What's the same
Can you tell?
One is natural, one is lab-grown. Which is which?
Look closely, then tap the one you think is lab-grown.
- Chemistry: pure carbon in a cubic crystal structure.
- Hardness: 10 on the Mohs scale — the hardest material for everyday wear.
- Look: identical to the eye. Telling them apart takes specialist lab equipment.
- Grading: both are graded on the 4Cs by independent labs.
What's different
| Feature | Natural | Lab-grown |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Formed deep in the earth over billions of years | Grown in weeks under controlled conditions replicating nature |
| Rarity | Finite and rare | Can be produced to order |
| Price | Higher | Typically far less for the same 4Cs |
| Resale value | Holds some value | Resale market is limited |
| Certification at Candor | Primarily GIA | IGI |
| Report states origin | Yes | Yes — "Laboratory-grown" is printed on the report and often laser-inscribed on the girdle |
Origin
NaturalFormed deep in the earth over billions of years
Lab-grownGrown in weeks under controlled conditions replicating nature
Rarity
NaturalFinite and rare
Lab-grownCan be produced to order
Price
NaturalHigher
Lab-grownTypically far less for the same 4Cs
Resale value
NaturalHolds some value
Lab-grownResale market is limited
Certification at Candor
NaturalPrimarily GIA
Lab-grownIGI
Report states origin
NaturalYes
Lab-grownYes — "Laboratory-grown" is printed on the report and often laser-inscribed on the girdle
How lab diamonds are grown
Two methods: HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) recreates the conditions of the earth's mantle; CVD (chemical vapour deposition) builds the crystal layer by layer from carbon-rich gas. Both produce real diamond. The method may be stated on the report.
Which should you choose?
- Choose natural if rarity, heritage and long-term value matter most to you.
- Choose lab-grown if you want the most size and quality for your budget.
- Either way, insist on an independent certificate that states the origin.
Our promise
We deal in both, and we always state the origin clearly. Every diamond comes with an independent report you can verify.