Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds share the same chemical composition, crystal structure, hardness, and visual brilliance. The key difference is how they are formed.

Natural diamonds develop underground over billions of years through heat and pressure. Lab grown diamonds are created in advanced laboratories using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond growing process.

To the naked eye, they look the same. In fact, specialised equipment is generally required to identify whether a diamond is lab grown or natural.

For most buyers, the decision comes down to origin, budget, and personal preference.

Feature

 Lab Grown Diamonds

Natural Diamonds

Composition

Diamond crystal carbon structure

Diamond crystal carbon structure

Appearance

Bright, brilliant diamond appearance

Bright, brilliant diamond appearance

Hardness

10 on Mohs scale

10 on Mohs scale

Origin

Laboratory grown

Earth formed


What Is A Lab Grown Diamond?

A lab grown diamond is a diamond created using advanced technology that recreates the conditions under which diamonds naturally form.

Lab grown diamonds are not diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia or moissanite.

Lab grown diamonds offer the same brilliance, fire, sparkle, and durability that buyers expect from fine diamond jewellery.


What Is A Natural Diamond?

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the earth over billions of years through extreme heat and pressure.

These diamonds are mined, cut, polished, and graded before being sold as jewellery.

Many buyers appreciate the geological rarity and history associated with natural diamonds.


Why Buyers Choose Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds have become increasingly popular because they allow buyers to maximise their budget without compromising on beauty.

Benefits may include:

  • Access to larger carat weights
  • Higher colour and clarity grades within the same budget
  • Exceptional brilliance and durability
  • Modern luxury without the premium often associated with natural diamonds

This makes lab grown diamonds particularly popular for pieces such as diamond stud earrings and diamond tennis bracelets, where size and visual impact can be important considerations.


Do Lab Grown Diamonds Sparkle The Same?

Yes.

Because lab grown diamonds share the same optical properties as natural diamonds, they display the same brilliance, fire, and sparkle.

The quality of a diamond's cut has a much greater impact on its appearance than whether it was grown in a laboratory or formed naturally.


Are Lab Grown Diamonds Certified?

Yes.

Many lab grown diamonds are independently graded by recognised gemmological laboratories.

Certification provides an assessment of a diamond's characteristics, including:

  • Carat weight
  • Colour
  • Clarity
  • Cut quality

For loose diamonds, independent certification is common and allows buyers to verify a diamond's quality and characteristics.

At monemme, we believe certification should extend beyond loose stones. That's why every piece of jewellery includes certification, giving you confidence in the quality of the diamonds within your jewellery and providing documentation for future reference.

Independent certification helps buyers make informed purchasing decisions and compare diamonds with confidence.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can a jeweller tell the difference between a lab grown and natural diamond?
In most cases, specialised equipment is required to determine whether a diamond is lab grown or natural.

Are lab grown diamonds durable?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds have a hardness rating of 10 on the Mohs scale, making them suitable for everyday wear.

Do lab grown diamonds look different?
No. Lab grown diamonds display the same brilliance, fire, and sparkle as natural diamonds.

Are lab grown diamonds a good choice for diamond jewellery?
Many buyers choose lab grown diamonds for engagement rings, diamond stud earrings, and diamond tennis bracelets because they offer excellent value and visual impact.

Explore Mon Emme

Discover our collection of lab grown diamond jewellery, including diamond stud earrings and diamond tennis bracelets, crafted to bring everyday luxury within reach.

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