Natural and lab-grown diamonds
Neither is better. It comes down to what matters most to you.
From the CTJ Jewellery team, led by founder Greg Ward
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as natural diamonds. The primary difference is origin: natural diamonds formed underground over billions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments.
Where each diamond comes from
Formed over billions of years
Carbon crystallised under extreme heat and pressure deep below the surface, then carried up by volcanic activity. Natural diamonds are valued for this geological rarity.
Grown in weeks
A diamond seed is grown either by recreating the earth’s heat and pressure (HPHT) or by building carbon layer by layer from a gas (CVD). Because they can be grown predictably and quickly, they sit at a lower price.
Side by side
| Characteristic | Natural | Lab-grown |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Formed in the earth over billions of years | Created in a controlled laboratory environment |
| Material | Pure crystallised carbon | Pure crystallised carbon |
| Properties | Diamond: same physical, chemical and optical properties | Diamond: same physical, chemical and optical properties |
| Hardness | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
| Grading report | GIA or IGI, origin stated | IGI or GIA, origin stated |
| Valued for | Geological rarity | Size and quality for the budget |
| Price | Higher, reflecting rarity | Lower, as they can be grown predictably and quickly |
How to tell them apart
Not by eye. Specialist laboratory equipment detects tiny differences in growth pattern and trace elements. GIA and IGI grading reports state the origin, and lab-grown diamonds graded by GIA and IGI carry a girdle inscription saying so.
How we help you choose
Start with your priorities
Rarity and origin, size, quality or budget. Once we know what matters most to you, the choice becomes much clearer.
Compare real diamonds
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds vary in quality and light performance. We show you both side by side, so you are not choosing on a grading report alone.