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Diamonds are not only the prettiest but also the most in demand jewels right now in Australia and the UK because of wedding seasons. But the question remains unanswerable, whether to buy natural diamonds or lab grown ones. Our answer is lab grown because they are sustainable, eco friendly and affordable. But if you want more reasons, we can help out. So, in this blog we'll figure out Natural vs lab grown diamonds. Which one should you buy!
Natural vs Lab Grown Diamonds: key differences and points
Natural diamonds are extracted from the Earth while lab grown are chemically produced. Lab grown diamonds are eco friendly while natural ones are sourced unethically. But there are many more differences as well which we shortlisted in the table below:
|
Feature |
Natural Diamonds |
Lab-Grown Diamonds |
Which is Better? |
|
Origin |
Formed naturally over billions of years |
Created in a lab in weeks using HPHT or CVD |
Natural for rarity, Lab for speed & accessibility |
|
Price |
Premium, often 40–80% more expensive |
More affordable, same quality at lower cost |
Lab for budget buyers |
|
Appearance & Sparkle |
Same brilliance, fire, and shine |
Identical sparkle to natural diamonds |
Tie – visually indistinguishable |
|
Size Options |
Limited by availability |
Larger sizes more accessible |
Lab if you want bigger for less |
|
Resale Value |
High, often holds or grows in value |
Usually lower resale demand |
Natural for long-term investment |
|
Durability (Hardness) |
10/10 on Mohs scale |
10/10 on Mohs scale |
Tie – equally strong |
|
Ethics & Traceability |
Depends on mining practices; conflict diamond risk exists |
Usually fully traceable, lab-controlled |
Lab for peace of mind |
|
Environmental Impact |
Mining affects ecosystems, water, and energy |
Lab uses electricity, but avoids mining; lower land impact |
Lab for eco-conscious buyers |
|
Color & Clarity Range |
Wide natural variation, sometimes rare colors |
Controlled quality; often clearer & more consistent |
Lab if you want “perfect” clarity |
|
Certification |
Graded by , |
Graded by same labs |
Tie – certified by experts |
|
Inclusions (Flaws) |
Natural inclusions common, unique |
Fewer inclusions, predictable patterns |
Lab if you want near-flawless stones |
|
Popularity & Tradition |
Seen as classic, rare, prestigious |
Modern, trendy, ethical choice |
Depends on buyer preference |
|
Investment Potential |
Strong, especially rare stones |
Weak; mainly for personal use |
Natural if investment is a goal |
|
Buyer Perception |
Luxury, heirloom value |
Smart, modern, sustainable |
Natural for status, Lab for practicality |
|
Engagement Ring Suitability |
Traditional choice, high emotional value |
Great alternative, larger stone for same budget |
Lab for size/budget, Natural for heritage |
|
Customization |
Can be custom cut but pricey |
Easier to get specific cuts & sizes at lower cost |
Lab for tailored designs |
|
Time to Acquire |
Depends on mining, sourcing, and cutting |
Fast, produced on demand |
Lab if you need it quickly |
|
Long-Term Value Advice |
Ideal for long-term keepsakes & legacy |
Ideal for modern, ethical buyers |
Natural for heirlooms, Lab for smart spending |
|
Quick Verdict |
Choose if tradition, rarity & resale matter |
Choose if budget, size, ethics & modern style matter |
Buyer decides by priorities |
The natural diamonds are obviously rare and a lot more expensive, but if you do care about the environment then try going for lab grown diamond options.
Do Lab Grown Diamonds Look Cheap?
Many people who are new into buying diamonds or jewels always worry if lab grown sets will look cheap. No, this won't happen because lab grown is almost identical to natural diamonds both physically and chemical. Not only this but many big influencers, billionaires and artists recommend buying lab grown diamonds.
Celebrities Seen Wearing Lab Grown Diamonds:
The big celebrities that are seen wearing lab grown diamonds are:
- Meghan Markle was spotted wearing lab grown earrings
- Emma Watson always advocates the importance of sustainable things and have seen wearing lab grown diamonds on red carpet a multiple times
- Leonardo DiCaprio has invested in a Lab grown diamonds company
- More stars like Rihanna, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga and Zoe Kravitz have also been seen wearing the lab grown diamonds by and then.
The classy and modest look is not always attained by wearing something posh, but sometimes the elegance comes with your choice and credibility.
The diamonds always look lovely and pretty even if they are produced in a lab and for us nothing is better than buying a piece of lab grown diamonds.
Should I Buy Lab Grown Diamonds as an Investment or Saving Option?
As per our experience, customers who buy lab grown diamonds don't think of it as an investment or saving option. They just want to feel luxury. The market of lab grown diamonds is still uncertain so we won't say that this is a good investment option, but as we consider it as a saving option, lab grown diamonds are worth looking for! They are good for immediate sale and for emergency savings.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: Investment or Saving Option?
|
Factor |
Lab-Grown Diamonds |
Natural Diamonds |
Notes & Insights |
|
Initial Cost |
Lower upfront price (40–80% cheaper than natural diamonds) |
High upfront cost |
Lab diamonds are great for saving or buying a bigger stone at the same budget |
|
Resale Value |
Generally low; demand in resale market is limited |
Typically higher, retains or increases value over time |
Lab diamonds are not ideal for investment purposes |
|
Price Stability |
Prices may fluctuate due to production scalability and market trends |
More stable due to rarity and controlled supply |
Lab diamond prices can drop as technology improves |
|
Investment Potential |
Weak – not recommended as an asset |
Strong – especially for rare, high-quality stones |
Lab diamonds are more about personal value than financial gain |
|
Liquidity (Ease of Selling) |
Harder to sell at retail value |
Easier to sell or trade |
Lab diamonds are harder to liquidate without a discount |
|
Size & Quality vs Budget |
Allows bigger stones or higher clarity within budget |
Smaller or lower clarity unless you pay more |
Great option if you want size/value but not investment |
|
Emotional Value / Personal Satisfaction |
High – can get dream jewelry at lower cost |
High – luxury, heritage, prestige |
Lab diamonds shine in the “joy of ownership” category |
|
Market Trend |
Growing in popularity, esp. among eco-conscious buyers |
Traditional market is stable, older buyers prefer natural |
Lab diamonds could gain more recognition, but resale market is uncertain |
|
Sustainability / Ethical Factor |
Low environmental footprint, fully traceable |
Mining impact and ethical concerns exist |
Lab diamonds can be seen as “smart and responsible” purchase |
|
Long-Term Outlook |
Good as a budget-friendly, sustainable purchase |
Stronger long-term value and investment potential |
Lab diamonds = savings, natural diamonds = investment |
Key Takeaways
- Saving Option: Lab-grown diamonds are perfect if your goal is maximize size/quality for budget, or buy ethically and sustainably.
- Investment Option: Lab-grown diamonds are not ideal for investment—resale value is low and prices may drop.
- Ethical & Smart Choice: If your priority is responsibility + luxury, lab-grown diamonds win.
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