Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: 7 Key Differences You Must Know

Diamonds have always symbolized love, luxury, and timeless elegance. But in today’s fast-evolving jewelry world, buyers face an important choice: lab grown diamonds vs natural diamonds.

Both are real diamonds, but they differ in origin, price, and perception. If you’re planning to buy an engagement ring, a Polki set, or a luxury diamond bracelet , knowing the 7 powerful differences can help you make the smartest, most stylish, and value-driven choice.

At Ivana Jewels by Jindal, we specialize in certified lab grown diamonds that combine brilliance, affordability, and sustainability—without compromising on beauty.

What are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are created in advanced labs using two methods:

• HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) – replicating the natural formation process.

• CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) – layering carbon atoms to form a pure diamond crystal.

Scientifically, they are identical to natural diamonds in structure, sparkle, and hardness (Mohs scale 10).

What are Natural Diamonds?

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the earth over billions of years through immense heat and pressure. They are mined from countries like Russia, Botswana, Canada, and South Africa.

While they are valued for rarity, natural diamonds involve high mining costs, environmental concerns, and supply chain challenges.

Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds: 7 Powerful Differences

1. Origin & Formation

• Natural: Earth-mined, takes billions of years.

• Lab Grown: Man-made in labs within weeks to months.

  If sustainability and innovation matter to you, lab grown diamonds win here.

2. Market Comparison: 1 Carat Diamond Price in India

To understand the "Diamond Rate Today," you must look at the price-to-value ratio. While a natural diamond acts as a store of value, a lab-grown diamond offers "visual scale" for a fraction of the cost.

Diamond Type (1 Carat, VS1, E Color)	Estimated Price (INR)	Primary Value Driver
Natural Mined Diamond	₹4,50,000 - ₹6,00,000	Scarcity & Resale Equity
IGI Certified Lab-Grown	₹35,000 - ₹55,000	Maximum Brilliance/Size
CVD Lab-Grown (Uncertified)	₹20,000 - ₹30,000	Budget-Friendly Fashion

Pro Tip: In the Indian market, the price gap has widened significantly. If you are buying for an engagement ring, we recommend an IGI-certified lab-grown diamond to ensure the "Cut" grade is Triple Excellent, which ensures the stone won't look "milky" or "flat" compared to a natural one.

3. Quality & Brilliance

Both types are available in the 4Cs (Cut, Clarity, Color, Carat).

• Lab grown diamonds often have fewer inclusions, as labs control the growth environment.

• Natural diamonds can have unique imperfections, giving them rarity value.

To the naked eye, they look identical—only gemological labs can tell them apart.

4. Sustainability & Ethical Impact

• Natural diamonds involve mining, deforestation, water use, and sometimes unfair labor practices.

• Lab grown diamonds are eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and sustainable, with lower carbon footprints.

By choosing lab grown, you support green luxury.

5. Certification & Authenticity

• Both diamonds are graded by trusted labs like IGI (International Gemological Institute) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America).

• Always check for certification to ensure authenticity.

At Ivana, every diamond comes with IGI certification, assuring you of quality and value.

6. Resale & Investment Value

• Natural diamonds retain higher resale value due to rarity and global demand.

• Lab grown diamonds, while gaining acceptance, have lower resale value.

• If buying as luxury investment, natural diamonds still lead.
• If buying for affordable beauty and style, lab grown diamonds win.

7. Consumer Perception & Trends

• Natural diamonds symbolize tradition & rarity.

• Lab grown diamonds are modern, innovative, and sustainable.

Market Insight: In India, lab grown diamond demand has surged by 60% in the last 3 years, especially among Gen Z and millennials.

Quick Comparison Table

History of Lab Grown Diamonds

The idea of creating diamonds in a laboratory is not new. The first successful lab grown diamonds were developed in the 1950s, primarily for industrial use in cutting and drilling tools. These early diamonds were not gem-quality and were never intended for jewelry. It was only in the late 1990s and early 2000s that researchers perfected methods to grow diamonds of exceptional clarity and brilliance that could be used in fine jewelry.

India has played a central role in this evolution. Surat, already known as the diamond polishing capital of the world, has rapidly transformed into a hub for lab grown diamond production. By combining advanced technology with traditional craftsmanship, Indian manufacturers are now leading the global market. Luxury brands across the world have taken notice, and many have begun offering lab grown diamond collections as a sustainable alternative. This historical context shows how far the industry has come—and why lab grown diamonds are not a passing trend but a permanent part of the jewelry landscape.

The Science Behind Sparkle: Why Lab Grown Equals Natural

One of the most common misconceptions about lab grown diamonds is that they lack the sparkle and brilliance of natural diamonds. In reality, both are identical in terms of chemical composition and optical properties. The refractive index of a diamond—which determines how it bends light—is the same whether it is grown in the earth or in a laboratory. Similarly, both have the same dispersion value, which is what creates the rainbow-like flashes of color known as fire.

The true measure of a diamond’s beauty comes from the 4Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat. Lab grown diamonds are often produced under controlled conditions that reduce inclusions and allow for higher clarity grades. This means buyers can often find a flawless or near-flawless lab grown diamond at a fraction of the price of its natural counterpart. With proper cutting, a lab grown diamond can display the same level of brilliance and fire as any natural stone. For the customer, this translates into maximum sparkle without compromise.

Market Trends & Consumer Preferences for Lab Grown Diamonds in India

The Indian jewelry market has always been deeply tied to culture, tradition, and occasions such as weddings and anniversaries. However, a significant shift is underway. Over the past five years, lab grown diamonds have seen double-digit growth annually, with millennials and Gen Z consumers driving demand. These younger buyers value sustainability, affordability, and transparency as much as they value aesthetics.

Reports suggest that India is not only a large consumer but also an exporter of lab grown diamonds, supplying to markets in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Retailers in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad are expanding their collections to include lab grown options, often highlighting them as modern, conscious choices. At the same time, lab grown diamonds are no longer positioned only as affordable alternatives; they are increasingly seen as luxury pieces in their own right. This cultural and market shift makes it essential for brands like Ivana Jewels to provide customers with both education and choice.

How to Choose Between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds

With so much information available, buyers often wonder which option is right for them. The answer depends on a few key considerations:

• Budget: If price is a priority, lab grown diamonds offer more size and sparkle for your investment.

• Purpose: If the diamond is meant as a financial investment, natural stones tend to hold value better.

• Occasion: For bridal jewelry and everyday wear, many buyers now prefer lab grown diamonds due to affordability and sustainability.

• Certification: Always insist on IGI or GIA certification, regardless of whether the diamond is natural or lab grown.

• Personal Preference: Some buyers feel emotionally connected to the rarity of natural diamonds, while others embrace the modern, innovative appeal of lab grown.

Ultimately, the choice should align with your values, lifestyle, and vision of luxury. At Ivana Jewels, we encourage customers to explore both collections so they can make a decision that balances tradition with innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are lab-grown diamonds "real" or just high-quality cubic zirconia?

Lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. Unlike stimulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite, which only look like diamonds, lab-grown stones consist of the exact same carbon atom lattice as mined diamonds. They possess identical chemical, physical, and optical properties. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ruled that a diamond is a diamond, regardless of whether it originated in a lab or the earth.

Q2: Can a local jeweler tell the difference with a standard diamond tester?

No. Because they are chemically identical, lab-grown diamonds will pass a standard thermal or electrical conductivity diamond tester. To differentiate them, a jeweler must use advanced spectroscopic equipment or a microscopic lens to find the IGI or GIA laser inscription on the girdle. At Ivana Jewels, we ensure every stone is transparently disclosed so you know exactly what you are purchasing.

Q3: What is the actual price difference for a 1-carat diamond in India?

The price gap in the Indian market is significant. While a high-quality 1-carat natural diamond can range from ₹4,50,000 to ₹6,00,000, an IGI-certified lab-grown diamond of the same grade typically costs between ₹35,000 and ₹55,000. This allows buyers to opt for a significantly larger stone or a higher-quality setting while staying within their budget.

Q4: Do lab-grown diamonds lose their "sparkle" or turn cloudy over time?

Absolutely not. Lab diamonds have a Mohs hardness of 10, making them the hardest material on Earth. They do not fade, cloud, or change color over time. If a diamond looks dull, it is usually due to surface oils or dirt, which can be easily resolved with a professional cleaning. Their brilliance is permanent.

Q5: Which is the better investment for an engagement ring: Lab or Natural?

This depends on your definition of "investment." If you are investing in "Visual Impact," lab-grown is superior, as you get a much larger, higher-clarity stone for your money. However, if you are looking for "Wealth Preservation," natural diamonds maintain a higher resale value due to their finite supply. At Ivana Jewels, we recommend lab-grown for those who want ethical, sustainable luxury without the extreme markup of mined stones.

Q6: Is IGI or GIA certification better for lab-grown diamonds?

While GIA is the gold standard for natural diamonds, IGI (International Gemological Institute) is currently the industry leader for lab-grown diamond certification. IGI provides more specific grading for color and clarity in the lab-grown sector, making their reports highly trusted by modern jewelers and consumers alike.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

When it comes to lab grown vs natural diamonds, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer.

• Choose natural diamonds if you seek rarity, tradition, and long-term resale value.

• Choose lab grown diamonds if you value affordability, innovation, and sustainability—without compromising on sparkle.

At Ivana Jewels, we believe in empowering buyers with choice. Whether you pick natural or lab grown, our collections combine luxury craftsmanship, certified authenticity, and timeless beauty.