Choosing a diamond today starts with one question: natural or lab-grown? Both are real diamonds, both sparkle the same way, and both can be certified. Yet they differ in origin, price and how they hold value. This guide explains the differences in plain language, so you can pick the stone that fits your priorities.
Yes. A lab-grown diamond is made of the same material as a natural one: pure carbon arranged in a cubic crystal structure. It has the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), the same refractive index and the same fire and brilliance. It is not a simulant like cubic zirconia or moissanite, which are different materials that only imitate a diamond.
Natural diamonds formed deep inside the earth over millions to billions of years, under intense heat and pressure, and were carried to the surface by volcanic activity. Every natural diamond is a piece of geological history.
Lab-grown diamonds are created in weeks using one of two methods that reproduce those conditions:
Not with the naked eye, and not with a basic diamond tester. A trained gemmologist with specialist laboratory equipment can identify the growth pattern, which is why every lab-grown diamond should come with a grading report that clearly states its origin. Reputable laboratories issue separate reports for each type, for example IGI, GIA, HRD Antwerp and EGL for natural stones and their LGD (lab-grown diamond) reports for lab-grown stones.
| Feature | Natural diamond | Lab-grown diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Pure carbon | Pure carbon |
| Hardness | 10 (Mohs) | 10 (Mohs) |
| Sparkle & fire | Identical | Identical |
| Origin | Formed in the earth | Grown in a laboratory |
| Rarity | Finite supply | Can be produced on demand |
| Price for the same 4Cs | Higher | Significantly lower |
| Resale value | Generally holds value better | Typically much lower resale |
| Certification | Natural diamond report | LGD report stating lab origin |
Because lab-grown diamonds can be produced to order, their price per carat is a fraction of a natural stone with the same cut, colour, clarity and carat. In practice this lets buyers choose a larger or higher-grade stone for the same budget. If your goal is maximum size and sparkle for the money, lab-grown is hard to beat.
Natural diamonds are finite, and that rarity is what many buyers treasure, especially for heirloom pieces meant to be handed down. Natural stones also tend to retain more of their value over time. If emotional meaning, tradition or long-term value matter most to you, a natural diamond is the classic choice.
At Aksharam Jewels, most designs can be configured with either a natural or a lab-grown centre stone, so you can compare both on the same setting. Explore our engagement rings, diamond earrings and pendants and switch between stone types to see the difference in price instantly.
No. They have the same optical properties as natural diamonds and look identical to the naked eye.
No. A lab-grown diamond is chemically stable, just like a natural diamond, and will not fade or cloud over time.
Yes. Laboratories such as IGI, GIA, HRD Antwerp and EGL issue lab-grown (LGD) reports that grade the stone and state that it was laboratory-grown.
Natural diamonds generally retain more resale value. Lab-grown diamonds offer more size and quality for the purchase price.
Buy direct from the maker. Aksharam Jewels crafts every piece in Surat, the diamond capital of the world, and sends it straight to you, no middleman, from Surat to Europe and beyond.
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