Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamond — What's the Difference?
Share
One of the most common questions we hear at Gallo Jewelry is: "What's the difference between a lab-grown and a natural diamond?" The answer might surprise you — and it could significantly impact your purchasing decision. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds — not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They have the exact same chemical composition (pure carbon), crystal structure, and physical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin: natural diamonds form deep in the Earth over billions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory environment in weeks.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
There are two primary methods for growing diamonds in a lab:
- HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature): Mimics the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the Earth, using extreme heat and pressure to crystallize carbon into diamond.
- CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): A carbon-rich gas is introduced into a chamber and deposited layer by layer onto a diamond seed, growing the crystal over time.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes, absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds are graded by the same gemological laboratories (GIA, IGI) using the same 4 Cs criteria as natural diamonds. They are visually, chemically, and physically identical — even a gemologist cannot tell them apart with the naked eye.
Price Difference
Lab-grown diamonds are typically 50-70% less expensive than comparable natural diamonds. This means you can get a significantly larger or higher quality diamond for the same budget — a 2-carat lab-grown diamond might cost the same as a 1-carat natural diamond of similar quality.
Which Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your priorities:
- If maximum size and value matter most, lab-grown diamonds offer exceptional value.
- If the natural origin and rarity are important to you, natural diamonds carry that unique story of being formed in the Earth over billions of years.
At Gallo Jewelry, we offer both GIA-certified natural diamonds and IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds, and our experts can help you make the best choice for your budget and values. Explore our diamond collection today.