Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
Natural Diamond vs Lab-Grown Diamond (Quick Comparison)
| Natural Diamond | Lab-Grown Diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Earth | Laboratory |
| Rarity | Rare | Scalable |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Long-term Value | Stronger | Weaker |
| Visual Appearance | Identical | Identical |
What is a natural diamond?
Natural and lab-grown diamonds may look identical, but they differ in origin, rarity, long-term value, and price. At Fantasilvia Fine Jewelry in Vancouver, we specialize in both natural and lab-grown diamonds and help clients across Canada and the United States choose the right option for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
A natural diamond is formed deep within the Earth over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure. Each natural diamond is rare, unique, and carries long-term value due to its limited natural supply and geological origin.
Quick facts:
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Formed naturally underground
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Billions of years old
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Limited global supply
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Strong long-term value
What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is created in a controlled laboratory using the same carbon structure as a natural diamond. It has the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as a natural diamond but is produced in weeks instead of billions of years.
Quick facts:
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Grown in a lab
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Same crystal structure as natural
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More affordable
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Ethically sourced
What’s the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds?
The main difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds is their origin. Natural diamonds form underground over billions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created in laboratories in a few weeks. Natural diamonds retain long-term value better, while lab-grown diamonds offer a lower purchase price.
Key differences:
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Origin: Earth vs Lab
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Rarity: Rare vs Scalable
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Price: Higher vs Lower
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Long-term value: Stronger vs Weaker
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, hardness, and sparkle as natural diamonds. The only difference is how they are formed, not how they perform or look.
Are lab-grown diamonds worth buying?
Lab-grown diamonds are worth buying if your priority is maximizing size and quality within a set budget. Many clients choose lab diamonds to get a larger carat weight, higher color, and better clarity at a lower price while maintaining full diamond brilliance.
Do lab-grown diamonds hold value?
Lab-grown diamonds do not retain long-term value as strongly as natural diamonds. Because they can be produced in unlimited quantities, their resale market is limited. Natural diamonds, due to their rarity, tend to maintain better long-term value over time.
Which is better for an engagement ring: natural or lab-grown?
Neither natural nor lab-grown diamonds are objectively better for every engagement ring. Natural diamonds are ideal for long-term value and tradition, while lab-grown diamonds are ideal for budget efficiency and larger visual impact. The best choice depends on personal priorities, not appearance.
Can I see natural and lab diamonds side by side in Vancouver?
Yes. At Fantasilvia Fine Jewelry in Vancouver, clients can view natural and lab-grown diamonds side by side in person. Our team provides transparent comparisons in sparkle, color, clarity, and price to help you confidently choose the right diamond for your engagement ring.
Why choose Fantasilvia for lab-grown and natural diamonds?
Fantasilvia Fine Jewelry sources lab-grown diamonds directly from the origin, allowing us to offer true price-match guarantees at the lowest market level. Our natural diamonds come from first-hand cutting partners, ensuring superior cut quality, transparent sourcing, and exceptional value for every engagement ring.