Lab diamond vs. natural diamond: what is the difference?

As a jewellery maker I am asked this question very often: “Is a lab diamond real?” The short answer is yes, but there is more to it. In this post I explain the difference so you can make a well informed choice for your piece of jewellery.

The natural diamond

A natural diamond forms deep within the earth, under enormous pressure and heat, over millions of years. Each stone is unique: no two are identical. They are mined, cut and polished before they end up in a piece of jewellery. That long, earthly journey gives a natural diamond a story, a piece of nature that you carry with you.

The lab diamond

A lab diamond is made in a laboratory, but that does not mean it is fake. Its chemical composition is identical to that of a mined diamond: pure carbon, the same crystal structure, the same hardness. The only difference is its origin. The process takes a few weeks rather than millions of years, but the result is a real diamond. Not glass, not cubic zirconia.

Can you see the difference?

With the naked eye it is impossible to tell them apart. Even an experienced jeweller cannot distinguish them without specialised equipment. Both stones are equally brilliant, equally hard and equally beautiful. The only thing that truly sets them apart is their origin, and that is sometimes engraved in the stone itself, microscopically small.

What about the price?

Lab diamonds are considerably less expensive, on average 50 to 80 percent less than a comparable mined diamond. That makes it possible to choose a larger or higher quality stone for the same budget. Do you want an impressive solitaire ring or a sparkling engagement ring without the price of a mined diamond? Then a lab diamond is a smart choice.

And sustainability?

Lab diamonds are often considered more sustainable because no mining is involved. That is partly true: there is no ground disturbance or social impact linked to extraction. But the energy demand of the laboratory process is also considerable. It is a conscious choice that suits those who want less impact on nature, though even that deserves some nuance.

Which one do I choose?

I work with both and I always leave that choice to the client. What I always do is tell you honestly what you are buying. Because whether it is a mined diamond or a lab diamond: the piece of jewellery you wear should suit you. Some people value the earthly origin and the story of millions of years. Others want a large, perfect stone at a fair price. Neither choice is wrong.

Are you unsure which stone best suits your piece of jewellery? Feel free to get in touch. I am happy to help you choose based on your budget, style and wishes. Every piece of jewellery begins with a good conversation.