The short answer: yes, absolutely.
Lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, hardness, brilliance and fire as diamonds formed naturally in the earth.
The main difference is how they were created.
Natural diamonds formed deep underground over millions of years under immense heat and pressure.
Lab grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that replicates those same conditions in a controlled environment.
Both are genuine diamonds. Both sparkle beautifully. Both can be used in engagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewellery.
However, there are some important differences worth understanding before deciding which option is right for you.
Can you tell the difference between a natural and lab grown diamond?
To the naked eye, natural and lab grown diamonds look virtually identical. Both are real diamonds with the same chemical composition, sparkle and durability.
However, professional diamond testing equipment can identify whether a diamond is natural or lab grown. At Eloise Jewellery, we use specialist diamond testing equipment to verify diamonds and accurately determine their origin.
While most people would never be able to spot the difference simply by looking at them, there are important distinctions between natural and lab-grown diamonds that are worth understanding before making your decision.
One of these is natural, and one is lab-grown.
Can you tell which is which?
Read to the bottom for the answer
What are lab grown diamonds made of?
Exactly the same thing as natural diamonds: pure crystallised carbon.
A lab grown diamond is not:
• Cubic zirconia
• Crystal glass
• Moissanite
• A fake diamond
It is a genuine diamond that will test as a diamond on standard diamond testing equipment.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear in-store. Many people assume lab grown diamonds are imitation stones, but they are real diamonds with the same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds.
Are lab grown diamonds as strong as natural diamonds?
Yes.
Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, scoring 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Whether a diamond was created underground or in a laboratory, it still has the same exceptional durability and is suitable for everyday wear in engagement rings and wedding jewellery.
This makes both natural and lab grown diamonds an excellent choice for jewellery that is designed to last a lifetime.
Why are lab grown diamonds cheaper?
One of the main reasons customers choose lab grown diamonds is value for money.
Because lab grown diamonds can be produced in an artificial environment rather than mined from the earth, they are often available at a lower price than a comparable natural diamond.
This means some customers can choose a larger carat weight or a higher clarity grade while staying within budget.
At Eloise Jewellery, we have traditionally specialised in natural diamonds and continue to stock and source a wide range of beautiful natural diamond jewellery.
However, as demand for lab grown diamonds has grown in recent years, we have introduced a carefully selected collection of lab grown diamond engagement rings to offer our customers more choice.
Whether you're looking for a natural diamond or a lab grown diamond, we can source stones in a huge range of:
• Carat weights
• Shapes and cuts
• Colours
• Clarity grades
• Budgets
Our team is always happy to explain the options and help you find the perfect diamond for your priorities and budget.
Explore some of our lab-grown diamond rings:
• Classic Platinum Pear-Shaped Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring
• Timeless Platinum Oval-Cut Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring
• Elegant 18ct Yellow Gold Radiant-Cut Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring
Explore some of our natural diamond rings:
- Art Deco Inspired 9ct Yellow Gold Octagonal Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
- 'Marilyn' Ring - Exceptional Platinum 1ct Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
What our customers say
★★★★★ Emma W.
"Absolutely fantastic service from start to finish. The staff took the time to explain all the options and helped us find the perfect ring. We couldn't be happier."
★★★★★ Karen M.
"Beautiful jewellery and such knowledgeable staff. Nothing was too much trouble and the quality is outstanding."
Do lab grown diamonds sparkle the same?
Yes.
Because their physical and optical properties are virtually identical to natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds display the same brilliance, fire and sparkle.
When properly cut, a lab grown diamond can look every bit as stunning as a natural diamond.
The quality of the cut often has a bigger impact on sparkle than whether the diamond is natural or lab grown.
Do lab grown diamonds hold their value?
This is one area where natural and lab grown diamonds differ.
Natural diamonds have historically retained resale value much better because of their natural rarity.
That said, most people buy an engagement ring because they love it and want to wear it for years to come, not because they plan to sell it in the future.
Should you choose a natural or lab-grown diamond?
Many customers still prefer natural diamonds because of their rarity, history and the incredible journey they have taken over millions of years beneath the earth's surface.
Others choose lab-grown diamonds because they can often purchase a larger stone or a higher specification diamond for the same budget.
Neither choice is right or wrong. The most important thing is finding a diamond that you genuinely love and feel excited to wear.
If you're unsure which option is best for you, visit our boutique and we'll happily show you natural and lab-grown diamonds side by side, explain the differences and answer any questions you may have.
Whatever your preference, we can source both natural and lab-grown diamonds in a wide range of sizes, shapes, colours and clarity grades.
Did you guess correctly?
Looking for your perfect diamond?
Whether you're searching for a timeless natural diamond engagement ring or exploring the latest lab-grown diamond options, our experienced team is here to help.
We can source diamonds in a huge variety of sizes, shapes and qualities, and if you can't find exactly what you're looking for, our bespoke design service can help bring your dream ring to life.
See how we create bespoke jewellery
https://eloisejewellery.com/pages/rhodium-plating
Visit us in-store, get in touch online or book a consultation and let us help you find a diamond you'll treasure forever.