Crystalline carbon
Both origins share diamond’s essential crystal structure.
Nadia & Co. · The jewelry journal
What is a lab-grown diamond?
A diamond. A different beginning.
Discover what natural and laboratory-grown diamonds share, and what their different origins mean for your choice.
Explore below
The details make the difference
Different origins. Shared diamond identity.
Switch between the two origins to understand how each begins.
Grown by nature
An earth-formed origin.
Natural diamonds form through geological processes deep within the Earth. Their natural origin and rarity are important to many people choosing a diamond.
Grown in controlled conditions
Human-made conditions. Diamond crystal.
A lab-grown diamond is crystalline carbon grown using technology. Its essential chemical, physical and optical properties are those of diamond. It is not cubic zirconia or moissanite.
Mohs hardness
Both are highly scratch-resistant. Neither is immune to chipping.
Origin can be identified
Specialized laboratory testing distinguishes natural from lab-grown diamonds.
Does lab-grown mean every stone has the same quality?
No. Diamonds vary in color, clarity, cut and proportions. Compare the actual stone and its independent report, whichever origin you choose.
How do I choose between them?
Begin with the origin you prefer, the look you love and your budget. Ask Nadia & Co. to compare available stones with you. Origin alone does not describe how beautiful an individual diamond will look.
Sources & further reading
Educational references used in these guides. Illustrations are simplified and do not grade or authenticate a gemstone.