You have found a ring style you love. Then you get to the diamond, and there is one more thing to decide: lab-grown or natural?

You will see plenty of comparisons between the two, but when you’re choosing an engagement ring, you probably want a simple answer instead of a scientific one.

Will the ring look different? Why does one cost more? And what are you really paying for when you choose a natural diamond?

We’ll cover all of that, along with what you get with each option, so you can see which one makes sense for the ring you have in mind.

Quick Comparison: Lab-Grown Vs Natural Diamond

What matters to you	Lab-grown	Natural
Budget	More for your money	Higher spend
Origin	Grown in a lab	Formed in the earth
Rarity	More widely available	Naturally rare
Choice	More size or specs within budget	Wide choice of sizes and specs
Look & wear	Similar look, suitable for everyday wear	Similar look, suitable for everyday wear

 

What Really Changes If I Choose A Lab-Grown Diamond Instead Of A Natural One?

A lab-grown diamond is also a diamond, with essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as a natural diamond, according to GIA. You can choose the same diamond shapes, cuts, settings, and metals with either one.

The main change is actually the origin.

A natural diamond formed in the earth. A lab-grown diamond is grown in a laboratory with controlled settings. That difference also shows up in the price, with lab-grown diamonds usually costing less for similar characteristics.

For the ring you wear, though, many of the things you care about stay the same.

Why Choose A Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring?

A lab-grown diamond can give you more room within the budget you already have.

Say you have already decided how much you want to spend on the ring. With a lab-grown diamond, more of that budget can go toward the diamond itself. You could choose a larger center stone, the oval you have been eyeing, or the color and clarity you want, while keeping the ring within the amount you planned to spend.

You can also put that extra room toward the rest of the ring, such as the setting or the metal you prefer.

Will A Lab-Grown Engagement Ring Look Cheaper?

This is a common worry, especially when you see a big price difference between two diamonds. But the price alone doesn’t tell you how the finished ring will look.

GIA says lab-grown and natural diamonds with similar characteristics can be difficult to tell apart by eye. The cut of the diamond has a lot to do with how it handles light and how much sparkle you see.

The shape and setting also change the look of the finished ring. So when comparing rings, look at the actual diamonds rather than judging one by its origin.

Then Why Choose A Natural Diamond?

Some people value a diamond’s natural origin and rarity, even when a lab-grown diamond offers a similar look and everyday use.

That can be enough to make the higher price feel worth it. If the natural origin is something you care about, paying more for it may feel like part of the point of choosing that diamond in the first place.

A lab-grown diamond can give you a similar look for less, but it does not give you that same natural origin. For some buyers, that difference matters when they are choosing an engagement ring.

Which One Is Better for an Engagement Ring?

If you care most about…	Consider…
Keeping the ring within a lower budget	Lab-grown
Getting a larger center stone within your budget	Lab-grown
Having more room for your preferred color or clarity	Lab-grown
A diamond with a natural origin	Natural
Natural rarity and the history behind the stone	Natural
A similar look and everyday wear	Either

A lab-grown diamond makes sense when you want more flexibility with your budget. A natural diamond makes sense when its origin and rarity are important enough to you to pay more for.

FAQs

Do lab-grown diamonds come with grading reports?

Yes. You can get a grading report for a lab-grown diamond with details about its carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.

Does diamond shape affect whether lab-grown or natural is a better choice?

No. Both types come in the same shapes. The shape you choose is really about the look you want.

Can I get a lab-grown diamond in the same shapes and settings as a natural diamond?

Yes. You have the same choice of shapes and ring settings with a lab-grown diamond.

Can lab-grown diamonds have different colors and clarity grades?

Yes. You will find lab-grown diamonds in different color and clarity grades, so you’ll have plenty of options to compare.

Should I choose the diamond or the ring setting first?

Either is fine. If you choose the diamond first, its size and shape can help you decide on the setting. Starting with the setting works too.

Making the Right Choice for Your Engagement Ring

Both lab-grown and natural diamonds can make a beautiful engagement ring. The better fit depends on what matters most to you.

​Once you’ve chosen the diamond, you still have the ring to consider. The shape, setting, metal, and overall design all affect how the finished ring looks.

At CANDOR Diamonds, you can look through different engagement ring styles, diamond shapes, and designs to see what works for you.

Browse the CANDOR Diamonds collection.

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