The Diamond Debate:
Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds
What is the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds? At Clogau, we offer both diamonds across our collections, with a sparkle so similar you will hardly see
the difference.
Lab-grown and natural diamonds are so visually alike that even the keenest eye might struggle to spot the difference! But if you’re wondering what really separates them, we have created a guide to help you.
Natural Diamonds:
The Opulent Choice
Creation
Natural diamonds were created by nature, a true masterpiece of the Earth’s creation. Formed deep below the surface of the Earth at around 150–200 km, under billions of years of heat and pressure, this fiery birth turned pure carbon into dazzling gemstones.
For many, this natural origin carries deep romance and adds meaning to the sparkle, perfect for the gemstone of engagement rings. Natural diamonds have traditionally been associated with heirloom jewellery and are often passed down through generations.
Price
Natural diamonds carry a certain exclusivity and tend to be higher in price as they are considered ‘earth-made’, with a story of formation that spans over eons.
The time and skill that comes into perfecting the high-quality finish of natural diamonds adds to their price tag, with the cut of a diamond an important factor to consider.
Look
Every natural diamond is one of a kind, with subtle inclusions from their formation. To some, these flaws only add to their authenticity, with imperfection leading to perfection.
The appearance of your diamond will be measured by the famous 4 Cs, these being cut, colour, clarity and carat, and this will be explained in your GIA certificate. Keep an eye out, because we will be releasing a blog in the future which describes the 4 Cs in depth.
Sustainability
The diamond industry has come a long way in making natural diamonds more ethical and transparent. Certification schemes, such as the Kimberley Process, ensure that natural diamonds are conflict-free and ethically sourced.
Natural Diamond Jewellery
Lab-Grown Diamonds:
The Modern Choice
Creation
Lab-grown diamonds are, as the name suggests, created in highly controlled laboratory environments. The two main manufacturing processes used to create lab-grown diamonds are High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Using these methods, scientists replicate the same natural process that forms diamonds underground.
The result? A gemstone that is chemically and physically the same as a natural diamond. Both the GIA and the Federal Trade Commission recognise lab-grown diamonds as real diamonds.
Price
The rise of lab-grown diamonds in recent years has influenced the pricing of natural diamonds across the market. However, lab-grown diamonds have not always been as affordable as they are now. Once the method of their creation was refined, they dropped in price.
More sparkle for your spend!
Look
Because lab-grown diamonds are produced in controlled settings, they may have fewer inclusions and be more consistent in colour and clarity. This doesn’t mean they look better than mined diamonds, it simply means you may get better specifications for your budget.
To the naked eye, lab-grown and natural diamonds will look essentially the same: same sparkle, same brilliance. Your lab-grown diamond will also come with a GIA certificate, detailing its cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, the the same as any mined diamond.
Sustainability
Environmental impact varies depending on how diamonds are produced and mined, including energy sources used in laboratories and mining practices.
‘Ethical’ does not automatically mean that lab-grown diamonds are ‘good’, and that natural diamonds are ‘bad’. As with most decisions, there is some nuance.
Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery
The Verdict
If you’re drawn to the timeless romance, rarity, and heirloom value of a gemstone forged by nature, then a natural diamond might just be your perfect match.
But if you love the idea of a brilliant, modern, and budget-friendly gemstone that is every bit as real, a lab-grown diamond might just be your perfect choice.
The Diamond Decision
Whether you choose natural or lab-grown, both diamonds share that incomparable brilliance. At Clogau, we believe the right diamond is the one that marks your story, your love, your forever. We want you to be informed enough
to make the decision that is right for you.
Remember, whether it is a timeless natural gemstone or a cutting-edge lab-grown creation, your diamond should tell your story as you want it to be told, shining as brightly as the memories it celebrates.
Here’s to finding your forever sparkle,
Lydia Carter