Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamond Rings: Which One Should You Choose?

Whether you’re looking to purchase a diamond ring to propose, celebrate an anniversary, or just for a treat, chances are you’ve found out about lab grown diamonds. And if you’re looking to understand how they compare to natural diamonds or if they’ll be a fit for you; you aren’t alone. Many people are asking the same question.

The reality is both are beautiful & real. But depending on your values, budget, and preferences, one may just be a better fit for you.

Let’s quickly breakdown the difference.

Understanding The Basics

A natural diamond forms down deep in the Earth under extreme heat & pressure, often taking billions of years to form. Eventually, a natural diamond will make it to the surface through volcanic activity, then it will be mined, and then cut and polished.

A lab grown diamond is made in a lab with some fancy equipment. Scientists simulate the conditions that create diamonds below the surface in a lab in a controlled environment. At the end, they produce a diamond that is chemically and optical identical to a diamond that forms naturally.

Reasons Why Some People Just Prefer Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds evoke a certain kind of magic for many. There’s something romantic about wearing a gem that took millions, if not billions, of years to form.

Here are a couple reasons why some people favor natural diamonds:

Natural diamonds have been prized for hundreds of years; they’re classic, and for some, nothing else will do.

On the whole, natural diamonds tend to retain their value better over time.

Knowing your diamond came from the earth can make it feel like there’s something special about it.

Reasons Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Are a Good Option

Lab-grown diamonds have come a long way in recent years. They are not “fakes” or imitations. They are diamonds, just produced via science instead of time.

Here are a couple reasons why more people are choosing lab-grown diamonds:

You can often get a bigger, or higher-quality stone for the same amount of money, or even less.

No mining means less environmental impact and fewer ethical concerns.

Unless you are a gemologist with special equipment, you will not be able to tell the difference.

If you are someone who values sustainability, or wants to stretch your budget, lab-grown diamonds

Comparison

Here’s a quick look to help you decide:

A natural diamond is formed over billions of years while a lab-grown diamond is made in a few weeks in a lab.

A natural diamond is formed on earth naturally while a lab-grown diamond is formed in a lab.

A natural diamond is visually like a stone while a lab-gown diamond is often very visually high.

Natural diamonds are naturally very expensive and lab-grown ones are more affordable.

The environmental impact on natural diamonds is usually high due to the mining pressure while the lab-grown diamonds are more affordable.

The resale value for diamond is usually high but resale value of a lab-grown diamond is much lower.

Which One Should You Go For?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it really depends on what matters most to you.

If you value tradition, rarity, and the idea of something ancient and irreplaceable, a natural diamond might be the way to go.

If you’re more focused on ethics, sustainability & getting the most sparkle for your budget, a lab-grown diamond could be the perfect match.

At Stonex Jewellers, we believe that the best choice is the one that feels right to you. Our team is here to answer your questions, walk you through your options, and help you find a ring you’ll love for a lifetime—regardless of how the diamond came to be.

Ready to Buy?

Stonex Jewellers carry a beautiful range of both natural and lab-grown diamond rings. Stop by our store or browse our collection online. Whether you’re leaning towards classic or modern, timeless or innovative, we’ll help you find the ring that’s just right.

AUTHOR BIO

Karsha

Karsha has been a writer for over 10 years and has been writing for Stonex Jewellers for more than two years where she has gained insights on how to capture the essence of the jewellery industry. She comes from a versatile background, having written for fashion & lifestyle beats and covering the trends of the market. Graduated from the domain of Journalism & Mass Communication — she knows how to depict the cultural and emotional significance of who styles what & when.