This is the question I get asked more than any other in my consultations. And I'm going to give you the honest answer — not the one that sells you the more expensive option, and not the one that's just trendy right now.
Both natural and lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. Let's start there, because there's still a lot of confusion.
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond, Really?
A lab grown diamond is created in a controlled environment using one of two processes — High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both replicate the conditions under which natural diamonds form deep in the earth.
The result is a diamond with the same chemical composition (pure carbon), the same crystal structure, the same optical properties, and the same hardness as a natural diamond. A gemologist with a standard loupe cannot tell the difference.
What's different is the origin — and for some people, that matters enormously. For others, it doesn't at all. Both are valid positions.
The Price Difference — And What It Actually Means
Lab grown diamonds currently cost 60-80% less than natural diamonds of equivalent quality. That means for a $5,000 budget, you could have a 0.80 carat natural diamond — or a 2-3 carat lab grown diamond in the same quality tier.
That's a significant difference. And for many of my clients, that extra carat weight is more important than the origin of the stone.
But here's what I always tell people: lab grown diamond prices have dropped dramatically and continue to drop as production scales. Natural diamonds have held their value for decades. If you ever plan to resell or pass down the ring, a natural diamond is a more stable asset.
The Questions I Ask My Clients
When someone asks me natural or lab, I ask them three things:
- Is the story of the stone important to you? If knowing your diamond formed billions of years ago deep in the earth matters — go natural. That story is real and it's part of what you're buying.
- What does your budget allow? If going natural means compromising on cut quality or size, I'll often recommend lab. A well-cut lab diamond will always outperform a poorly cut natural one.
- Are you planning to keep this ring forever, or might you upgrade later? If you might upgrade in 5-10 years, lab grown gives you more flexibility with less financial risk.
What Stays the Same
Whether natural or lab grown, my standards don't change. Every diamond I sell carries a GIA or IGI certificate. Every stone is evaluated for cut quality first — because cut is what makes a diamond come alive, regardless of origin.
The setting, the metal, the craftsmanship — all the same. The ring you get from Diamond Tales is made with the same attention to detail whether the center stone formed in the earth or in a laboratory.
My Honest Take
If budget allows and the story matters to you — choose natural. There's something genuinely special about a stone that took billions of years to form.
If budget is a real consideration and you'd rather have a larger, better-cut stone — choose lab grown. You're not compromising on quality. You're making a smart decision.
And if you're still not sure? That's exactly what consultations are for.
See Both Side by Side
Browse our full lab grown diamond collection— every piece is authenticated and every stone hand-selected.
Or explore our full engagement ring collection featuring both natural and lab grown options across every budget.
Want to see them in person? Book a free consultation I'll show you both side by side and answer every question you have. No pressure and no agenda — just an honest conversation about what's right for you.
New to diamond buying? Start with our free Diamond Buying Guide.
