Understand the difference.
Laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical and optical properties as natural diamonds. Their origin is different: they grow in a laboratory rather than forming naturally deep within Earth.
Two principal growth methods are high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Professional testing can distinguish laboratory-grown origin; appearance alone is not a reliable guide.
| Characteristic | Lab-grown diamonds | Natural diamonds |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Grown in controlled laboratory conditions | Formed naturally deep within Earth |
| Hardness | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
| Price | Generally lower for comparable specifications | Generally higher for comparable specifications |
More choice within your budget.
Choosing a lab-grown diamond can give your budget more room. You may be able to choose a larger diamond, a higher color or clarity grade, or put more toward the gold setting and design you love. Compare each diamond’s actual specifications, cut, report and setting when choosing.