Lab Grown or Natural Diamonds?

The Right Diamond Is the One That Is Right for You

Have a question about natural or lab grown diamonds? Talk to Andy directly.

At Janki, we believe choosing a diamond should begin with understanding, not a sales pitch.

Aniruddh, known to our customers as Andy, is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), New York, with professional knowledge of diamonds, gemstones and jewellery. He is available to speak with you directly and help you understand the diamond you are considering before you make a purchase.

Whether you are buying an engagement ring, selecting a diamond for a special occasion, comparing natural and laboratory grown diamonds, understanding a certificate, or simply trying to determine what makes one diamond better than another, you can speak with Andy directly.

Call or WhatsApp Andy: +91 9799121700

You do not need to know anything about diamonds before you call. Ask about colour, clarity, cut, carat, certification, pricing, treatments or simply whether a particular diamond is worth considering.

Our job is to help you understand your choices so you can make the decision that feels right for you.

Natural or Lab Grown?

It is one of the most common questions people ask when buying a diamond today.

The honest answer is that neither is universally better.

Both natural and laboratory grown diamonds are real diamonds. Both are made of crystallised carbon and have essentially the same crystal structure and fundamental physical and optical properties. Both can be exceptionally beautiful, durable and suitable for fine jewellery.

The significant differences are in their origin, rarity, pricing and the story behind the stone.

A natural diamond was formed deep within the Earth over geological timescales. A laboratory grown diamond is created using advanced technology in a controlled environment.

So the question is not simply:

“Which diamond is better?”

The better question is:

“Which diamond is better for me?”

What Is a Natural Diamond?

A natural diamond is a diamond formed by geological processes deep within the Earth.

Its formation takes place over extremely long periods of time, under intense pressure and temperature. Geological forces eventually bring diamond bearing material closer to the Earth's surface, where diamonds can be recovered, cut and polished for use in jewellery.

For many people, this natural origin is an important part of the diamond's appeal.

A natural diamond represents something that cannot simply be produced whenever demand increases. The supply of naturally occurring diamonds is limited, and exceptional natural diamonds can be extraordinarily rare.

For someone who values rarity, natural origin and the geological history behind the stone, a natural diamond can carry a meaning that goes beyond its appearance.

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

A laboratory grown diamond is created by people using advanced technology that recreates the conditions necessary for diamond crystal growth.

There are two principal methods used today.

HPHT, or High Pressure High Temperature, recreates the high pressure and temperature conditions associated with natural diamond formation.

CVD, or Chemical Vapor Deposition, grows diamond in a controlled chamber using carbon containing gases and a diamond seed.

The result is a diamond with essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as a natural diamond.

A laboratory grown diamond is therefore not a diamond imitation.

It is not cubic zirconia.

It is not moissanite.

It is diamond, but its origin is laboratory rather than geological.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Yes.

This is an important distinction.

A laboratory grown diamond has essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure and fundamental physical and optical properties as a natural diamond.

The difference is where the diamond was formed.

Natural diamonds were formed through geological processes within the Earth.

Laboratory grown diamonds are formed through controlled technological processes.

Because the two can be extremely similar in appearance, specialised gemological equipment is used to identify their origin.

For a customer, the most important thing is simple:

A lab grown diamond should always be represented as a lab grown diamond, and a natural diamond should always be represented as a natural diamond.

At Janki, we believe transparency is essential.

Natural vs Lab Grown Diamonds

Feature	Natural Diamond	Lab Grown Diamond
Material	Diamond	Diamond
Chemical composition	Carbon	Carbon
Crystal structure	Diamond crystal structure	Diamond crystal structure
Hardness	10 on Mohs scale	10 on Mohs scale
Brilliance	Primarily influenced by cut and proportions	Primarily influenced by cut and proportions
Fire	Determined by optical properties and cut	Determined by optical properties and cut
Durability	Excellent	Excellent
Origin	Formed naturally within the Earth	Created in a controlled laboratory environment
Formation time	Geological timescale	Produced through HPHT or CVD technology
Natural rarity	Naturally limited	Production can be scaled
Typical price	Higher	Significantly lower than comparable natural diamonds
Certification	Available from recognised laboratories	Available from recognised laboratories
Identification	Requires appropriate gemological testing	Requires appropriate gemological testing
Secondary market	More established	Less established and more affected by changing production and pricing
Main appeal	Natural origin and rarity	Size and quality at a lower price

Do They Look Different?

To the naked eye, a good laboratory grown diamond and a good natural diamond can look remarkably similar.

Neither category automatically sparkles more simply because of its origin.

The brilliance you see depends largely on the diamond's cut, proportions, symmetry, polish and interaction with light.

This is why two diamonds with the same carat weight, colour and clarity grades can still look different.

A beautifully cut diamond can have exceptional life and brilliance.

A poorly cut diamond can appear dull even when its certificate shows impressive grades.

The origin tells you where the diamond came from. The quality of the diamond tells you what you are looking at.

The 4Cs Apply to Both

Whether you choose natural or laboratory grown, understanding the 4Cs remains essential.

Cut

Cut is one of the most important factors affecting a diamond's appearance.

It determines how effectively the diamond interacts with light and contributes significantly to its brilliance, fire and scintillation.

Cut should not be confused with shape.

Round, oval, emerald, pear and cushion are examples of shapes. Cut refers to the quality of the diamond's proportions, symmetry and finish.

Colour

For traditional white diamonds, colour is generally graded from D through Z.

D represents the highest colour grade in this scale, while progressively lower grades show increasing warmth.

The importance of colour depends partly on the diamond's shape, setting and the look you prefer.

Clarity

Clarity refers to internal inclusions and external characteristics.

These characteristics formed during the diamond's growth and can help distinguish one diamond from another.

Higher clarity grades generally have fewer visible characteristics, although a lower clarity diamond can still look exceptionally clean to the eye.

This is one reason why looking at the actual diamond rather than buying a grade alone is important.

Carat

Carat refers to the weight of the diamond.

One carat equals 0.2 grams.

Carat weight should not be confused with visual size. Different shapes and proportions can make diamonds of the same carat weight appear quite different in size.

Which Gives You More for Your Money?

This is where laboratory grown diamonds can offer a significant advantage.

For the same budget, a laboratory grown diamond may allow you to choose a larger stone or a higher colour and clarity specification than you could with a comparable natural diamond.

For example, if you have a fixed budget for an engagement ring, choosing laboratory grown may allow you to put more of that budget into the diamond's visible size and specifications.

With a natural diamond, the same budget may lead you toward a smaller stone or a different combination of the 4Cs.

Neither approach is wrong.

They simply represent different priorities.

If you want the largest or highest specification diamond your budget can comfortably accommodate, laboratory grown can be an attractive option.

If natural origin and rarity matter more to you, the premium associated with a natural diamond may be worthwhile.

Why Are Lab Grown Diamonds Less Expensive?

The difference comes largely from how supply is created.

Natural diamonds are geological resources. Their availability is naturally limited, and bringing them to market involves exploration, mining, recovery, sorting, cutting and distribution.

Laboratory grown diamonds are produced using technology, and production can be increased as manufacturing capacity develops.

As laboratory production has expanded, prices have fallen substantially.

This means that laboratory grown diamonds can offer considerably more size or specification for the same budget.

However, diamond prices are constantly changing.

The actual price difference depends on the carat weight, shape, colour, clarity, cut, certification and current market conditions.

For this reason, we prefer comparing actual diamonds rather than promising a fixed percentage saving.

Is a More Expensive Diamond Always Better?

No.

A higher price does not automatically mean a more beautiful diamond.

A diamond's price reflects a combination of characteristics, rarity, market conditions and origin.

There can be considerable room to optimise the 4Cs.

For example, a diamond that is one clarity grade lower may look virtually identical to the naked eye while costing considerably less.

Similarly, choosing a slightly different colour grade or shape can create significant differences in price.

This is where professional guidance can make a meaningful difference.

Our aim is to help you spend your money where you can actually see and appreciate the difference.

What About Resale Value?

This is something every diamond buyer should understand before making a purchase.

Neither natural nor laboratory grown diamonds should be purchased on the assumption that they are guaranteed investments.

Retail pricing and resale pricing are not the same.

Natural diamonds have a more established secondary market and greater inherent scarcity.

Laboratory grown diamonds have a different supply structure because production can be scaled, and their market prices have changed significantly as manufacturing technology has developed.

If future resale or value retention is a major consideration for you, the natural diamond category deserves careful consideration.

If resale is not a priority and your focus is on the diamond you will wear and enjoy, the pricing advantage of laboratory grown can be very compelling.

Is a Lab Grown Diamond More Practical?

From a jewellery wearing perspective, both can be excellent choices.

Both are extremely hard.

Both can be used in engagement rings, earrings, pendants and other fine jewellery.

Both should be treated with care and periodically checked if they are set in jewellery that is worn regularly.

The practical difference is therefore not primarily about durability.

It is about what you value as the owner.

A laboratory grown diamond can make sense when your priority is size and specifications within a particular budget.

A natural diamond can make sense when rarity and natural origin are part of what makes the diamond meaningful to you.

What About Sustainability?

The environmental discussion surrounding diamonds is more nuanced than simply lab grown versus natural.

Laboratory grown diamonds do not require conventional mining to obtain the diamond itself, which is an important consideration for many customers.

At the same time, laboratory production requires energy, and its environmental footprint depends on the technology used, the efficiency of production and the source of that energy.

Natural diamonds also have environmental and social considerations that vary depending on the mining operation, location, regulation and supply chain.

We believe customers deserve a balanced explanation rather than a simplistic claim that one category is automatically better in every respect.

If sustainability is an important part of your purchase decision, speak with us about the particular diamond and its documentation.

What About Certification?

A diamond grading report provides independent information about the stone.

Recognised laboratories such as GIA and IGI provide reports for diamonds, including laboratory grown diamonds.

A report can identify the diamond's origin and provide information about its colour, clarity, cut and carat weight, along with other characteristics depending on the laboratory and report type.

Laboratory grown diamonds are also identified as such on appropriate reports.

When purchasing a significant diamond, we recommend checking the report number and ensuring that the report corresponds to the diamond you are purchasing.

If you already have a diamond certificate and are unsure how to read it, Andy can help explain it to you.

Can a Natural and Lab Grown Diamond Have the Same 4Cs?

Yes.

A natural diamond and a laboratory grown diamond can both have the same stated carat weight, colour and clarity grades.

However, that does not necessarily mean they will look identical or have the same market value.

The actual cut quality, proportions, shape, fluorescence, inclusions and other characteristics can still differ.

Most importantly, their origins are different.

That difference is reflected in their pricing and in what each stone represents to the person buying it.

Who Should Choose a Lab Grown Diamond?

A laboratory grown diamond may be the right choice for you if:

You want a larger diamond within a specific budget.

You want to prioritise colour and clarity specifications.

You care primarily about the visual beauty of the diamond rather than its geological origin.

You want to allocate more of your jewellery budget toward the diamond itself.

You are buying an engagement ring or another piece primarily to wear and enjoy.

You understand that laboratory grown diamond prices may change as technology and production continue to develop.

For these buyers, laboratory grown diamonds can offer an excellent balance of appearance, specification and price.

Who Should Choose a Natural Diamond?

A natural diamond may be the right choice for you if:

The natural origin of the diamond has emotional significance.

You value geological rarity and the fact that the stone was formed naturally.

You want the natural origin to be part of the story of your engagement ring or family jewellery.

You place importance on the established natural diamond market.

You are looking for a particularly rare or exceptional diamond.

You are comfortable paying a premium for natural origin and rarity.

For these customers, the additional cost can be justified by what the natural diamond represents.

Who Should Not Choose a Lab Grown Diamond?

If owning a naturally formed diamond is important to the meaning of your purchase, you should not choose laboratory grown simply because it costs less.

An engagement ring is personal.

If the idea of a diamond formed naturally over geological time is part of what makes the piece special to you, that emotional value matters.

Similarly, if your primary reason for purchasing a diamond is potential future resale, you should carefully consider the current characteristics of the laboratory grown market.

Who Should Not Choose a Natural Diamond?

You should not feel pressured into buying a natural diamond simply because it is traditionally associated with engagement rings.

If your priority is getting the largest or highest specification diamond within your budget, laboratory grown may allow you to achieve considerably more.

If natural origin does not hold particular meaning for you, there may be little reason to pay the additional premium simply because a diamond is natural.

Our Advice: Compare Before You Decide

If you are still unsure, there is a simple way to approach the decision.

Look at both.

Compare a natural diamond with a laboratory grown diamond that has similar specifications.

Look at the cut.

Look at the colour.

Look at the clarity.

Look at the size.

Look at the certification.

Then look at the price.

Ask yourself what matters most.

Is it the natural origin?

Is it rarity?

Is it size?

Is it quality?

Is it the amount you want to spend?

Is it the story you want your diamond to carry?

Once you know the answer, the choice becomes much easier.

Speak Directly With Andy

Choosing a diamond can feel complicated, particularly when you are presented with certificates, grades, prices and technical terminology.

It does not have to be.

Aniruddh, known as Andy, is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America, GIA, New York.

He is available to speak with you directly and help you understand the differences between the diamonds you are considering.

You can contact Andy to discuss:

Natural versus laboratory grown diamonds

Diamond certificates

The 4Cs

Cut and proportions

Colour and clarity

Carat selection

Diamond shapes

Pricing

Engagement rings

Custom jewellery

Diamond sourcing

Or simply whether the diamond you are considering represents good value for your particular needs.

Call or WhatsApp Andy directly

+91 9799121700

You do not need to know the terminology.

You do not need to know what questions to ask.

Start with what you are looking for, and we will help you understand the rest.

The Janki Approach

We believe a diamond should be chosen with both the heart and the head.

The heart chooses the moment.

The design creates the emotion.

The diamond brings the brilliance.

Knowledge gives you confidence in the decision.

Whether you choose a natural diamond formed deep within the Earth or a laboratory grown diamond created through modern technology, the most important thing is that you understand what you are buying and why you are choosing it.

There is no universally correct answer.

There is only the choice that is right for you.

Natural or lab grown. Choose with knowledge. Choose with confidence. Choose what means something to you.

Janki

Expertise behind the beauty. Confidence behind every choice.