• Epic Diamonds
  • Celebrities
  • Engagement & Weddings
  • Style
  • Men’s
  • Sustainability
  • Diamond Guide
  • Only Natural Diamonds
  • Epic Diamonds
  • Celebrities
  • Engagement & Weddings
  • Style
  • Men’s
  • Sustainability
  • Diamond Guide
  • Shop Official Retail Partners
  • Natural Diamond Council
  • Diamond Professionals
  • Sustainable Development
  • Thank You, By The Way
  • Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative
  • About Us
  • Retailer Partnership Opportunities
  • To Treasure Now and Forever
  • Lily in Botswana
  • Watch the Film
  • Lily’s Diamonds
  • On the Red Carpet
  • Everyday Diamonds
  • On Set
  • Diamonds for Him
  • Meet Lily James
  • Follow us
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Tiktok
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • US
  • India
  • France
  • UAE
  • China

Diamond Guide

A collection of educational articles, historical background and shopping information on natural diamonds, curated to guide your purchase of diamond jewelry and answer frequently asked questions about the world’s most beloved gem.  

  • The Difference Between Natural & Lab Grown
  • Think You Know Diamonds?
  • The 4 Cs
  • Natural Diamonds and Sustainability
  • Official Retail Partner Locations
  • Discover More

The Difference Between Natural & Lab Grown

When it comes to shopping for diamond jewelry, there are some common misconceptions and frequently asked questions. From how to tell natural diamonds from laboratory-grown diamonds, to the history and values behind natural diamonds, it’s important to understand the facts about what you’re buying. To help you navigate the retail counter and prepare the right questions for your jeweler, here are a few key differences to remember about natural diamonds and their lab-grown diamond counterparts.



No. 1: Earthly Origins
Natural diamonds are formed by the heat and pressure of the Earth, from 1 to 3 billion years ago, making a natural diamond the oldest thing you will ever touch.

The extreme conditions within the Earth that created natural diamonds are only the beginning of their journey. Millions of years after their formation, on average, 100 miles deep within the Earth, natural diamonds were blasted toward the surface of the Earth by ancient volcanoes. These volcanoes trapped diamonds in their molten rock as it exploded to the surface, and today, diamonds are found in the remanence of these ancient volcanoes we call kimberlite pipes.

No. 2: Rarity & Value
The value of natural diamonds comes from their uniqueness and rarity as a billion-year-old-gem.

The total amount of natural diamonds 1 carat and larger recovered in a year would only fill one exercise ball. This rarity and finiteness make natural diamonds valuable. Over the last 35 years, natural diamonds have shown to appreciate in price by approximately 3% on average every year. Natural diamonds retain inherent value over time making them an incredible heirloom.

Between 2016 and 2022, the prices of laboratory grown diamonds fell by more than 70%.

Graph courtesy Paul Ziminsky.

Unlike natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are produced with microwave reactors in a matter of only a few weeks. Lab grown diamonds are also made of carbon, but without the earthly origins they lack the unique diamond qualities infused by nature. * Learn more.

No. 3: Environmental Impact
Natural diamond companies are committed to controlling and reducing their environmental impact, as well as protecting through conservation projects three times more land than they use.

Natural diamond companies are committed to controlling and reducing their environmental impact, as well as protecting through conservation projects three times more land than they use.

Researchers are using the rocks in which diamonds are found called kimberlite to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, in a ground-breaking research program with the aim to reach carbon neutrality within this decade.

The environmental impact of a one carat, polished natural diamond is about the same as the environmental impact in manufacturing 3 smartphones. The benefit of buying a natural diamond is they last a lifetime and beyond. How many times do you replace your smart phone?

No. 4: Unique Symbol of Love
Every natural diamond is unique, like a fingerprint.

The difference between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond is that just like everything in nature, no two natural diamonds are identical, unlike mass-produced lab-created diamonds or synthetic diamonds.

Since 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to his love, Mary of Burgundy with a diamond engagement ring, the unique, one-of-a-kind properties of natural diamonds has made them the ultimate symbol of love.

No. 5: Sustainability
The natural diamond industry supports the livelihood of 10 million people globally.

Together, the world’s leading diamond producers create $16 billion net positive socioeconomic and environmental benefits annually in countries where they operate–80% of which stays within local communities.* Learn more.

*Analysis conducted by Trucost, part of S&P Global, based on 2016/2017 data.

Explore more

Amanda Seyfried wearing Forevermark diamond jewelry

Celebrity Diamond Jewelry Spotlight: Amanda Seyfried

By Topher Gauk-Roger

Nature Made Me A Better Mom

By Lisa Ray

Diamonds in the Stars: Pisces

By Editorial Staff

Object of My Affection: Max Papendieck & Julia Van Os

By Claire Stern
Newsletter
Get the Newsletter

Only Natural Diamonds, brought to you by the Natural Diamond Council, is the definitive destination for all things natural diamonds. We provide inspiration, insights and information on the world of real, natural diamonds recovered from the earth. This includes a behind-the-scenes look into the natural diamond industry, the latest trends in diamond jewelry design, as well as education and tips on how to buy the perfect engagement ring and other diamond jewelry.
  • Follow us
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Tiktok
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • © 2023 The Natural Diamond Council
  • Press
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Exercise My Rights
  • Site by Pollen

Get the Newsletter

Sign up for the latest diamond news, delivered directly to your inbox.