What are the Differences Between Natural And Lab-grown Diamonds?

If you have been considering buying a piece of diamond jewelry, perhaps an Lab grown engagement ring or a pair of diamond earrings, you will no doubt have been doing your homework on the world of diamonds. So you may well have come across the term ‘lab grown diamonds’ or seen information about the comparison between lab-grown diamonds and naturally formed diamonds.

In short: Natural and lab-grown diamonds share identical carbon chemistry, Mohs 10 hardness, fire, and IGI/GIA grading. The only differences are origin (mantle vs. lab), formation time (1-3 billion years vs. 2-4 weeks), and price (lab-grown is 60-80% less). A 1.50ct G/VS1 round runs $2,000-$3,500 lab-grown versus $9,000+ mined. Resale slightly favors natural; everyday performance is identical.

Some sources may refer to lab-grown diamonds as being ‘fake’, ‘imitation’ or a ‘simulant’, but this is actually incorrect. The reason for this common misunderstanding is that the vast majority of lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically the same as a natural diamond that is produced by the geological processes of time and Mother Nature. In comparison moissanite and cubic zirconia which to the untrained naked eye both look similar to diamonds, in fact exhibit very different chemical and physical properties, and therefore are in fact imitation or simulant diamonds. Here at Reve Diamonds we like all our valued customers to be equipped with the right knowledge that allows them to make the right purchasing decision based on the correct facts about diamonds. So here is our short guide to the similarities and differences between naturally formed diamonds lab grown diamonds and imitation diamonds such as cubic zirconia and moissanite that we hope will help you be well informed;