Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: How They Compare

Lab-grown and natural diamonds are both diamonds. Each is made of crystallized carbon, and each has essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The differences are in how they form, how they are identified and reported, and how they are priced. At Warren Jewelers in Burlington, WA, we carry both natural and lab-grown diamonds, so this guide covers the facts we walk customers through in the store.

How Natural Diamonds Form

Natural diamonds formed deep within the Earth under extreme heat and pressure, some as long as three billion years ago, according to GIA. Volcanic eruptions carried them closer to the surface, where they are mined. Each natural diamond has growth features from that long formation process, which gem labs use to confirm its origin.

How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Made

Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a matter of weeks using one of two methods:

• HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature): This method recreates the heat and pressure found deep in the Earth. GIA notes that HPHT growth typically takes less than a month.

• CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): A carbon-rich gas such as methane is broken down, and the carbon is deposited layer by layer onto a thin diamond seed. GIA reports that most CVD diamonds receive heat or irradiation treatment after growth.

Both methods produce diamond. Moissanite and cubic zirconia are different materials with different properties.

Can You See the Difference?

No. Because lab-grown and natural diamonds share the same chemistry, a jeweler cannot tell them apart with a loupe or the naked eye. GIA states that identification requires a professional gemological laboratory or specialized instruments that read the diamond's growth structure.

That is why documentation matters. When you buy a diamond, ask for its grading report and check whether the girdle (the thin outer edge) carries a laser inscription. GIA laser-inscribes lab-grown diamonds it reports on with the report number and a statement that the stone is laboratory-grown.

How Each Type Is Graded

Natural diamonds are graded on the 4Cs: color, clarity, cut and carat weight. GIA grades natural diamond color on a D-to-Z scale.

Lab-grown diamond reports vary by lab. In 2025, GIA changed its lab-grown reports to use broader descriptive quality categories instead of the detailed color and clarity grades it uses for natural diamonds. Other labs, such as IGI, issue lab-grown diamond reports with 4Cs grades. When comparing two lab-grown stones, compare reports from the same lab.

What the FTC Says About Labeling

The Federal Trade Commission's Jewelry Guides require lab-grown diamonds to be clearly disclosed. Sellers must use a qualifier such as "laboratory-grown," "laboratory-created" or "[manufacturer name]-created" when describing them. A diamond described without a qualifier is understood to be natural.

Price and Long-Term Value

Lab-grown diamonds generally cost less than natural diamonds of a similar size and quality, which lets shoppers choose a larger stone for the same budget. Natural diamonds have an established resale and trade-in market. The resale market for lab-grown diamonds is more limited. If future resale or trade-in value matters to you, factor that into your decision.

Durability and Care

Both types score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale and hold up to daily wear the same way. Care is also the same:

• Clean with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft brush.

• Have prongs checked at least once a year, since a loose prong can release any stone.

• Store diamond jewelry separately so it does not scratch softer gems and metals.

How to Choose

Here are the questions we suggest asking yourself:

1. What matters most: size or origin? Lab-grown stretches a budget toward a larger stone. Natural offers a stone that formed deep in the Earth.

2. Will you want to trade up later? Ask any jeweler about their trade-in policy for each type before you buy.

3. What report comes with it? Confirm the lab, the report number and the girdle inscription.

You can compare natural and lab-grown diamonds side by side at Warren Jewelers, 1126 South Burlington Boulevard in Burlington, WA. We have served the Skagit Valley since 1973, and our team can also set either type into a custom design. Call (360) 707-5444 or visit our shop to see what's in the case.

Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds at Warren Jewelers

These pieces are available in our online shop and at our Burlington store:

• 1/3ctw Lab Grown Diamond Oval Engagement Ring, 10k White Gold

• 1.02ctw Princess Cut Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings

• 1.08ctw Lab Grown Diamond In-Out Hoop Earrings, 14k White Gold

• .71ct Marquise Cut Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, 14k White Gold

• .32ctw Round Natural Diamond Three Stone Ring, 14k Yellow Gold

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are made of crystallized carbon and have essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamonds, according to GIA.

Can a jeweler tell a lab-grown diamond from a natural one by looking at it?

No. Identification requires a gemological laboratory or specialized testing equipment. A grading report and girdle inscription document the diamond's origin.

Are lab-grown diamonds as durable as natural diamonds?

Yes. Both rate 10 on the Mohs hardness scale and can be worn every day.

Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value?

Lab-grown diamonds have a more limited resale market than natural diamonds. If resale or trade-in value is a priority, ask about it before you buy.

Does Warren Jewelers sell lab-grown diamonds?

Yes. Warren Jewelers in Burlington, WA carries both natural and lab-grown diamonds and can set either in a custom piece.