Diamonds · 4 min read · Published
Natural or lab-grown diamond: how to choose
Both are real diamonds. The difference is where they come from, how rare they are and what that means for the ring you are buying.
What they have in common
A lab-grown diamond is carbon in the same crystal form as a natural diamond. It is as hard, it is cut and polished the same way, and to the eye the two look alike. Telling them apart takes laboratory equipment.
Where they differ
- Origin. A natural diamond formed deep in the earth over a billion years or more, and was brought to the surface by volcanic activity. A lab-grown diamond is produced in weeks, by one of two industrial processes known as HPHT and CVD.
- Rarity. Each natural diamond is one of a kind, and there is a limited supply. Lab-grown diamonds can be made to order in any quantity.
- Price over time. Lab-grown diamonds cost much less than natural diamonds of the same grade, and their prices have fallen sharply in recent years as production has grown. A natural diamond costs more to begin with because it is rare.
- The report. A grading report always states which one the diamond is. A natural diamond's report from GIA, IGI or HRD records its carat weight, colour, clarity and measurements, and the report number can be checked with the laboratory.
Which is right for you
If the largest diamond for the budget matters most, a lab-grown diamond gives more size for the money. If you want a diamond that formed in the earth, is the only one of its kind and comes with an independent natural-diamond report, choose natural.
What we sell
Lavandela sets natural diamonds only. Every diamond in our live list is independently graded, is shown with its own photograph or video where the supplier has provided one, and arrives with its grading report. Our guide to grading reports explains how to read one.
