Types of Diamonds

Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds are Earth’s oldest treasures, formed over billions of years under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s mantle. Composed of nearly pure carbon, they are the hardest natural substance on the planet and the only gemstone made of a single element. Their rarity, durability, and natural beauty have made them symbols of enduring love and legacy, often passed down from generation to generation.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds share the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin: these diamonds are created above ground using advanced technology that replicates the natural growth process. Because lab diamonds are more abundant, they are typically more affordable, offering exceptional value without compromising quality or brilliance.

Can you tell the difference? Side by side, even trained gemologists need specialized tools to distinguish between the two. Both options offer timeless beauty — the choice comes down to what matters most to you: rarity, budget, sustainability, or tradition.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?

Yes — lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. The only difference is where they begin. Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth over billions of years. Lab grown diamonds are created in modern laboratories that replicate the same temperature and pressure conditions.

Chemically, physically, and optically, they are identical. They have the same brilliance, hardness, and fire that make diamonds so captivating. To the naked eye, even trained jewelers cannot tell them apart without advanced testing equipment.

A lab grown diamond is not a substitute — it’s a genuine diamond, grown in a different setting but held to the same high standards. Just like natural diamonds, lab diamonds are graded by trusted institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) for cut, color, clarity, and carat.

With lab grown diamonds, you're not compromising on beauty or authenticity — you're choosing a modern, ethical alternative that brings more sparkle for your investment.

Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds

The only real difference between natural and lab grown diamonds lies in their origins. Both are made of the same material — carbon — and are chemically, physically, and optically identical. However, their journey to becoming the sparkling gems we admire is distinct.

Origin Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth over billions of years, under extreme heat and pressure. In contrast, lab grown diamonds are created in weeks to months in a controlled laboratory environment using diamond seeds, but the process mimics the natural one.

Price Lab grown diamonds are often more affordable than their natural counterparts. They provide the same brilliance and beauty, but at a fraction of the price. This makes them an attractive option for those who want to experience the luxury of diamonds without the premium price tag.

Rarity Natural diamonds are far rarer than lab grown diamonds, which is why they have long been considered symbols of luxury and lasting value. Their scarcity contributes to their elevated status and has made them cherished heirlooms passed down for generations. Lab grown diamonds, though more accessible, still carry the same quality and shine, offering modern elegance at a more attainable cost.

How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?

Lab grown diamonds begin as tiny carbon seeds from existing diamonds, and through innovative techniques, they evolve into the beautiful gemstones we know and love. There are two primary methods used to create these diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods replicate the natural processes that occur deep within the Earth, resulting in diamonds of equal beauty, durability, and brilliance as their mined counterparts.

After six to ten weeks of growth, these diamonds are then cut, polished, and set in jewelry to bring them to their final, dazzling form.

Types of Lab Grown Diamonds

Despite their differences in growth processes, both HPHT and CVD diamonds are visually indistinguishable from natural diamonds to the naked eye. Only experts, using advanced technology, can detect subtle markers related to the growth conditions. Both types of lab grown diamonds offer the same level of quality, durability, and brilliance — it’s simply the growth patterns and production time that differ.

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Lab Diamonds

The HPHT process mimics the natural conditions under which diamonds are formed inside the Earth. A diamond seed is placed in a chamber and exposed to extremely high heat (over 2,000 degrees Celsius) and pressure (1.5 million pounds per square inch). The carbon atoms in the chamber bond with the seed and crystallize, ultimately forming a diamond. This process is one of the oldest and most established ways to grow diamonds in the lab, and it produces diamonds of exceptional quality and durability.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Lab Diamonds

In the CVD process, a small diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber filled with a carbon-rich gas mixture, typically methane and hydrogen. The gas is heated to break down its molecules, and the carbon atoms settle onto the seed, growing the diamond layer by layer. This method offers more control over the diamond’s growth, allowing for precision in producing larger diamonds. Some CVD diamonds undergo additional heat and pressure treatments after their growth to further enhance their characteristics.

Identifiers of Lab Grown Diamonds

While lab grown diamonds are chemically and physically the same as natural diamonds, there are a few distinct identifiers that can help differentiate them:

Internal Growth Patterns: Lab grown diamonds, whether HPHT or CVD, often display unique internal growth patterns that differ from the octahedral structure typically found in natural diamonds. These patterns are only visible through advanced gemological equipment, and while they don’t affect the diamond’s appearance, they serve as key identifiers for gemologists.
Inclusions: Inclusions in natural diamonds are often the result of minerals that formed alongside the diamond during its natural growth deep within the Earth. In contrast, lab grown diamonds may contain metallic inclusions or other growth-related markers that are distinctive to the lab creation process.
Laser Inscription: Many lab grown diamonds are inscribed with a microscopic mark on the girdle (the outer edge of the diamond) that indicates their lab-grown origin. This laser inscription is a reliable way to identify a lab created diamond, offering clarity and transparency for both consumers and gemologists alike.