Lab vs Natural Diamonds

At Daily Diamonds, we are unique in the fact that we work with both certified Lab and Natural diamonds. We believe all diamonds have a place in the market, and that the introduction of lab diamonds has been an exciting breakthrough for the industry. There is never a right or wrong choice for a client, it is personal preference and can be based off a number of factors such as budget, type of piece, reason for purchase and the predicted amount of wear. 

You cannot tell the difference between a natural diamond or lab diamond with the naked eye. Both have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties, so they look identical, perform the same and last a lifetime.

Natural diamonds form over billions of years underground, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment using advanced technology.

However, lab-grown diamonds cost less and make it easier to get a higher-quality cut and colour. Whereas with a natural diamond you may have to compromise on cut and colour to fit your budget.

Lab diamonds also don’t require mining, which some people prefer for ethical or environmental reasons.

A layman’s term example could be the comparison of how we see different techniques to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers - some a grown in the wild, on farms or in your own gardens - others in controlled environments such as greenhouses and scientifically modified plants. Although a different route is taken to grow the product - the end result is the same.

Chemically, there is no difference between mined and lab-grown diamonds. Both are pure crystalline carbon in a cubic (isometric) crystal structure.

Differences That Can Be Detected:

• Inclusions: Lab diamonds may contain metallic inclusions from the growth process (HPHT or CVD), while natural diamonds typically have mineral inclusions formed over millions of years.

• Growth Patterns: Under a microscope, lab diamonds show different growth patterns (e.g., striations or “graining”).

• Nitrogen Content: Natural diamonds often contain nitrogen; some lab diamonds (especially CVD) are nearly nitrogen-free.

These differences are not chemical—they’re formation-related and detectable only with specialized equipment (like spectroscopy or X-ray imaging). Visually and chemically, they are the same.