Natural Diamond vs Lab Grown

Natural Diamond vs Lab Grown: A Guide to Making the Right Choice

Diamonds hold a deep cultural and emotional significance in Japan. From engagement rings to anniversary gifts and status symbols, they represent lasting love, commitment, and elegance. With recent technological advances, consumers now face a new decision:

Should you go with a natural diamond formed over billions of years beneath the Earth’s surface, or choose a lab grown diamond crafted with cutting-edge science?

This guide will walk you through the key differences, advantages, and trade-offs between natural and lab grown diamonds to help you make a confident, value-aligned choice.

What Is a Natural Diamond?

Diamonds

Definition: A natural diamond is a gemstone formed through high pressure and temperature deep within the Earth over a period of billions of years.

Key Characteristics:

  • Formed naturally in the Earth’s mantle
  • Mined from the Earth (typically Africa, Russia, Canada, Australia)
  • Each diamond is unique and has a traceable Diamonds history

Perceived Value in Japan:

  • Strong association with tradition, heritage, and social status
  • Preferred for formal and ceremonial jewelry
  • High resale value and collector appeal

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Definition: A lab grown diamond (also known as a synthetic or cultured diamond) is created in a laboratory under conditions that mimic the natural diamond formation process.

Creation Methods:

  1. HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
  2. CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)

Key Characteristics:

  • Chemically, optically, and physically identical to natural diamonds
  • Made in a matter of weeks
  • Typically costs 30–70% less than natural diamonds

Perception in Japan:

  • Seen as a smart, ethical, and innovative choice
  • Popular among eco-conscious and younger consumers
  • Gaining popularity in fashion-forward jewelry and casual luxury

Natural Diamond vs Lab Grown Diamond: Side-by-Side Comparison

S.No. Feature Natural Diamond Lab Grown Diamond
1 Origin Formed underground over billions of years Created in a lab within weeks
2 Price More expensive 30–70% cheaper
3 Environmental Impact High (mining, land disruption) Lower (less water and carbon emissions)
4 Resale Value Generally retains value Lower resale and trade-in value
5 Uniqueness Each stone is one-of-a-kind Identical stones can be produced
6 Certification Certified by GIA, AGS, etc. Certified by IGI, GCAL, and others
7 Ethics Risk of conflict diamonds if not certified Ethically sourced by design

 

6 Crucial Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

Choosing Between Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

1. Budget

  • Natural diamonds cost more due to rarity and mining costs.
  • Lab diamonds offer significant savings, allowing you to buy a bigger or higher-grade stone for the same price.

Tip: If you want to maximize sparkle without breaking the bank, lab grown may be the better option.

2. Purpose of Purchase

  • For weddings, heirlooms, or long-term investments, natural diamonds may be more fitting due to their traditional appeal and lasting value.
  • For fashion jewelry or personal use, lab diamonds offer flexibility and affordability.

3. Environmental & Ethical Considerations

  • Natural diamond mining has historically been linked to ecological damage and questionable labor practices.
  • Lab grown diamonds are more sustainable and typically produced with ethical labor standards.

Eco-conscious consumers in Japan are increasingly favoring lab grown options.

4. Resale & Long-Term Value

  • Natural diamonds tend to retain more resale value and are often seen as a long-term asset.
  • Lab grown diamonds have lower resale value due to their mass production.

Important for collectors or investors.

5. Cultural or Sentimental Significance

  • In Japanese culture, traditional values and symbolism matter. Natural diamonds still carry an unmatched aura of permanence and prestige.
  • Lab diamonds appeal more to a modern, minimalistic, and pragmatic lifestyle.

6. Visual Appearance & Quality

  • Both types are indistinguishable to the naked eye.
  • Both can be graded on the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat).

Fun fact: Even experts need special tools to tell the difference!

Common Misconceptions – Let’s Clear the Air

Myth 1: Lab Diamonds Are Fake

False. They are real diamonds with identical chemical structure. They’re not cubic zirconia or moissanite.

Myth 2: Lab Diamonds Don’t Sparkle as Much

False. They offer the same brilliance as natural diamonds.

Myth 3: Natural Diamonds Are Always Ethically Sourced

Partially true. Unless it’s certified conflict-free (e.g., Kimberley Process), this can’t be guaranteed.

Myth 4: You Can’t Insure Lab Diamonds

False. They can be insured just like natural diamonds, though resale value may differ.

Shopping Tips for Japanese Consumers

Choose a Reputable Jeweler

  • Look for sellers with proper certifications (Precious Lab, IGI, etc.)
  • Check customer reviews and after-sales services

Verify Diamond Certification

  • Insist on certification for both types of diamonds
  • GIA, AGS for natural; IGI or Precious Lab for lab grown

Match Your Diamond to Your Lifestyle

  • Do you want tradition and long-term value?
  • Or do you prefer affordability and sustainability?

Consider Customization Options

Many Japanese jewelers now offer bespoke rings with lab grown stones

Pros & Cons Summary

Natural Diamonds

Pros:

  • Historical and cultural significance
  • High resale value
  • Uniqueness and rarity

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Ethical and environmental concerns

Lab Grown Diamonds

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Environmentally and ethically sound
  • Same beauty and sparkle

Cons:

  • Lower resale value
  • Lack the "romance" of geologic origin

Conclusion – Which One Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choosing between a natural and lab grown diamond depends on your values, budget, and purpose.

Choose a natural diamond if:

  • You value tradition, rarity, and long-term investment
  • You’re buying for a wedding, milestone, or heirloom

Choose a lab grown diamond if:

  • You want to be budget-conscious without compromising on sparkle
  • You care about sustainability and ethical sourcing

In Japan’s ever-evolving luxury market, both types of diamonds have a place. Whether you follow your heart, your head, or your wallet, the perfect diamond is the one that matches your story.

Bonus: Recommended Jewelry Stores in Japan Offering Both Options

  • Precious-Lab – High-end Japanese jeweler offering certified Lab Grown diamonds
  • I-PRIMO – Custom bridal rings with natural and lab grown options
  • BRILLIANCE+ – Pioneering lab grown diamond retailer in Japan
  • K.UNO – Known for bespoke jewelry and ethically sourced gems


Explore our curated collection of 100,000+ certified lab-grown diamonds and 50+ engagement ring styles.

👉 Start Your Journey Today – and discover how simple, smart, and satisfying buying an engagement ring can be.

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