Searching for your ideal engagement ring is an exciting process, but it can often be overwhelming due to all the factors that must be considered. One of the most common challenges people face is the choice between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. How do they compare to each other? Are labs just as brilliant as mined? Do they last as long? Can anyone tell the difference?
At San Jose Jewelers, we get these questions all the time. In this guide, we'll compare lab-grown and natural diamonds in terms of sparkle, durability, price, and ethics—so you can confidently choose the best option for your engagement ring.
What Are Lab Diamonds and Natural Diamonds?
Let's define our terms before diving in. What exactly do "natural" and "lab-grown" mean in terms of diamonds?
- Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle for billions of years under extreme heat and pressure. They are mined, cut, and polished before being set into jewelry.
- Lab-grown diamonds are made via advanced technology that mimics the natural diamond-growing process. Lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds, but they're grown in just a few weeks in a lab setting.
In short, a lab diamond is real, just made in a different environment.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Sparkle More Than Natural Diamonds?
A diamond's brilliance and sparkle come from its cut quality, not whether it was formed in a lab or deep within the Earth.
- A well-cut diamond—whether lab-grown or natural—will display maximum fire and brilliance.
- A poorly cut diamond will look dull, regardless of its origin.
So, do lab-grown diamonds sparkle more? No. But they sparkle just as much as a natural diamond of the same cut quality.
Can Someone Tell the Difference Between Lab and Natural Diamonds?
Visually, there's no difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond, at least not to the naked eye. The only way to distinguish them is through specialized equipment used by gemologists.
- Lab and natural diamonds have the same hardness, clarity, and brilliance.
- The main distinction lies in their growth patterns and trace elements, which can only be detected in a gemological lab.
- Most lab diamonds have a laser inscription on the girdle, indicating they are lab-grown.
If you're worried that someone will "know" your diamond is lab-grown just by looking at it, rest assured—no one can tell without advanced testing.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Get Cloudy Over Time?
This is a common myth. Lab-grown diamonds do NOT get cloudy.
- Both lab and natural diamonds are made of pure crystallized carbon and have the same physical properties.
- A natural or lab-grown diamond will only look cloudy due to dirt, oil buildup, or internal inclusions (which depend on quality, not origin).
- Regular cleaning keeps any diamond as bright as the day you got it.
Price Comparison: Lab Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are favored for their affordability. This is one of their greatest advantages over natural diamonds.
- Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 50-70% less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality.
- The lower price allows you to get a larger stone for your budget.
- Natural diamonds hold their value better over time because they are rarer.
If you want more bang for your buck, choose lab-grown. You can get a larger and higher-quality lab-grown diamond at a much more affordable price than an earth-mined diamond of the same size and quality.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Ethics and sustainability are key factors contributing to the rise in popularity of lab-grown diamonds. There's no question that most lab-grown stones are far more environmentally friendly than mined stones.
- Lab diamonds are 100% conflict-free and require no mining, reducing environmental impact.
- Some natural diamonds are ethically sourced through the Kimberley Process, which helps prevent the sale of conflict diamonds.
- However, mining still has a more significant environmental footprint than lab-created alternatives.
Which One Should You Choose?
Now that you know the facts, which diamond should you pick?
Choose a lab diamond if you want:
- A larger diamond for your budget
- A sustainable and ethical option
- The same brilliance as a natural diamond
Choose a natural diamond if you want:
- Historical and geological significance
- Better resale value over time
- Prestige of owning a one-of-a-kind gem from the Earth
Ultimately, your decision comes down to your personal values, budget, and preferences. Both choices will make beautiful, timeless engagement rings. No matter what you choose, you'll still be getting a genuine, stunning diamond.
At San Jose Jewelers, we offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds. Visit our store in Waco, Texas, or browse our website to find the perfect diamond for you!
Need expert guidance? Contact us today to book a consultation!