Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Helpful Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Stone

Choosing a diamond is one of the most exciting parts of finding or designing a piece of jewellery—whether it’s an engagement ring, a celebration gift, or something just for you. But with more people exploring lab-grown diamonds as well as natural, earth-formed ones, it’s very common to ask:

“Which is better?”

The truth is: neither is better, and both are wonderful choices for their own reasons.

What matters most is which option feels right for you—your values, your budget, your style, and the story you want your jewellery to tell.

In this guide, we’ll gently walk through the differences, similarities, and unique benefits of both natural and lab-grown diamonds so you can make a confident, informed decision.

What They Are: Two Origins, One Diamond

Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds are formed deep beneath the earth’s surface over billions of years. Heat, pressure, and geological movement slowly transform carbon into the crystalline structure we recognise today.

Their long history, rarity, and natural formation give them a sense of romanticism and legacy - many people love the idea that their stone is part of the earth’s ancient story.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as lab-created or man-made diamonds, are grown in highly controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond-forming process.

Two main methods are used:

• HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)

• CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition)

What’s most important to know is that lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, hardness, and sparkle as natural diamonds.

Appearance: Do They Look Different?

Visually identical.

To the naked eye, natural and lab-grown diamonds look the same. Even trained gemmologists need specialised equipment to tell them apart.

Both can be:

• Colourless or fancy colours

• Flawless or included

• Brilliant, radiant, cushion, oval and more

• Cut, polished and graded on the same scales

Where they can differ

The main difference is subtle and only detectable under magnification:

• Lab-grown diamonds may show slightly different growth patterns or internal characteristics.

• Natural diamonds often have inclusions that formed organically during their long creation.

But these differences do not affect beauty, sparkle or longevity - they are simply part of their unique origin stories..

Common Misconception: “Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?”

This is one of the most frequent questions people ask, and it’s completely understandable given how new lab-grown diamonds feel in comparison to natural ones.

Here is the simple truth:

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.

A lab-grown diamond is not a simulant. It is not cubic zirconia. It is not moissanite. It is a genuine diamond with:

• The same chemical composition (pure carbon)

• The same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale)

• The same brilliance and fire

• The same ability to be cut, polished and graded

• The same longevity and wearability

The only thing that differs is the origin; one forms deep underground; the other forms in a laboratory that replicates those natural conditions.

Why the misconception exists

Many people assume “lab-grown” means “fake” simply because the concept is modern. But in reality, gemmologists, scientists and major grading laboratories classify lab-grown diamonds as diamonds in every sense.

If you choose a lab-grown stone, you’re choosing a real diamond.

If you choose a natural stone, you’re also choosing a real diamond.

Both are equally valid, equally beautiful and equally meaningful.

Price & Value: Two Different Structures

Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds tend to be more expensive due to rarity, time, and the global supply chain involved in bringing them to the market. Their value is influenced by:

• Limited supply

• Mining and global distribution

• Historical demand

• Rarity of certain sizes and qualities

Natural diamonds often retain value differently long-term because of their finite nature.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds usually offer a more accessible price point, allowing you to choose:

• A larger carat size

• Higher clarity

• Better colour

• More elaborate designs

without significantly increasing your budget.

However, the laboratory production process allows supply to grow over time, which means prices can fluctuate as technology evolves.

Both offer value - just in different ways.

Environmental & Ethical Considerations

Natural Diamonds

Many people feel uneasy about the environmental impact of traditional mining. However, it’s worth noting that:

• Modern mines must follow strict regulations in many regions.

• Many major diamond companies invest in land restoration, wildlife conservation and local communities.

• Traceability and ethical sourcing have improved hugely in recent years.

Choosing a responsibly sourced natural diamond can support sustainable mining initiatives and communities who rely on them.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are often seen as a more environmentally considerate option because they don’t require mining. However, they do require:

• Large amounts of energy

• Advanced machinery

• High-temperature processes

Some laboratories now use renewable energy, making their diamonds even more sustainable. As with natural diamonds, transparency varies, so asking questions is always encouraged.

How JUNI Sources Diamonds

At JUNI, every diamond — whether natural or lab-grown — is sourced with care, traceability and responsibility at the heart of the process. I work only with trusted suppliers who follow strict ethical and environmental standards, ensuring your diamond has been chosen with integrity from start to finish. You can feel fully confident that whichever option you choose, it has been selected thoughtfully, responsibly and with respect for both people and the planet.

Romance & Meaning: A Personal Preference

Choosing between a natural and a lab-grown diamond often comes down to what feels right for the individual. Some people prioritise the geological history of a natural stone, while others appreciate the modern, innovative nature of a lab-grown option.

For many, the decision is influenced by values such as the physical way they are made, budget, size, origin transparency or simply the visual qualities they’re drawn to.

There’s no “correct” choice. One person might prefer the rarity of a natural diamond, while another values the accessibility and precision of a lab-grown one. Both options offer their own strengths, and the right decision is the one that aligns with your priorities and what you want your piece of jewellery to represent.

Durability & Longevity

This is one area where there is no difference at all.

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds score 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the hardest known natural material.

They are equally:

• Resistant to scratching

• Suitable for everyday wear

• Long-lasting

• Able to be passed down through generations

A lab-grown diamond will not become cloudy or lose sparkle over time. A natural diamond will not be “better made”. They perform identically.

Certification & Grading

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds can be certified by gemmological laboratories, which assess the 4Cs — cut, colour, clarity and carat. Certification helps ensure your diamond is accurately graded and honestly represented.

At JUNI, I only source diamonds certified by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). These are two of the most respected and trusted laboratories in the world, offering reliable, consistent grading.

This means every diamond used by JUNI — natural or lab-grown — meets strict quality standards and comes with clear, credible documentation.

Which Should You Choose?

There’s no universal answer - but here’s a helpful way to think about it:

Choose Natural Diamond if you love:

• The romance of something formed over billions of years

• Traditional symbolism and rarity

• The idea of long-term value

• Unique natural inclusions and personality

Choose Lab-Grown Diamond if you love:

• Getting a larger or higher-quality stone for your budget

• A more modern, forward-thinking approach

• A potentially lower environmental impact

• Transparency about origin

Or simply choose the one that makes your heart skip a beat.

Final Thoughts

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds offer exceptional beauty, durability and brilliance. One is not superior to the other — they simply suit different preferences, budgets and values.

The most important thing is choosing a diamond that feels right for you; your story, your priorities, and your vision for the piece you’re creating.

Whether you choose a natural diamond or a lab-grown one, your jewellery will still be something special, personal, and treasured always.

Forever & Always,

Love

Emily x

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