Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: The Complete Guide 2026
If you are shopping for an engagement ring or fine jewellery in 2026, you have probably come across the term "lab grown diamonds." But what exactly are they? Are they real diamonds? And how do they compare to natural diamonds?
In this complet
e guide, we break down everything you need to know about lab grown diamonds vs natural diamonds so you can make the most informed and confident decision for your purchase.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are not simulants, fakes or cubic zirconia. They are chemically, physically and optically identical to natural diamonds the only difference is where they were created.
Natural diamonds form deep inside the Earth over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure. Lab grown diamonds replicate this exact process inside a controlled laboratory environment, either through a method called High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
The result is a diamond that is 100% carbon with the same hardness, brilliance, fire and sparkle as a diamond pulled from the ground.
What Are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle approximately 100 miles below the surface. Over billions of years, carbon atoms crystallize under extreme heat and pressure, eventually making their way to the surface through volcanic activity.
Natural diamonds are then mined, cut, polished and certified before reaching jewelry stores. Their rarity and the difficulty of mining them is what has historically driven their high price.
Key Differences Between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds
Here is a side by side comparison of the most important factors:
Price
This is where lab grown diamonds win decisively. Lab grown diamonds typically cost 50% to 80% less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality. This means you can get a stunning 3ct oval lab grown diamond engagement ring for the same price as a 1ct natural diamond ring.
For budget conscious buyers or those who want maximum size and quality for their money, lab grown diamonds are the clear winner.
Quality
Both lab grown and natural diamonds are graded using the exact same 4Cs Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat. Both are certified by world renowned gemological institutes like IGI and GIA. A lab grown diamond with an IGI certificate that grades VS1 clarity and F colour is just as beautiful and high quality as a natural diamond with the same grades.
In fact many experts argue that lab grown diamonds can be higher quality on average because the growth process can be more precisely controlled.
Appearance
Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds look completely identical even to trained gemologists under a loupe. The only way to tell them apart is with specialised equipment that detects microscopic differences in growth patterns. To the naked eye and to everyone admiring your ring, they are completely indistinguishable.
Ethics and Sustainability
This is where lab grown diamonds have a significant advantage for many buyers. Traditional diamond mining has been associated with environmental destruction, habitat loss and in some regions conflict diamonds or blood diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory with a dramatically smaller environmental footprint. No land is excavated, no communities are displaced and no conflict is funded. For couples who care about where their diamond comes from, lab grown diamonds offer complete peace of mind.
Resale Value
This is one area where natural diamonds have traditionally held an advantage. Natural diamonds have historically retained some resale value due to their rarity. Lab grown diamonds, being more easily produced, currently have lower resale value.
However it is worth noting that most people never resell their engagement rings they are kept as lifetime heirlooms. If resale value is your primary concern, natural diamonds may be preferable. But for the vast majority of buyers who plan to wear and keep their ring forever, this distinction matters very little.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes absolutely and without question. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are not simulants like moissanite or cubic zirconia. They are not fake diamonds or imitation diamonds.
The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officially recognises lab grown diamonds as real diamonds. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades and certifies lab grown diamonds using the exact same standards as natural diamonds.
If someone tells you lab grown diamonds are not real diamonds, they are simply wrong.
IGI vs GIA Certification for Lab Grown Diamonds
When shopping for a lab grown diamond you will encounter two main certification bodies:
IGI International Gemological Institute
IGI is currently the most widely used certification for lab grown diamonds. IGI has developed specific expertise in grading lab grown stones and their certificates are widely respected across the industry. The majority of lab grown diamond jewellery including all Luxumoon pieces comes with IGI certification.
GIA Gemological Institute of America
GIA is considered the gold standard in diamond grading and also certifies lab grown diamonds. GIA certificates are highly respected but are less common for lab grown stones compared to IGI.
Both certifications are legitimate and respected. When shopping for a lab grown diamond always ensure it comes with an IGI or GIA certificate this guarantees the quality grades are independently verified.
Which Should You Choose Lab Grown or Natural Diamond?
The answer depends entirely on your priorities:
Choose a lab grown diamond if:
- You want maximum size and quality for your budget
- Ethics and sustainability matter to you
- You want an IGI certified stone with guaranteed quality
- You plan to keep the ring as a lifetime piece
- You want the same beauty as a natural diamond at a fraction of the cost
Choose a natural diamond if:
- Rarity and geological origin are important to you
- Resale value is a key consideration
- You prefer a stone with billions of years of natural history
For most couples in 2026, lab grown diamonds represent the smarter, more ethical and more affordable choice without sacrificing a single point of beauty or quality.
Shop Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings at Luxumoon
At Luxumoon, every piece of jewelry features an IGI certified lab grown diamond set in 14k or 18k gold or platinum. Our collection includes hundreds of stunning engagement ring styles from classic oval solitaires to dramatic hidden halo designs all crafted with the highest quality lab grown diamonds.
We believe that your engagement ring should be beautiful, ethical and built to last a lifetime. That is exactly what every Luxumoon ring delivers.
Explore our full collection of lab grown diamond engagement rings, wedding bands and fine jewelry at luxumoon.com. Every order comes with free shipping, 30 day free returns and a lifetime warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do lab grown diamonds pass a diamond tester?
A: Yes lab grown diamonds test positive on a diamond tester because they are real diamonds with the same thermal and electrical properties as natural diamonds.
Q: Will a lab grown diamond lose its sparkle over time?
A: No lab grown diamonds are just as hard as natural diamonds (10 on the Mohs scale) and will maintain their sparkle and brilliance for a lifetime with normal care.
Q: Are lab grown diamonds cheaper because they are lower quality?
A: No lab grown diamonds are less expensive because they do not require mining. The quality is identical and they are graded using the same 4Cs system as natural diamonds.
Q: Can jewellers tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?
A: Not with the naked eye. Even trained gemologists cannot tell the difference without specialised laboratory equipment.
Q: Do lab grown diamonds come with certificates?
A: Yes all quality lab grown diamonds come with IGI or GIA certificates that independently verify the cut, colour, clarity and carat of the stone. All Luxumoon diamonds are IGI certified.
Ready to find your perfect lab grown diamond ring? Browse our full collection at luxumoon.com
