Lab-Grown vs. Natural
Two beautiful choices, and no wrong answer. Here's the honest, simple version — so you can choose what feels right for you.
Both are real diamonds
A lab-grown diamond isn't a look-alike or a “fake”. It's made of exactly the same material as a natural diamond — pure carbon — with the same hardness, the same sparkle and the same fire. Even an expert can't tell them apart without special lab equipment.
The real difference is where they come from. Natural diamonds formed deep inside the earth over billions of years. Lab-grown diamonds are grown from a tiny diamond seed in a few weeks, using carefully controlled heat and pressure. Because they're far easier to produce, lab-grown diamonds usually cost much less for the same size and quality.
We've offered both since March 2024, because so many of you asked. Every diamond on our site is clearly labelled Natural or Lab-Grown.
How they compare
| Topic | Natural | Lab-Grown |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A real diamond, formed in nature | A real diamond, grown in a lab |
| How it's made | Formed deep in the earth over billions of years, then mined | Grown from a diamond seed in a few weeks |
| Look & sparkle | Identical to the eye — same brilliance, fire and sparkle | |
| Hardness | The same — 10 out of 10, the hardest natural material. Made to wear every day. | |
| Certificate at Mabel | GIA — Gemological Institute of America | IGI — International Gemological Institute |
| Price | Higher — natural diamonds are rare | Usually much lower for the same size and quality |
| Rarity & value over time | Rare and finite. Tends to hold its value better over the years. | Not rare, and prices keep falling as production grows. Resale value is low. |
| Lovely if you… | Want something rare and made by nature — a true heirloom | Want a bigger or higher-grade stone for your budget |
A few honest questions
There's no pressure and no hard sell — just what we'd tell a friend.
Choose natural if…
- The idea of something formed by nature, millions of years ago, means a lot to you
- You'd like a piece to pass down, and long-term value matters
- You love the rarity of owning something truly one of a kind
Choose lab-grown if…
- You'd like a bigger diamond, or a higher colour and clarity, within your budget
- You care most about how it looks and feels to wear, not where it came from
- You'd rather spend the difference on a beautiful setting — or the honeymoon
Know exactly what you're getting
Every diamond we list comes with a report from an independent lab — a record of its exact carat, colour, clarity, cut and measurements.
Our natural diamonds are graded by the GIA, the lab that created the 4Cs grading system. Our lab-grown diamonds are graded by the IGI, one of the most widely used labs for lab-grown diamonds. Each report clearly states whether the diamond is natural or laboratory-grown.
On every diamond page you'll find the report number, a button to view the certificate, and a Verify certificate link that takes you straight to the lab's own website to check it.
How can you tell them apart?
Not by looking — even jewelers need special lab equipment. That's why the certificate matters. Most certified diamonds also have their report number laser-inscribed on the thin outer edge (the girdle), so the stone can be matched to its report. On IGI lab-grown diamonds, the number usually starts with “LG”.
The 4Cs work the same way
Cut, colour, clarity and carat are graded on the same scales for both. Tap to learn more:
Still wondering?
Are lab-grown diamonds fake?
No. Fake or “simulant” stones like cubic zirconia or moissanite are different materials. A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond — it's just grown in a lab instead of in the earth.
Will a lab-grown diamond get cloudy or lose its sparkle?
No. Like a natural diamond, it's the hardest material there is and is made to last a lifetime. A quick clean now and then keeps both looking their best.
Can I mix them — say, a natural centre stone with lab-grown side stones?
Yes, and it can be a lovely way to balance budget and meaning. We'll always tell you clearly which stones are which.
Can you set either type in a custom design?
Absolutely. Every diamond we offer can be set in 18K gold in a ring, pendant, earrings or bracelet designed just for you. See how custom orders work.
Can I see both side by side?
Of course — just ask when you book a private viewing. Seeing them together is often the easiest way to decide.
“All Things Beautiful”
Natural or lab-grown, we'll help you find a diamond you'll love for a lifetime.