Lab vs. Natural

Discover the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds.

Diamond Facts

Diamond Quality Factors

The 4 C's of diamonds are the universal standard for evaluating diamond quality and value.

Carat measures the weight of a diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams. Heavier diamonds are rarer and typically more valuable, though carat weight alone doesn't determine a diamond's worth.

Cut refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and faceted. A superior cut maximizes light reflection and brilliance, making the diamond appear more radiant. Cut quality ranges from poor to excellent and significantly impacts a diamond's sparkle.

Color grades diamonds on a scale from colorless to light yellow or brown. Colorless diamonds are the most prized and valuable. The Gemological Institute of America uses a D-to-Z scale, with D being completely colorless.

Clarity measures the presence or absence of inclusions and blemishes. Diamonds with fewer imperfections are graded higher on the clarity scale. Most inclusions are invisible to the naked eye, but they can affect a diamond's structural integrity and light performance.

Understanding these four factors helps you choose a diamond that matches your preferences and budget.

CVD Lab Grown Diamonds

CVD diamonds are created in a laboratory using chemical vapor deposition technology. A diamond seed is placed in a chamber where carbon-rich gases are ionized with microwave energy, causing carbon atoms to accumulate layer by layer on the seed. This process builds a diamond crystal from the inside out over several weeks.

The result is a chemically identical diamond to those formed naturally over billions of years underground. CVD diamonds possess the same optical, physical, and thermal properties as mined diamonds, making them optically indistinguishable without specialized equipment.

This method offers greater control over the diamond's growth, allowing for precise color and clarity characteristics. CVD diamonds are typically more affordable than comparable natural diamonds while maintaining the same durability and brilliance.

HTHP Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds, created in controlled laboratory environments in a matter of weeks rather than billions of years. They offer the same brilliance, durability, and beauty at a more accessible price point.

Our lab-grown diamond collection provides an ethical and sustainable alternative without compromising on quality or sparkle. Each stone is certified and graded by the same rigorous standards as natural diamonds, ensuring you receive exactly what you're paying for.

Whether you're drawn to lab-grown for environmental reasons, budget considerations, or simply preference, we're here to help you find the perfect stone for your engagement ring or jewelry piece.

Can you tell the difference?

Lab-grown and natural diamonds are chemically identical, so they look the same to the naked eye. A gemologist with specialized equipment can distinguish between them, but visual inspection alone won't reveal the difference.

Both types are equally durable. Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale—the hardest natural material. Lab-grown diamonds have the same crystal structure and durability as natural diamonds, making them suitable for everyday wear in any jewelry setting.

The choice between lab-grown and natural comes down to personal preference, budget, and values rather than appearance or longevity.

Cullinun Diamond Mine

Every diamond tells a story. This photograph captures a moment from our journey to the Cullinan Diamond Mine in Johannesburg, South Africa, where some of the world's most extraordinary diamonds have been discovered. Standing at the source of these natural wonders deepened our appreciation for the craftsmanship and rarity that goes into every piece we create. When you choose a diamond from Selman's Jewelers, you're not just selecting a stone—you're becoming part of a legacy that spans continents and generations.

Cullinun Diamond Mine