Lab Grown vs Natural:
Which Diamond is Right for You?

Lab-grown diamonds are optically, physically and chemically identical to mined diamonds, with the same brilliance, durability and sparkle. The only difference is their origin – instead of forming naturally underground, they are grown in a laboratory using advanced technology.

We offer both lab-grown and ethically sourced natural mined diamonds, so you can choose the option that best suits your budget and values. All natural diamonds are sourced in line with the Kimberley Process to ensure they’re conflict free, and all our stones are set in recycled precious metals.

Conflict-free mined diamonds are simply beautiful to look at and last a lifetime. A rare luxury created by Mother Nature, they come with the legacy of having been sourced from the Earth.

Sustainable lab grown diamonds are also stunning to gaze at, and they also last a lifetime. More affordable than mined diamonds, they are additionally sustainable and ethical.

In conclusion, both lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds are luxurious, beautiful and sparkling options – and they will both make wonderful gifts for a lifetime. Now, you simply have more choice.

Mined diamonds and lab diamonds are quality-graded by gemmologists in exactly the same way using the Four Cs – Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat weight.

Therefore, your diamond (regardless of whether it is lab grown or mined) will simply be graded at the quality it has, for example, Premium Quality, H/Si or E/Vs.

Having said that, since lab diamonds are more affordable than mined diamonds per carat, you’ll usually be able to access a much better diamond grade/quality for your budget if you choose lab grown.

“Better” is very subjective. It’s like cars. If someone asks you if an Aston Martin or a Ferrari is better, your answer would depend on your individual requirements.

It is the same with lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same internationally recognised standards as mined diamonds. Known as the 4Cs – Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat – these determine a diamond's beauty, brilliance and value. Many of our lab-grown diamonds are independently certified by leading gemmological laboratories, such as IGI, giving you confidence in the quality and authenticity of your diamond.

The price of a lab-grown diamond engagement ring depends on several factors, even if two rings look similar at first glance. The quality of the diamond, including its cut, colour, clarity and carat weight, plays a significant role, as does the choice of precious metal, the setting style and the total diamond weight.

Like mined diamonds, the resale value of a lab-grown diamond can vary depending on market conditions, quality and demand. Whether mined or lab-grown, engagement rings are not typically purchased as financial investments. Instead, their true value lies in the memories, milestones and commitment they represent. Many people choose a lab-grown diamond for its exceptional beauty, quality and value, allowing them to select a larger or higher-quality diamond for their budget without compromising on brilliance.

Our lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory using advanced technology that replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds form beneath the Earth's surface. The result is a lab-grown diamond that is optically, physically and chemically identical to a mined diamond, offering the same exceptional brilliance, durability and beauty.

No. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as mined diamonds, meaning they won't cloud, fade or lose their sparkle over time. With a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, they are highly resistant to scratching, making them an excellent choice for everyday wear.

To keep your engagement ring looking its best, we recommend removing it before activities such as exercising, gardening, heavy lifting or using household cleaning products. This helps reduce the risk of accidental damage to the setting or loss if the ring becomes loose. Regular cleaning and occasional professional inspections will also help maintain your ring's brilliance and ensure the setting remains secure for years to come.

That's entirely a personal decision. Some couples enjoy choosing an engagement ring together and discussing whether a lab-grown or mined diamond best suits their values, style and budget. Others prefer to keep every detail of the proposal a surprise. Whatever you decide, lab-grown diamonds offer the same beauty, brilliance and durability as mined diamonds, so the most important thing is choosing a ring that reflects your partner and your story together.

Yes. Lab grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds so they look exactly the same.

They can only be told apart from their mined counterparts by using special laboratory equipment that can detect the very slight differences in crystal growth.