Let’s address the elephant in the room. If lab grown diamonds are the same as natural diamonds, why do they cost so much less? The truth is, when you dig into the details, there’s really no mystery just a perfectly rational explanation that many retailers would rather not mention. Here’s why lab grown diamonds make absolute sense, especially if you care about value, ethics, and sparkle.
1. Same Diamond, Different Origins
Let’s get this straight from the start a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond are chemically, physically and optically identical. They both rate 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, they both have the same lattice structure, the same brilliance, the same fire.
The only difference is how they are made. A natural diamond is formed deep inside the earth and takes over billions of years, under immense pressure and heat. Whereas, a lab grown diamond is produced in a controlled environment, using advanced technology (for example HPHT or CVD methods) that only takes a few weeks.
2. Production Time & Cost Are Dramatically Different
Natural diamonds: You have to find them. That means mining, digging, blasting, transporting tons of earth, sorting, cutting, polishing. The whole supply chain is long, complex and costly.
Lab grown diamonds: You replicate the environment in a laboratory. You control variables like carbon input, pressure, temperature. You eliminate unpredictability, reduce labour and trim down cost. For example, one source shows that the best lab grown diamonds are produced in around 2–3 weeks.
Because production can be scaled, supply is not bound by geology or time, thus the cost per carat drops.
Retail pricing of lab grown diamonds is typically 40–70% lower than mined diamonds of similar quality. In 2024, a 1-carat lab grown diamond could cost 80–90% less than its natural counterpart.
In India, a 1-carat natural diamond might cost ₹2.5–5 lakhs, while a comparable lab grown diamond costs around ₹25,000–₹40,000.
So the message is if the stone is the same, why pay five or ten times more?
3. Rarity and Market Perception
One of the biggest reasons why natural diamonds are expensive isn’t because the stones themselves are inherently better but because of rarity, tradition and marketing.
A natural diamond is formed over billions of years under specific conditions. That geological rarity gives it one kind of value.
The diamond industry built the tradition that “diamonds are forever” and “engagement rings must cost three months’ salary.” This advertising drives demand and pricing.
Lab grown diamonds don’t carry the same “origin story,” so they don’t carry the same premium.
Since lab grown diamonds can be produced in volume, they are less limited. As supply increases and rarity decreases, prices fall. In 2025, lab grown diamonds were around 72.8% cheaper than natural ones of comparable specs.
This isn’t about value judgment it’s just economics. Scarcity plus desire equals higher price. Lab grown diamonds reduce scarcity, so costs drop.
4. Fewer Hidden Costs, Simpler Supply Chain
When you buy a natural diamond you’re not only paying for the stone. You’re also paying for:
- Extraction costs (mining equipment, labour, energy)
- Transportation, security, certification
- Marketing, branding, luxury packaging, showroom margins
In contrast, lab grown diamond jewellery has a much leaner supply chain. Mining overhead goes away, production is streamlined and the time from creation to market is shorter. Thus, hidden costs are lower.
Retailers can pass savings onto consumers. That’s why lab grown diamonds cost less even though their physical and optical properties are the same.
5. Quality Control & Inclusions Favour Lab Grown
Because lab grown diamonds are made under controlled conditions, they often have fewer inclusions or defects than natural ones. When comparing high-quality stones (excellent cut, clarity, colour), lab grown diamonds offer better value.
This means you can afford a larger carat size or better clarity with lab grown diamonds compared to mined ones for the same budget.
6. Ethical & Environmental Factors
Natural diamond mining causes environmental damage land displacement, high energy use, water consumption, and potential labour and human rights issues.
Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, are produced ethically with less mining, controlled production, zero human harm and fewer disruptions.
You get the same sparkle for less money while removing many ethical and environmental costs tied to mined diamonds.
What This Means for You (The Buyer)
If you want maximum sparkle for your budget, affordable lab grown diamonds are a compelling choice. You can step up in carat size, clarity or cut without paying the mined-stone premium.
If you’re buying for symbolism or resale value, a mined diamond still has its appeal.
At Ivana Jewels, we believe the value of a diamond lies in its brilliance, joy, and story. The best lab grown diamond jewellery delivers all that with fewer compromises.
Always check certification (from IGI or GIA) for cut, clarity, colour, and carat details.
Whether you’re in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, or Chandigarh, visit your nearest Ivana Jewels store for the best lab grown diamonds near you.
Final Thoughts
The diamond market has long relied on emotion and myth as much as chemistry and geology. The marketing of natural diamonds (“spend three months’ salary”) built an illusion of necessity. But lab grown diamonds are visually identical and cost far less because of simpler production economics.
There’s no conspiracy just economics. Lab grown diamonds don’t take billions of years or massive mining. They’re made in controlled conditions, which means fewer surprises, more supply, lower cost. For the same brilliance and sparkle, you pay less. That’s smart.
If you care about beauty, ethics, and affordability, lab grown diamonds make perfect sense. At Ivana Jewels, we combine quality, affordability and ethics, making us one of the most trusted lab grown diamond jewellers in India. Your love, your values, your budget they all deserve a diamond that ticks every box.
