The lab grown diamond conversation has shifted dramatically in the last few years. What was once a niche alternative has become one of the most common questions in the engagement ring world — and for good reason. Lab grown diamonds have gotten significantly better and significantly more affordable, and the case for them is now genuinely compelling depending on what you value.
But the case for natural diamonds hasn't disappeared either. This guide covers both sides honestly, without an agenda for either — so you can make the decision that's right for you.
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. This is the foundational question, and the answer is unambiguous. Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. They're composed of carbon atoms arranged in the same crystal structure, they have the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), the same refractive index, and the same fire and brilliance. No gemological test can distinguish a lab grown diamond from a natural one by looking at the stone — the only way to tell them apart is with specialized equipment that can detect the specific growth patterns created during production.
The difference is origin, not composition. A natural diamond formed over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth. A lab grown diamond was created in a controlled environment — either through High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods — in a matter of weeks. The result is the same material.
How lab grown diamonds are graded
Lab grown diamonds are graded by the same independent laboratories that grade natural stones — GIA, IGI, and others — using the same 4C criteria: cut, color, clarity, and carat. A lab grown diamond with an IGI grading report is evaluated on exactly the same standards as a natural diamond with a GIA report. The grade means the same thing.
The price difference
This is where lab grown diamonds have the most obvious advantage. As of 2025, lab grown diamonds typically cost 40–70% less than equivalent natural diamonds — same carat weight, same cut quality, same color and clarity grades. The price gap has widened considerably over the past several years as production has scaled and technology has improved.
In practical terms, this means a $10,000 budget that might get you a 1.2 to 1.5-carat natural diamond could get you a 3.0 to 5.0-carat lab grown diamond of comparable quality. For many couples, that's a significant difference — and it unlocks settings and design details that might otherwise be out of reach.
Resale value: the honest picture
Natural diamonds hold their value better than lab grown diamonds in the resale market. This is largely a function of supply: natural diamonds are finite, and their scarcity supports their secondary market price. Lab grown diamonds, by contrast, can be produced in increasing quantities as technology improves — which puts downward pressure on resale value.
That said, it's worth putting this in context. Most engagement rings are never sold. They're worn, passed down, or kept as heirlooms. For the vast majority of couples, resale value is a theoretical consideration rather than a practical one. If you're buying a ring you intend to keep and love, the resale market matters very little.
If you're buying with investment in mind — which is a different goal — natural diamonds are the more sensible choice. But engagement rings have never been reliable investment vehicles regardless of stone type, and buying one primarily for resale is generally not the best financial strategy.
Environmental considerations
The environmental comparison between lab grown and natural diamonds is more nuanced than it's often presented. Lab grown diamonds require significant energy to produce — the HPHT and CVD processes are energy-intensive, and the environmental impact depends heavily on the energy source used in production. Labs powered by renewable energy have a meaningfully smaller footprint than those running on fossil fuels.
Natural diamond mining has well-documented environmental impacts, including land disruption and water use, though responsible mining practices and industry certifications have improved significantly. The Kimberley Process and other frameworks have also addressed concerns about conflict diamonds, though critics argue those systems remain imperfect.
Neither option is without environmental cost. If sustainability is important to your decision, the most meaningful thing you can do is ask about the specific origin of the stone and the sourcing practices of the jeweler you're working with.
What the choice usually comes down to
After all the facts, most couples make this decision based on one of two things: budget or meaning.
If budget is the primary driver, lab grown diamonds offer a clear advantage. You get more stone for your money, with no sacrifice in appearance or quality. For a couple who wants the largest, most visually impressive ring their budget can produce, lab grown is a compelling answer.
If meaning is the primary driver — if there's something important to you about wearing a stone that formed naturally in the earth over geological time — then a natural diamond is worth the premium. That meaning is personal and entirely valid. It doesn't need to be justified by resale value or any other practical argument.
Both are real diamonds. Both are beautiful. The right choice is the one that fits your values, your budget, and your vision for the ring.
What acredo rings carries and why
At acredo in Denver, both natural and lab grown diamonds are available. All stones come with grading documentation, and the custom design process works the same way regardless of which direction you choose. We have professional diamond testing equipment that you can use to ensure the origin of your diamond.
The conversation about lab grown vs. natural is one we welcome. There's no agenda in either direction — just an honest look at what each option offers and what fits best for the person wearing the ring. If you'd like to explore both options in person and see the difference side by side, we're available by appointment.