COMMENTARY – The importance of separating natural and laboratory-grown diamonds


By Julia Griffith FGA DGA EG

Founder of The Gem Academy

Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds have the same chemical composition and have the same crystal structure and, therefore, are the same material. But are they the same product?

The fact that gem diamonds formed naturally billions of years ago and most laboratory-grown diamonds have been artificially grown within the last two decades is a key difference. These vastly different origins give the products different connotations, desirability and worth.

Some differences, such as rarity, have a financial implication. Laboratory-grown diamonds can be reproduced, which is not a property of natural diamonds. Laboratory-grown diamonds have more than halved in retail price over the past five years, which is mainly attributed to the increasing supply.

Further differences can be proven scientifically. The different origins of the stones can be determined through observation and testing. If we can separate them – they are not exactly the same.

These differences are ultimately strengths because they provide each product with a unique selling point (USP).  Whether this be rarity, origin or price.

The ability to separate and prove origin is integral to both the natural and laboratory-grown diamond industries. Without separation the USPs are meaningless.


Gem Academy -0.59ct laboratory-grown diamond - Julia Griffith

Image courtesy of The Gem Academy