Looking for new diamond jewelry to add to your collection? If you’ve just started shopping, you might be wondering what the difference is between lab grown versus natural diamonds. More importantly, you might be asking, “Are lab grown diamonds real?”
There are a lot of questions and misconceptions around the nature of lab diamonds and how they compare to earth-sourced ones. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate buyer’s guide. In this article, we’re telling you everything you need to know about lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds, and how to know which one is right for you.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds "Real" Diamonds?
What makes owning diamond jewelry so luxurious is having the “real” status symbol to wear. Some people may not want lab grown diamond jewelry because of the misconception that these aren’t real diamonds. That’s not the case.
Lab grown diamonds are as real as earth-sourced diamonds. That’s because they have the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference between the two is where they come from. Natural diamonds are mined and sourced from the earth whereas lab diamonds are made by man in a laboratory.
Debunking Common Myths About Lab-Grown Diamonds
Now let’s look at a few common myths associated with lab-grown diamonds.
Myth: They are "fake" or simulants like CZ.
The first myth we are debunking is that lab grown diamonds are fake like CZ stimulants. CZ (cubic zirconia) stimulants are fake gemstones meant to mimic diamonds. CZ stimulants are also made in laboratories, but do not contain the same properties as diamonds. Therefore, they are not real. This is what makes cubic zirconia a more affordable option since they create jewelry that looks like diamonds without the chemical makeup.
Myth: You can tell the difference just by looking.
No, you cannot tell the difference between lab grown diamonds and natural ones just by looking at them. This is actually what makes them so great. Lab grown diamonds look completely identical to natural ones, so one will be able to tell whether or not your gemstone came from the earth or was produced in a lab. The only way to tell the difference is to identify each stone closely with specialized professional equipment.
Myth: They don't have flaws or inclusions.
Some people think that since lab grown diamonds are man-made, they don’t have flaws or inclusions. Even though these diamonds are produced in controlled settings, they still contain flaws and inclusions like natural diamonds. These characteristics come from the growth process since minerals and elements can get trapped from the high heat temperatures.
Fact-Based Comparison: Lab vs. Natural
Now let’s break down lab diamonds and natural ones further.
The 4Cs: Are They Graded the Same?
All diamonds are graded on the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat. All of these features evaluate and determine a diamond's value. There was a time when lab-grown diamonds were graded with the 4Cs like natural diamonds, but the GIA has now changed their standards.
As of October 2025, the GIA has released a new grading system that will determine whether lab-grown diamonds meet “standard” or “premium” criteria. They still use the 4Cs as part of this grading system, but now it goes as follows:
|
Grade |
Cut |
Color |
Clarity |
|
Standard |
“Very good” for round brilliant diamonds only |
E-J |
Slight |
|
Premium |
“Excellent” for round brilliant diamonds only |
D |
Incredibly slight or higher |
Price: The Single Biggest Difference
The biggest difference between the two diamonds (other than where they originate from) is the price. Natural diamonds are significantly higher than lab-grown diamonds because of their rarity from being mined from the earth. This makes them more expensive than lab-grown diamonds for the resources and time it takes to mine them, and for their rarity. Lab-grown diamonds are
more affordable since making them is more efficient and cheaper, and doesn’t require as much time.
Ethics & Environmental Impact
One of the biggest drawbacks of natural diamonds are their sourcing requirements that can have ethical issues or environmental impact. Lab-grown diamonds are much more friendly all around.
Some ethical and environmental concerns that come with natural diamonds include:
- Forced human labor
- Habitat destruction
- Pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
- Soil erosion
Lab-grown diamonds help to minimize these issues. There’s no mining or labor required on top of no habitat destruction. The only environmental issue that can come from lab grown diamonds is the high energy that’s needed for production, which can release fossil fuels into the air if renewable energy isn’t used.
Resale Value & Long-Term Worth
Though they are about real diamonds, natural ones tend to see a higher resale value and long-term worth because of their demand. Since lab-grown diamonds can be produced at a much faster rate than natural diamonds, they have a lower value.
A Buyer's Guide: How to Decide Which is Right for You
It can be tough to determine which option is right for you in the lab-grown diamonds versus natural diamonds debate. Considering their differences and the factors below can help lead you to the right decision:
- Price: Budget can be a major determinant of which route you go. The good news is that lab-grown diamonds offer a more affordable price point without sacrificing the look of a natural diamond.
- Origin: If you want a gemstone that’s been sourced from the earth and not grown in a laboratory, then a natural diamond will satisfy this need.
- Environmental impact: Because of the work that is required to source natural diamonds, they can come with environmental concerns. If you want to support the environment and human labor, then you’ll love supporting man-made diamonds that reduce these issues.
Enhance Your Diamond Jewelry Collection Today
Ready to find your next favorite piece of diamond jewelry? At Ferko’s we offer an exquisite collection of lab-grown diamond and natural diamond jewelry. We take pride in our designs that are meant to make everyday looks more elevated, or to accentuate your formal looks.