Should I choose a Lab Grown Diamond or an Earth Grown Diamond?
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Earth Grown Diamonds – What’s the Difference?
More Australians than ever are comparing lab grown diamonds to earth grown diamonds before choosing their engagement ring. With price differences, sustainability discussions and changing buyer preferences, it’s important to understand exactly how they compare.
The short answer? Both are real diamonds. The key difference lies in how they are formed.
This guide explains everything you need to know about lab grown vs earth grown diamonds, including appearance, durability, price and long term value.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds vs Earth Grown Diamonds?
When comparing lab grown diamonds vs earth grown diamonds, the most important distinction is origin.
Earth grown diamonds form deep within the earth over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure. Lab grown diamonds are created in highly controlled laboratory environments that replicate these same conditions.
Chemically, physically and optically, they are the same material, crystallised carbon.
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is created using advanced technology that mimics the natural diamond formation process. Scientists use either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) methods to grow a diamond crystal from a small carbon seed.
The result is a genuine diamond with the same brilliance, hardness and sparkle as a natural one.
You can explore a curated range of modern designs in our lab grown diamond collection.
What Is an Earth Grown Diamond?
An earth grown diamond forms approximately 150–200 kilometres beneath the earth’s surface over billions of years. Volcanic activity eventually brings these diamonds closer to the surface, where they are mined.
Earth grown diamonds are prized for their geological history and rarity, making them a traditional choice for engagement rings and heirloom jewellery.
You can view beautifully crafted pieces featuring earth grown diamonds in our diamond jewellery collection.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Earth Grown Diamonds - The Key Differences
Although their physical properties are identical, buyers often compare them based on other important factors.
Appearance and Quality
Visually, there is no difference between a lab grown diamond vs an earth grown diamond to the naked eye. Both are graded using the same internationally recognised 4Cs:
- Cut
- Colour
- Clarity
- Carat weight
Both can achieve exceptional brilliance and fire when expertly cut.
Durability and Hardness
Both lab grown and earth grown diamonds score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest known natural material.
This means both are equally suitable for everyday wear in engagement rings, wedding bands and fine jewellery.
Price Comparison in Australia
One of the biggest differences between lab grown diamonds vs earth grown diamonds is price.
Lab grown diamonds are typically more affordable than earth grown diamonds of comparable size and quality. This is because they can be produced in controlled environments without the cost of mining.
For many buyers, this allows them to choose a larger stone or higher quality within the same budget.
Lab grown diamonds, while genuine, are still relatively new to the market, and resale trends are evolving. For many modern buyers, the emotional significance and beauty of the piece outweigh investment considerations.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Some buyers prefer lab grown diamonds due to concerns around mining impact. Others value the natural origin and geological history of earth grown diamonds.
Both industries operate under evolving ethical and environmental standards, and personal preference plays a major role in this decision.
Lab Grown vs Real Earth Grown Diamond - How Can You Tell the Difference?
If you’re wondering whether anyone can tell the difference between lab grown vs an earth grown diamond, the answer is no, not without specialised equipment.
Even trained jewellers cannot distinguish them by sight alone. Advanced testing equipment is required to determine a diamond’s origin.
Certification and Diamond Reports
Both lab grown and earth grown diamonds can be certified and graded by recognised gemological laboratories. Certification confirms the 4Cs and ensures transparency when purchasing either option.
Do Lab Diamonds Test as Real Earth Grown Diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds test positive on standard diamond testers because they have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Earth Grown Diamonds for Engagement Rings
Choosing between a lab grown vs an earth grown diamond often comes down to personal priorities.
Which Offers Better Value for Budget?
Lab grown diamonds typically allow buyers to maximise size or clarity within a specific budget. For couples prioritising value and size, browsing the lab grown diamond collection can provide excellent options.
Which Holds Traditional Appeal?
Earth grown diamonds have long been associated with tradition, rarity and timeless symbolism. Many buyers still gravitate toward pieces from the diamond jewellery collection for this reason.
Which Is Better for Long Term Wear?
Both are equally durable and suitable for daily wear. In terms of strength and longevity, there is no difference between lab grown diamonds and earth grown diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Earth Grown Diamonds - Pros and Cons Summary
Lab Grown Diamonds
- More affordable for comparable size and quality
- Identical chemical and physical properties
- Modern and increasingly popular
Natural Diamonds
- Formed over billions of years
- Traditionally associated with rarity and prestige
- Established resale market perception
There is no universally “better” option, only what aligns best with your priorities.
Explore Diamonds at Hoskings Jewellers
Whether you’re drawn to the innovation of lab grown diamonds or the geological history of earth grown diamonds, both options offer stunning brilliance and lasting beauty.
Browse the contemporary lab grown diamond collection or explore timeless pieces in the diamond jewellery collection to find the perfect diamond for your next special moment.
For personalised advice, visit us in store and speak with our friendly and experienced team to help you choose with confidence.
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Have a question? Call us on 1800 819 796