab created diamonds often come out with fewer inclusions and higher clarity ratings. If you value a diamond with minimal internal characteristics or if you’re seeking a specific grade of color and clarity, lab created diamonds might be an excellent choice.
With that said, the creation process doesn’t guarantee absolute perfection. Just like natural diamonds, lab created stones can have minor variations and inclusions. But overall, the reduced external variables translate into a higher likelihood of attaining very high clarity and color grades.
Environmental Footprint and Ethical Considerations
Mining diamonds naturally can involve moving large amounts of earth, using heavy machinery, and affecting local ecosystems. Lab created diamonds, in contrast, remove the need for these more invasive mining processes. Because the stones are grown in a lab, there’s a significantly smaller physical footprint—there is less land excavation, and the carbon emissions tied to lab creation can be more easily managed than those associated with large-scale mining.
For many buyers who are concerned about environmental impact, labor conditions, and ethical sourcing, lab created diamonds offer a transparent supply chain. Consumers can be certain about where and how the diamond was made. For those who prioritize ethics and sustainability, a lab created diamond might feel like a better personal choice.
Cost Effectiveness
Since lab created diamonds grow within weeks or months (instead of millions of years) and do not demand the same kind of large-scale mining operations, they tend to be more affordable. On average, lab created diamonds can be priced 20% to 40% lower than comparable natural diamonds with the same carat weight and quality. The savings can be significant, allowing you to purchase a larger or higher-quality diamond for the same budget you might allocate for a natural stone.
This affordability can be a major draw, especially for those planning a wedding or other major event where costs can add up quickly. By opting for a lab created diamond, you might be able to allocate funds toward other areas of your celebration or consider more intricate custom settings.
Considering Long-Term Value
When it comes to long-term appreciation, lab created diamonds do not have the same track record as natural diamonds, simply because their market is comparatively new. Over time, lab created diamonds may experience fluctuations in value based on consumer demand, technology changes, and industry evolution. While they hold every characteristic of a “real” diamond, some buyers prioritize the proven value retention of natural stones. Others find the affordability, environmental benefits, and ethical assurance of lab created diamonds to be decisive factors, even if the market for these diamonds is still developing.
Making Your Choice
With such a wide range of diamonds available—both natural and lab created, and in various cuts—the decision can seem daunting. However, the most important thing is to reflect on your personal values, style preferences, and budget.
- Value Retention: If you strongly prioritize the potential for long-term appreciation or the romance associated with stones formed over millions of years, a natural diamond might be your best option. Their track record in the market suggests they can hold or even gain value over time.
- Ethical and Environmental Considerations: If you are highly concerned about minimizing your environmental impact or you want a guarantee on the origins of the diamond, lab created options offer a more transparent chain of custody. They also remove many of the complexities tied to diamond mining.
- Budget: Lab created diamonds can provide a cost-effective way to purchase a higher-carat or higher-quality stone without the same price tag as a similar natural diamond. On the other hand, if you have the budget and the emotional inclination, investing in a natural diamond can bring long-term value and the timeless appeal of an Earth-made gemstone.
- Sentimental Resonance: Personal stories often shape our choices. Some people feel a strong emotional attachment to the history and rarity of a natural diamond, while others connect more with the ethical and technological innovation of a lab created stone.
Remember, there’s no “wrong” choice when it comes to deciding between natural or lab created diamonds. Both are genuine diamonds with the same brilliance and beauty. Your choice depends on the factors you value most—like your budget, preferences, and conscience. Working with an experienced diamond broker who can show you the distinctions in person can often help clarify the decision. Being able to see stones side by side, comparing their clarity, color, and sparkle, is invaluable.
As you explore your options, don’t forget to pay attention to the overall piece of jewelry. The setting, metal choice, and design can all influence how the diamond appears on your hand or in your collection. White gold or platinum settings often emphasize the diamond’s brilliance, while yellow or rose gold settings create a warmer glow. Halo settings can amplify the perceived size of your center stone, and three-stone arrangements add extra sparkle and symbolism.
In addition, never underestimate the importance of certification. Whether you choose a natural or lab created diamond, request documentation from reputable gemological labs, such as the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or AGS (American Gem Society). These certifications provide peace of mind about the stone’s authenticity and characteristics, ensuring you know exactly what you’re purchasing.
Finally, remember that the perfect diamond is the one that tells your story. It’s the one that catches your eye and resonates with your heart. Diamonds are steeped in symbolism, tradition, and personal meaning, so let your individual style guide your decision. With the right knowledge, a trusted diamond broker, and a sense of what matters most to you, you can choose a diamond that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.