"Should I go lab-grown or natural?" is now one of the most common questions we get at our Herne Bay showroom. We set both in engagement rings every week, so we don't have a horse in the race. Here's the honest version.
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. A lab-grown diamond is chemically, physically and optically a diamond: the same carbon crystal structure, the same hardness and the same sparkle. The difference is where it formed. A natural diamond formed deep in the earth over millions of years, while a lab-grown diamond is grown in a controlled environment over weeks. Even a trained jeweller can't tell them apart by eye; it takes specialist lab equipment.
The key differences
- Price: lab-grown diamonds typically cost a fraction of a natural diamond of the same size and quality. For many couples, that means a bigger or better-cut stone for the same budget.
- Rarity and long-term value: natural diamonds are finite and hold their value better over time. Lab-grown diamond prices have fallen as production has increased, so they have little resale value.
- Story: some people love that a natural diamond is billions of years old. Others prefer knowing exactly where their stone came from.
- Certification: both should come with a certificate from an independent lab such as GIA or IGI. We won't quote an uncertified stone.
What doesn't change
Whichever you choose, the rules for picking a beautiful diamond are the same. Cut proportions matter most (we explain why in our guide to diamond cut), then colour and clarity. A cheap lab diamond with poor proportions will still look flat, so don't let a low price talk you out of being fussy.
So which should you choose?
Choose lab-grown if size and value for money are the priority, and you don't mind that the stone won't hold its resale value.
Choose natural if rarity, heritage and long-term value matter to you, or if the ring may be passed down.
There's no wrong answer. The best way to decide is to see them side by side. At our Auckland showroom we can show you natural and lab-grown diamonds next to each other, so you can see for yourself.
Every Culét engagement ring is designed and finished in NZ and made to order, with an independent valuation included. Book a free consultation, browse lab-grown diamonds, or explore our engagement rings.
