Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds
Both are real diamonds. The difference is where they came from, and what you want to pay for that origin.
The Short Answer
A lab grown diamond and a natural diamond are chemically and physically identical. Same carbon structure, same hardness, same sparkle. The only meaningful differences are origin, price, and how each holds its value over time. At Canton Jewelry we carry both, GIA and EGL certified, so you can compare them side by side and pick what fits your priorities.
Side by Side
The differences that actually matter when you are choosing between the two.
| Natural | Lab Grown | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Formed in the earth over billions of years | Grown in a lab in 2 to 6 weeks |
| Composition | 100% carbon | 100% carbon |
| Hardness | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
| Appearance | Identical to the eye | Identical to the eye |
| Certification | GIA, EGL, IGI | GIA, EGL, IGI |
| Price (similar specs) | Higher | Roughly 60 to 80 percent less |
| Resale value | Strong historical track record | Limited resale market today |
| Carat for budget | Smaller for the price | Larger for the price |
Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds form deep beneath the earth's surface over one to three billion years, then get carried up by ancient volcanic activity. Every natural diamond is unique because no two grew under the exact same conditions. They have been mined, traded, and worn as symbols of permanence for thousands of years.
What you are paying for with a natural diamond is rarity. Supply is finite, the history is well documented, and the resale market is established. That is why natural diamonds have held their value across generations and why they remain the standard for engagement rings and heirloom pieces.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds grown in a controlled environment instead of mined from the earth. A tiny diamond seed is placed into a chamber that recreates the conditions in which diamonds form in nature, using either HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) or CVD (chemical vapor deposition). After two to six weeks, the rough diamond is cut, polished, and graded the same way a mined diamond would be.
The trade-off is purely economic. You get the same physical diamond at a significantly lower price, often 60 to 80 percent less for the same carat, color, and clarity. Resale value is currently weaker because the market is newer and supply is still growing. For most engagement ring and fashion buyers, the savings allow for a larger or higher-quality stone at the same budget.
Which One Is Right For You?
Choose Natural If...
You want a piece that holds value over time, you care about the centuries of tradition behind diamond jewelry, or you plan to pass the piece down through your family.
Choose Lab Grown If...
You want maximum size and quality for your budget, you are buying for everyday wear rather than long-term investment, or you prefer the lower environmental footprint of a controlled growing process.
The right answer is whichever one feels right when you see them next to each other. Stop in and we will pull both for you to compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. A lab grown diamond is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond. The only difference is how it was formed.
Can a jeweler tell them apart?
Not by eye and not under a loupe. Specialized equipment is required to distinguish a lab grown diamond from a natural one, which is why every diamond we sell, mined or grown, comes with independent certification.
Do lab grown diamonds last as long?
Yes. Both score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means they wear, scratch, and chip identically. With reasonable care, a lab grown diamond will last as long as a natural one.
Are lab grown diamonds cheaper?
Yes, significantly. For the same carat, color, clarity, and cut, expect to pay 60 to 80 percent less for a lab grown diamond. The exact discount depends on size and grade.
Which holds value better over time?
Natural diamonds have a longer track record and a more established resale market. Lab grown diamonds are newer and the resale market is still developing. If long-term value retention matters to you, lean natural. If you are buying to wear and enjoy, the difference is less relevant.
Are lab grown diamonds more ethical or sustainable?
It depends on what you compare. Lab grown diamonds avoid mining impacts but require significant energy to produce. Many natural diamonds today come from regulated sources with strong labor protections. Neither option is universally cleaner. We can walk you through where any specific stone came from.
See Both In Person
We carry natural and lab grown diamonds in every popular shape, all GIA or EGL certified. Bring us your budget and your shortlist, and we will put both options on a tray so you can decide for yourself.
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