Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamond
A little knowledge makes it easier to choose a stone you love. Start with two questions: what is the material, and how was it formed?
Same material family. Different origins.
Natural diamonds form through geological processes within the Earth. Laboratory-grown diamonds are made using technology, commonly high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). They have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical and optical properties as natural diamonds. Their growth histories differ, and specialist testing can identify that origin.
How they compare
| Detail | Natural diamond | Laboratory-grown diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Formed in nature | Produced in a laboratory |
| Material | Crystalline carbon | Crystalline carbon |
| Identification | Laboratory testing can verify origin | Laboratory testing can verify origin |
A diamond look does not identify the material
Cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite can resemble diamond, but they are different materials. They are called diamond simulants, rather than laboratory-grown diamonds. A product name or an attractive photograph is not enough to establish gemstone identity.
Before you choose
- Check the specific stone description and whether its origin is natural or laboratory-grown.
- Ask whether treatments are present and whether an independent report accompanies that particular stone.
- Compare the full piece: stone dimensions, setting, metal, and the details that matter to you.
This is a general educational guide. It does not identify or certify the stones in any specific Amoretto item. For details about a piece, email our team with its product link.
Further reading
GIA: Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds
GIA: Laboratory-grown diamonds and simulants