At Genesis Diamonds, we offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds, ensuring that our customers have the freedom to choose what best fits their preferences, budget, and values. While both options offer stunning beauty and brilliance, there are key differences to consider.
What Are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are created deep within the Earth over billions of years through immense heat and pressure. Each natural diamond is a unique product of nature, with its own history and rarity. They are valued for their individuality and long-standing tradition as a symbol of love and commitment.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process. The result is a diamond with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as a natural diamond—meaning they are just as real and just as beautiful.
Key Differences
Origin & Rarity: Natural diamonds are rare - mined directly from the Earth, they develop over millions of years. Lab-grown diamonds are made in controlled laboratory environments. Today, it takes 2-3 weeks to create a new lab-grown diamond.
Price & Value: Natural diamonds should be viewed as a longterm investment. They have historically held or appreciated in value over time, often being passed down from generation to generation. Lab-grown diamonds can be significantly less expensive than their natural counterparts, allowing customers to get a larger or higher-quality stone for their budget. Lab-grown diamonds, however, are produced in increasing quantities and do not retain their long-term value. The resale value of a lab-grown diamond will be next to nothing.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Created?
Lab-grown diamonds are formed using advanced technology that replicates the natural conditions in which diamonds develop underground. These diamonds are made in specialized laboratories using two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
HPHT diamonds are created through a process that closely mimics the extreme conditions under which natural diamonds form within the Earth’s mantle.
A small diamond "seed" is placed in a press that applies immense pressure (about 1.5 million pounds per square inch) and high temperatures (over 2,000°F).
Carbon is introduced and melts around the seed, forming new diamond layers as it crystallizes.
After several weeks, a fully formed rough diamond emerges, which is then cut and polished for use in fine jewelry.
HPHT diamonds are often used to enhance the color of lab-grown diamonds, producing colorless or fancy-colored diamonds.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
CVD is a more recent and widely used method for growing high-quality lab diamonds. Instead of intense pressure, CVD relies on a controlled gas environment to stimulate diamond growth.
A tiny diamond seed is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases (such as methane and hydrogen).
The chamber is heated to extreme temperatures (approximately 1,500°F - 2,000°F), breaking down the gas molecules.
The freed carbon atoms settle onto the diamond seed, slowly building up layer by layer over several weeks to form a fully grown rough diamond.
Once the growth is complete, the rough diamond is cut, faceted, and polished just like a natural diamond.
CVD diamonds are known for their high purity and exceptional clarity. Many undergo an additional HPHT process to further improve their color.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between a natural and lab-grown diamond comes down to personal preference. If rarity, tradition, and potential long-term value are important to you, a natural diamond may be the best choice. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still offers incredible beauty, a lab-grown diamond is a fantastic alternative.
At Genesis Diamonds, we are here to help you find the perfect diamond, no matter which type you choose. Visit us in-store or online to explore our collection and find the diamond that’s right for you.