If you’re shopping for an engagement ring, you’ve likely looked at some “lab-grown Diamonds.” Once a niche alternative, lab-created Diamonds have become a major player in today’s fine jewelry market. For many couples, choosing between lab-grown and natural Diamonds comes down to a few main differences: price, origin, sustainability, and sentiment.

So, what’s the real difference? And is one option better than the other? This piece will examines lab-grown and natural Diamonds to help you better decide which one you want for your loved one or yourself!

Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Real Diamonds

Let’s clear up one common misconception: lab-grown Diamonds are not fake. They’re chemically and physically identical to natural Diamonds; only their origins differ. Natural Diamonds are formed deep underground over billions of years, while lab-grown Diamonds are produced in high-tech labs over several weeks. The Federal Trade Commission officially recognizes lab-grown Diamonds as real Diamonds, with the requirement that their origin as laboratory grown must be disclosed.

Lab-created Diamonds are made using one of two methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both result in Diamonds that match natural ones in many aspects, requiring gemologists to use specialized tools to distinguish them.

HPHT Diamonds should be examined with high magnification viewing as they often have lower clarity and more instances of inclusions, usually leftover remnants of the metallic catalysts used for growth. This can limit types of cuts available, but this is the less expensive of the two lab-grown options as CVD Diamonds, the more expensive option, require more post-growth treatment for refining qualities.

Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Cost Less

Lab-created stones typically cost less than comparable natural Diamonds. This is because natural Diamonds are rare, formed naturally over millions of years, and expensive to extract, while lab-grown Diamonds are more quickly produced in controlled conditions.

While lab-grown diamonds offer better upfront value, their resale potential is significantly lower than that of natural diamonds, and trade-in options are typically unavailable. As production increases with more factories coming online, prices for lab-grown diamonds continue to decline. If you're prioritizing long-term value or heirloom quality, natural diamonds remain the clear choice.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

For many shoppers, the appeal of lab-grown Diamonds comes down to sustainability. Both types of Diamonds, particularly those that have been certified, offer good sourcing options.

Natural Diamonds provided from suppliers that participate in ethical mining practices under the Kimberley Process and sold by reputable jewelers also offer GIA certification.

This portion of the decision-making process highlights the importance of shopping with a local jeweler, giving you the chance to compare both types in person, ask questions, and find a ring you’ll love for a lifetime.

Certification and Quality Are Both Important

Both natural and lab-grown Diamonds should be certified by established grading organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) for natural or lab grown diamonds or International Gemological Institute (IGI) for lab grown only.

Certification guarantees experts have evaluated your Diamond for the four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

The GIA now offers specific grading reports for lab-grown Diamonds that identify their characteristics. Buying a certified stone helps ensure you get exactly what you pay for; however, the GIA will no longer be grading lab grown Diamonds to the same color/clarity standards as natural diamonds since most lab grown produced are similar in color and clarity.

For either a natural or lab-grown Diamond, you must consider who you are buying from. A knowledgeable local jeweler will walk you through your options, explain any certifications, and help you match the right stone to the cut you want.

The Sentimental Factor

Picking an engagement ring is more than a financial or environmental choice; it’s also deeply personal. Many people love the idea of a Diamond formed over millions of years, forged under the pressure of the Earth. Others appreciate the innovation and science behind lab-created stones.

For this decision, what matters most is what feels meaningful to you and your partner. Both types of Diamonds symbolize love, commitment, and a shared future.

If you’re unsure, visiting a trusted local jeweler can help. Seeing both options in person allows you to compare sparkle, style, and price firsthand before making your decision. You might even find that your preference changes once you see the rings in real life.

Explore Natural Diamond and Lab-Grown Rings at Colonial Jewelers

At Colonial Jewelers in Frederick, Maryland, we’re proud to offer a curated selection of both natural and lab-grown Diamond rings. Our experienced staff will guide you through the differences, answer your questions, and help you find a ring that’s just right for you.

Visit us in-store to examine your options, or contact us online or at (301) 663-9252 to schedule a personalized consultation. We’re ready to help you make a confident, meaningful choice.