Lab vs. Natural Diamonds: What to Know | King Jewelers
Lab Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: A Modern Guide
The debate between lab diamonds vs natural diamonds is a popular topic among jewelry buyers today, and many questions surround it. “What are lab diamonds?” “Is a lab diamond a real diamond?” and “Why are lab-grown diamonds less expensive than natural diamonds?” are all common inquiries we hear at King Jewelers.
It is important to note that when shopping for diamonds, there is no wrong answer. You should consider every factor, including cost, aesthetics, and ethics, to choose a diamond that truly speaks to you. However, before you make your final decision, ensure you are well-educated on the key differences between a lab diamond vs. a natural diamond.
Is A Lab Diamond Still A Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond IS a diamond. They are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds; however, they are created in a controlled laboratory environment. For example, whether you grow a rose in a greenhouse or an outdoor garden, it's still a rose. Lab diamonds and natural diamonds are even graded the same by leading institutions like GIA and IGI, using the 4 C’s: clarity, color, carat, and cut.
Lab Diamond vs. Natural Diamond Cost Difference
Lab-grown diamonds offer the same beauty and durability as natural diamonds, just at a different price point. While lab-grown diamonds are significantly less expensive than natural diamonds, that doesn’t diminish their beauty or quality. When choosing your diamond at our Nashville showroom, it really comes down to your personal preference and budget.
The pricing difference is based on how each product is produced. The lower cost of lab diamonds is a direct result of technological innovation, which replaces expensive, labor-intensive mining with a more efficient and direct-to-consumer supply chain. The two primary methods to create a lab diamond are High Pressure/High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
While lab diamonds still require an intricate process and highly trained experts, natural diamonds require more time, more expensive equipment, and more extensive labor costs. Because lab diamonds can be produced more quickly than natural diamonds, they aren't as rare, and that rarity is what drives the cost of natural stones.
Resale Market and Symbolic Value
Lab Diamonds Since lab diamonds aren’t as rare as natural diamonds and are relatively new to the industry, their resale value is still being determined. Currently, lab diamonds do not hold long-term resale value. However, they represent a beautiful, sustainable, and affordable option for those looking to celebrate their love. Since lab diamonds are less expensive up front, this opens up opportunities for young couples to afford a larger diamond now, with the option to upgrade to a natural diamond in the future as they become more established.
Natural Diamonds Natural diamonds have a long-established history representing royalty, fame, and generations of love stories. They have a much higher and far more established resale value. Natural diamonds are a timeless symbol of celebration and engagement with a historic origin story that makes them perfect for future heirlooms. There is something significant about knowing that the ring on your finger was a natural part of the Earth for millions of years. At King Jewelers, many clients choose natural stones to take advantage of our Lifetime Diamond Upgrade Program.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
At King Jewelers, we understand the importance of ethical sourcing. All of our diamond suppliers adhere to the Kimberley Process, a UN-backed initiative designed to ensure that the diamond industry remains free from conflict. However, lab diamonds are often considered a more eco-friendly choice, as they are created without the environmental footprint associated with traditional mining. It is important to note that producing lab diamonds still requires a high amount of energy, so both options carry their own environmental considerations.
Why Choose King Jewelers for Your Diamond?
Whether you are leaning toward the historic rarity of natural or the modern value of lab-grown, King Jewelers provides a luxury experience that big-box retailers can't match.
Unrivaled Selection: Explore Nashville’s largest collection of GIA and IGI-certified diamonds in person.
Master Craftsmanship: Our on-site master jewelers can set your chosen stone into a custom-designed mounting that fits your personality perfectly.
Trusted for Generations: Since 1912, our family has been the "jeweler's jeweler," providing expert guidance that you can trust for a lifetime.
Whether you’re drawn to the modern innovation of a lab-grown diamond or the billion-year legacy of a natural stone, the most important thing is that your choice feels right for your story. At King Jewelers, we take pride in offering a transparent, education-first experience to help you make that decision with confidence.
Still weighing your options? We invite you to visit our Nashville showroom to compare our extensive collection of both lab and natural diamonds side-by-side. Our experts are here to ensure that whichever path you choose, you leave with a piece that you'll be proud to wear for a lifetime.
Popular Lab-Grown Diamond Pieces
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a lab diamond a real diamond?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.
Why are lab diamonds cheaper than natural diamonds?
Lab diamonds are produced in a laboratory setting over several weeks, making them more abundant than natural diamonds, which take billions of years to form.
Do lab diamonds have resale value?
While lab diamonds offer incredible upfront value, they do not currently hold the long-term resale or trade-in value that natural diamonds provide.
Where can I compare lab and natural diamonds in Nashville?
King Jewelers in Green Hills offers the largest selection of both lab-grown and natural diamonds, allowing you to compare them side-by-side with a diamond expert.
Is a lab diamond a fake diamond?
No. Lab diamonds are physically and chemically identical to natural diamonds. They are not "fakes" like cubic zirconia or moissanite.
Do lab diamonds lose their sparkle?
No. Because they are 10 carbon on the Mohs scale (just like natural diamonds), lab diamonds will never cloud, fade, or lose their brilliance.
Which diamond has better resale value?
Natural diamonds have a significantly higher and more stable resale value. Lab diamonds are priced for affordability up front but typically do not hold value for resale.
How can you tell the difference between lab and natural diamonds?
To the naked eye, they are indistinguishable. Only advanced laboratory equipment or specialized laser inscriptions on the diamond’s girdle can tell them apart.
