Natural or Lab-Grown? Understanding the Difference
A lab-grown diamond is a diamond. It shares the same chemical composition, optical properties and grading standards as a natural stone. The difference is origin.
Words
Erin Freeman
Photos
Erin Freeman
A lab-grown diamond is a diamond. It shares the same chemical composition, optical properties and grading standards as a natural stone. The difference is origin.
Natural diamonds form deep within the earth over billions of years, with rarity forming part of their story and value. Lab-grown diamonds are created above ground in controlled environments that recreate the heat and pressure needed for a diamond to form.
To the eye, there is no visible difference. Both are assessed by cut, colour, clarity and carat, and both can be exceptional stones.
Where lab-grown diamonds can offer something different is possibility. They can make larger sizes, unusual proportions, distinctive cuts and certain colours more accessible, opening up greater freedom when designing a piece around a particular idea or budget.
Some clients choose to work entirely with natural or lab-grown stones, while others combine the two to achieve the right scale, look or design outcome.
We work with both. Ultimately, the choice is less about one being better than the other, and more about finding the stone that makes sense for you and the piece we’re creating.
