Natural vs Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
Same mineral family, different origin, identification and market characteristics.
Both Are Diamonds
Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds are both crystalline carbon and can have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure and optical properties. The fundamental difference is origin: natural diamonds formed geologically, while laboratory-grown diamonds are manufactured using controlled technology.
How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Made
The two principal methods are High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). Each creates diamond crystal growth under controlled conditions.
Can You Tell by Looking?
Not reliably. Modern laboratory-grown diamonds can be visually indistinguishable from natural diamonds without specialised testing. Professional gem laboratories and suitable screening equipment can identify their origin using growth patterns and other scientific characteristics.
Price and Resale
Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds have different supply structures and resale markets. A lower purchase price does not mean a laboratory-grown diamond is “fake”; equally, it should not be presented as though it has the same origin or market rarity as a natural diamond.
GIA Reporting Has Changed
From October 2025, GIA introduced a revised laboratory-grown diamond quality assessment using descriptive categories such as Premium or Standard for qualifying D-to-Z laboratory-grown diamonds rather than the natural-diamond colour and clarity nomenclature. Existing historical reports remain valid. Other laboratories may use different report systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab-grown diamonds fake?
No. They are diamonds with a laboratory origin.
Can a normal diamond tester distinguish natural from lab-grown?
Not reliably. Specialised screening or laboratory identification is used.
Which is better?
That depends on your priorities: origin, rarity, budget, size, specification and future resale expectations.
Do you sell both?
Yes, subject to availability.
Ask Gold Factory If you would like help applying any of this information to a real piece of jewellery, visit us at 294 Farnham Road, Slough, SL1 4XL, call 01753 536800 or contact us through www.goldfactory.co.uk. Jewellery can vary, so our team can explain the options for the actual item you are considering. |
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