Lab Grown vs. Natural

Diamond Education

Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds

One of the most common questions we hear at Pearce Jewelers is whether a lab grown diamond is a real diamond. The short answer is yes. But the choice between lab grown and natural is more nuanced than that, and our GIA-certified team is here to help you understand the differences so you can make the decision that is right for you.

Natural diamond education at Pearce Jewelers West Lebanon NH

Natural Diamonds

Formed by the Earth. Billions of Years in the Making.

Natural diamonds are created deep within the earth under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years and brought to the surface through volcanic activity. Every natural diamond is a singular piece of geological history, unique in its formation, its journey, and its character.

Because natural diamonds are finite and rare, they have historically maintained and appreciated in value over time. For many buyers, the irreplaceable origin of a natural diamond is part of what makes it meaningful, a stone that took the earth itself billions of years to create.

Natural diamonds are graded by independent laboratories including the Gemological Institute of America using the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Each GIA-certified diamond comes with a report documenting its specific characteristics.

Lab grown diamond education at Pearce Jewelers West Lebanon NH

Lab Grown Diamonds

Grown by Science. Identical in Every Way That Matters.

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They are created in a controlled laboratory environment using one of two methods, High Pressure High Temperature or Chemical Vapor Deposition, both of which replicate the conditions under which natural diamonds form in the earth.

The result is a diamond with the same chemical composition, the same crystal structure, and the same physical and optical properties as a natural diamond. Even trained gemologists cannot distinguish a lab grown diamond from a natural one without specialized equipment. Lab grown diamonds are also graded using the same 4Cs system and can be certified by GIA and other independent laboratories.

Lab grown diamonds typically cost significantly less than natural diamonds of comparable quality, which means a larger or higher-quality stone is often achievable at the same budget. They are also free from the mining concerns associated with some natural diamond supply chains.

Side by Side

How They Compare

	Natural Diamond	Lab Grown Diamond
Origin	Formed in the earth over billions of years	Created in a laboratory using HPHT or CVD process
Appearance	Identical to lab grown	Identical to natural
Hardness	10 on the Mohs scale	10 on the Mohs scale
Chemical Composition	Pure carbon crystalline structure	Pure carbon crystalline structure
Grading	GIA and other independent labs	GIA and other independent labs
Price	Higher price point	Typically 50 to 80 percent less than natural
Resale Value	Historically strong resale value	Resale market still developing
Rarity	Finite and rare	Can be produced in quantity

Common Questions

What Our Customers Ask Most

Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds? +

Yes. Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. They are composed of pure carbon in a crystalline structure and register a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the same as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin.

Can you tell the difference between a lab grown and natural diamond? +

No, not with the naked eye. Even trained gemologists cannot distinguish a lab grown diamond from a natural one without specialized equipment. Both types are graded using the same 4Cs system and can look identical in a finished piece of jewelry.

Do lab grown diamonds hold their value? +

The resale market for lab grown diamonds is still developing and is generally lower than the resale market for natural diamonds. Natural diamonds have historically maintained value over time due to their rarity. This is an important consideration if long-term value is a priority for your purchase.

Are lab grown diamonds more ethical than natural diamonds? +

This is a nuanced question. Lab grown diamonds avoid the environmental impact of diamond mining, which appeals to many buyers. However the natural diamond industry also supports millions of livelihoods in mining communities around the world and has significantly improved its ethical standards through initiatives like the Kimberley Process. Neither choice is inherently more ethical than the other, and the right answer depends on your personal values.

Which is right for me, lab grown or natural? +

The right choice depends entirely on what matters most to you. If the origin and rarity of a natural diamond are meaningful, and long-term value is a priority, a natural diamond may be the better fit. If you want the largest or highest-quality stone your budget allows and origin is less important to you, a lab grown diamond is an excellent option. Our GIA-certified team is happy to walk you through both side by side with no pressure so you can make the choice that feels right.

Does Pearce Jewelers carry both lab grown and natural diamonds? +

Yes. We carry both natural and lab grown diamonds and are happy to show you options in both categories. Our GIA-certified staff can explain the differences in quality, value, and appearance so you can compare them directly in our West Lebanon showroom.

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