Lab Created vs. Natural Diamonds

Here's what the stats say about which is more popular to the masses.

• According to the 2022 Diamond TrendReport from GemFind, purchases of lab grown diamonds are approximately 5% of the entire diamond market, so natural diamonds significantly dominate current consumer demand.

• However, consideration and curiosity of lab-grown diamonds is on the rise compared to years past. There has been a substantial increase in online searches relating to lab-created diamonds. Especially for online searches with keywords relating to lab-grown diamonds in large sizes (e.g. 2 - 3 carats), according to the same GemFind report.

Yes, natural diamonds come with a higher price tag than lab created diamonds across the board, especially as stones get larger. On average, lab grown diamond rings cost about 1/3 - 1/4 of the cost of the same ring with a natural diamond with the same grading (4C's). For example, a round 1 carat diamond (G, VS1, Ideal Cut) ring with a natural stone costs around $5,625 and the same ring with a man-made stone costs about $1,626. That's about a 70% savings. And, the difference gets even more vast as you look at larger stones.

When you compare prices between lab-grown and natural diamonds at larger sizes, the differences become much more drastic! While prices fluctuate daily, a 2 carat round diamond is almost $20,000 more expensive as of March 2023.

• Lab-grown diamonds are formed in weeks to months depending on size, quality and the creation method used. Natural diamonds take billions of years to form under the earth.

• Lab-grown diamonds may have fewer inclusions and impurities than natural diamonds, since they are produced in a controlled environment.

• Lab-grown diamonds may exhibit different growth patterns or crystal shapes than natural diamonds due to the different growth conditions in the lab. These are typically only visible under magnification.

Only a gemologist can tell the difference between a lab-created diamond and a natural diamond, and only with the help of magnification.

• Lab-created diamonds are not rare - Because they are manufactured, they can be mass-produced. They will not be a “one-of-a-kind” as is the case with those diamonds mined from under the earth's surface.

• Lower resell value - This is primarily because they are not as rare as natural diamonds. Of course nobody plans to have to resell an engagement ring, but in the event that you have to down the road, it's not going to fetch as much money as a natural diamond ring would.

• Psychological perception of low value - Despite a nearly identical composition, in a survey conducted by INSTORE Magazine, 47% of consumers did not agree with the statement that lab-grown diamonds are "real."

• Limited availability for fancy shapes. For example, trilliant, briolette, and kite shapes, are less commonly available in lab-grown diamonds. The reason being, these shapes require specific crystal structures that are difficult to achieve in a lab setting. Additionally, Asscher and the cushion cuts require precise angles and proportions that are achieved with specialty equipment and high expertise not always found in labs.

• Budget-friendly - The drastically lower price is identified as the primary reason of choosing lab-grown over natural diamonds.

• Affordable diamonds in various colors - Yellow and other colored diamonds are rarely formed in nature, so they have a premium cost. Their lab created counterparts are easy to find and easier on the wallet.

• High purity and improved quality - Technology has come along way and man-made diamonds are quite impressive in composition. Keep in mind, however, there are differences in quality with man-made options, too. For example, lab-created diamonds considered to be of the highest quality are Type IIA. These stones have very little or no nitrogen atoms.

• Guaranteed origins - We should be able to trust that when a company claims their natural diamonds are conflict-free and ethically sourced, but, let's be real, we just can't with a 100% confidence. With lab-grown diamonds, their origins are much more transparent.

PRO TIP:
If desired, you can source loose diamonds from Blue Nile or ANY other company for use in our unique engagement ring designs from Jewelry by Johan.

YOUR best is totally subjective and really depends on what's most important to you and your partner. But let's break it down to the basics.

Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds? If you're partial to a big round or oval stone and don't want to break the bank, lab-created is going to cost much less for the same look. But, if you want a fancy shape (e.g. emerald or cushion cut), you might encounter limited options for lab-grown.

Why Choose Natural Diamonds? There's no denying that a natural diamond's origin story is far more romantic and extraordinary! Each stone takes millions of years to form in the earth under tremendous pressure and heat. Natural diamonds may not be super rare, but each is very unique. One might consider that a perfect symbol for a marriage.

In short, your best choice between natural and lab-grown diamonds comes down to personal preference and budget. And, whichever you determine is the right choice for you, we're here to help you find or create the perfect jewelry design to bring your perfect ring to fruition!

Learn more about ALL of your Gemstone Options for Rings, including stones in a variety of colors and diamond alternatives.