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

When buying a diamond, you’ve got two options: lab-grown or natural. Both sparkle. Both shine. But there are key differences. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what sets these two diamonds apart, so you can better choose the diamond that best suits your style, preferences, and budget.

What Are Natural Diamonds?

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over billions of years. Extreme heat and pressure turn carbon into these sparkling stones. Then they’re carried to the surface through volcanic activity, where they’re eventually mined. Major diamond mining sites include regions like Botswana, Australia, Russia, and Canada, each known for producing high-quality stones. Each natural diamond is a rare, one-of-a-kind creation of nature, often admired not just for its beauty, but for the extraordinary journey it took to exist.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory environment using technology that replicates the natural diamond formation process. Unlike natural diamonds that form over millions of years, lab-grown diamonds can be made within months or weeks. The result? A beautiful, sustainable gemstone with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. Today, lab-grown diamonds have gained significant popularity in Australia, thanks to their lower environmental impact and more accessible price points.

Can You Tell the Difference?

Not by looking at it. Both are chemically, physically, and optically identical, offering the same sparkle, hardness, and beauty. Even trained jewellers often need specialised equipment like microscopes or spectrometers to detect subtle growth patterns or trace elements that hint at a diamond’s origin. So, unless you're using advanced gemological tools, a lab-grown diamond will look just like a natural one. The main distinction lies not in appearance, but in origin.

Which One Is Cheaper?

Lab-grown diamonds are usually more affordable, with prices typically ranging from 60% to 80% lower than their natural counterparts. You can often get a bigger or better-quality stone for less money. That means more sparkle for your budget. At DX Diamonds, we offer stunning lab-grown diamonds that make luxury more accessible, perfect if you're shopping for an engagement ring in Australia.

What About GIA Certificates?

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is one of the most respected diamond grading laboratories in the world. It provides detailed, unbiased reports on a diamond’s cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, collectively known as the 4Cs.

In recent years, the GIA has expanded its certification services to include lab-grown diamonds, clearly labelling them as such in the report. While the evaluation process is just as rigorous, the certificate will specify that the diamond was grown using either Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) methods.

Having a GIA certificate ensures transparency and protects you as a buyer. Whether you’re purchasing a mined or lab-created stone, always request a GIA or IGI certificate to verify the diamond’s quality and authenticity.

Are Lab Diamonds Real?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are just as real as natural ones. Unlike cubic zirconia or moissanite, which are diamond simulants designed to mimic the appearance of diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are made of pure crystallised carbon, just like their natural counterparts. In short, they’re real diamonds, just made differently. They have the same fire, brilliance, and structure.

Which Diamond Is Better?

That depends on what matters to you. Some people love natural diamonds because they’re rare and formed by nature. Others prefer lab diamonds because they’re ethical, modern, and more affordable. At DX Diamonds, we offer both options, so you can choose what fits your values, style, and budget best.

Let’s Talk Ethics

Lab diamonds don’t involve mining, which means significantly less environmental impact and no risk of conflict diamonds. In fact, they are widely considered conflict-free diamonds. Many couples in Australia now choose lab-created stones not only for their quality and value but also for the peace of mind they bring. They’re looking for ethical engagement rings as symbols of their commitment that align with their values and leave a lighter footprint on the planet.

What About Value?

Natural diamonds tend to hold their value better over time due to their rarity and longstanding status as heirloom-worthy gems. Lab-grown diamonds, while chemically identical, may depreciate more quickly. However, if you’re buying for love rather than resale, lab diamonds still offer exceptional beauty and brilliance. They’re also a popular choice for those seeking affordable engagement rings in Australia without compromising on quality or ethical standards.

What Do Australians Prefer?

More Aussies are choosing lab-grown diamonds these days. They love the price, the ethics, and the stunning look. But natural diamonds are still popular for traditional buyers. It really depends on your style and values.

What Does DX Diamonds Offer?

At DX Diamonds, we offer both. Whether you want a natural diamond or a lab-grown one, we’ve got it. Our team will help you compare options, answer questions, and find the right fit for your love story. We specialise in conflict-free diamonds and proudly offer a curated selection of ethical engagement rings, crafted with care, transparency, and exceptional quality. 

So, What’s Your Pick?

There’s no wrong choice. Both are beautiful. Both can be forever. It just comes down to what feels right for you. Whether you're drawn to the timeless allure of a natural diamond or the ethical appeal and modern brilliance of a lab-grown diamond, your decision should reflect your values, lifestyle, and love story.

Take your time, ask questions, and choose with confidence. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the diamond, it’s about the meaning you give it. And whichever path you take, DX Diamonds is here to help you find the one that shines as brightly as your commitment.

FAQs

1. Do lab diamonds sparkle like natural diamonds?

Absolutely. Lab diamonds sparkle just like natural diamonds. You won’t notice a difference with the naked eye.

 2. Are lab diamonds certified?

Yes. Reputable gemological labs such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) evaluate lab diamonds using the same strict criteria: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight (the 4Cs).

3. Are natural diamonds more valuable?

In most cases, yes. Natural diamonds often hold their value better over time due to their rarity.

4. Are lab-grown diamonds better for the environment?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds use less land and water. They also don’t involve mining.

5. Can I get an engagement ring with a lab diamond?

Definitely. DX Diamonds offers stunning engagement rings with lab-grown diamonds in many styles and settings.

6. How do I choose between lab and natural?

It depends on your values, budget, and personal taste. If you're looking for a stone with long-term diamond value and a sense of rarity, a natural diamond might be the right fit. On the other hand, if you value sustainability, ethical sourcing, or want more size and sparkle for your budget, a lab-grown diamond offers incredible beauty with a lighter environmental footprint.