Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds – What’s the Real Difference? (2026 Guide)
Introduction
If you have been shopping for diamond jewellery recently, you have probably asked yourself this question: what is the difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond?
You are not alone. In 2026, this is one of the most searched diamond questions on Google — and for good reason. The jewellery industry has changed dramatically. More than half of all engagement rings sold today feature lab grown diamonds. Yet many buyers still have doubts, questions, and confusion.
In this guide, Bezelis answers every question clearly and honestly — so you can make the right choice with complete confidence.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes. 100%. Absolutely.
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond. It is not a fake. It is not cubic zirconia. It is not moissanite. It is a genuine diamond — chemically, physically, and visually identical to a diamond formed deep inside the Earth.
Both lab grown and natural diamonds are made of pure carbon atoms arranged in the exact same crystal structure. Both score a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale — the hardest rating possible. Both have the same refractive index, the same brilliance, the same fire, and the same sparkle.
Even a trained gemologist cannot tell the difference with the naked eye. Only advanced laboratory equipment can detect the difference — and even then, what it detects is the origin, not any difference in quality or beauty.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) — the world’s most respected diamond authority — officially recognises lab grown diamonds as real diamonds. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) grades them using the exact same standards as natural diamonds.
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
Lab grown diamonds are created using two scientific methods that replicate the natural conditions deep inside the Earth:
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) A tiny diamond seed is placed inside a chamber and exposed to temperatures over 2,000°C and pressure of 1.5 million pounds per square inch. Carbon melts and crystallises around the seed — forming a real diamond over several weeks. This is exactly how nature does it — just faster.
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) A diamond seed is placed in a sealed chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. When the chamber is heated, carbon atoms separate from the gas and build up on the seed, layer by layer, forming a genuine diamond crystal. CVD diamonds are typically the highest quality — pure, colourless, and brilliant.
Both methods produce real, certified diamonds — the same diamonds you see set in Bezelis jewellery, certified by IGI or GIA.
Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds — The Real Differences
Here is an honest, clear comparison:
1. Price
This is the biggest difference. Lab grown diamonds cost 60–80% less than natural diamonds of the same quality.
A 1 carat natural diamond (excellent cut, VS1 clarity, F colour) costs approximately $3,000–$7,000. The exact same quality lab grown diamond costs $150–$,400. That is the same diamond beauty at a fraction of the price.
For Bezelis customers, this means you can afford a larger, higher quality diamond — or a more intricate gold setting — for the same budget.
2. Quality & Appearance
Identical. No difference whatsoever to the human eye. Same brilliance. Same sparkle. Same fire. If you placed a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond side by side, you could not tell them apart.
3. Certification
Both are certified by the same institutions — IGI and GIA — using the same grading criteria: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat (the 4Cs). All Bezelis diamonds come with IGI or GIA certification, giving you a full written guarantee of your diamond’s quality.
4. Durability
Identical. Both score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale — the maximum possible. Your lab grown diamond ring, earrings, bracelet, or necklace will last a lifetime with normal care.
5. Ethics & Sustainability
Lab grown diamonds are conflict-free and have a significantly lower environmental impact than mined diamonds. No land is disturbed. No communities are displaced. For buyers who care about ethical sourcing — lab grown is the clear choice.
6. Resale Value
Natural diamonds currently hold better resale value than lab grown diamonds. If long-term investment and resale is your priority, natural diamonds have an advantage. However, most jewellery buyers prioritise the beauty, meaning, and joy of wearing their piece — not resale.
IGI vs GIA — Which Certification Should You Trust?
Both IGI (International Gemological Institute) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) are world-class, trusted certifications. All Bezelis diamonds are certified by one of these two institutions.
IGI is the most widely used certification for lab grown diamonds globally. It grades lab grown diamonds with the same strict 4C standards as natural diamonds. Most premium lab grown diamond jewellery brands — including Bezelis — use IGI certification.
GIA is the most recognised diamond grading institution in the world and is trusted by buyers globally.
When you buy from Bezelis, every diamond comes with its certification document. You know exactly what you are getting — the cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight — with a written guarantee.
Who Is Choosing Lab Grown Diamonds in 2026?
The numbers tell the story clearly. In 2026, over 55% of engagement ring buyers are choosing lab grown diamonds. This is not a trend — it is a permanent shift in how people think about diamonds.
Younger buyers — particularly those aged 21–35 — overwhelmingly prefer lab grown diamonds. They value transparency, sustainability, and getting the best quality for their money. They would rather wear a beautiful 2 carat lab grown diamond than compromise on a 0.75 carat natural diamond for the same budget.
Why Choose Bezelis for Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery?
At Bezelis, every piece of jewellery is crafted with:
- Real 14K and 18K gold — BIS Hallmarked for guaranteed purity
- IGI or GIA certified lab grown diamonds — every diamond documented and certified
- 100% Buyback policy — we stand behind every piece we sell
- 7-day easy returns — shop with complete confidence
- Worldwide shipping — delivered safely to your door
- Custom jewellery available — design your own ring, necklace, bracelet, or earrings
Whether you are looking for an engagement ring, a gift for someone special, or a treat for yourself — Bezelis offers genuine luxury at a price that makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can anyone tell a lab grown diamond from a natural diamond? No. They are visually identical. Even trained gemologists need advanced laboratory equipment to detect the difference — and what they detect is only the origin, not any difference in quality or beauty.
Q: Do lab grown diamonds pass a diamond tester? Yes. Because they are real diamonds with the same physical properties, they pass diamond testers just like natural diamonds.
Q: Are lab grown diamonds a good choice for an engagement ring? Absolutely. In 2026, more than half of all engagement rings feature lab grown diamonds. You get the same beauty, the same hardness, and the same certified quality — at a fraction of the cost.
Q: What gold purity does Bezelis use? All Bezelis jewellery is available in 14K and 18K gold — in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold — all BIS Hallmarked.
Q: Can I customise my jewellery at Bezelis? Yes. Bezelis offers fully custom jewellery. You choose the diamond shape, carat weight, gold purity, and design — and we craft it for you. Contact us to start designing.
Conclusion
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are certified, beautiful, ethical, and significantly more affordable than mined diamonds. In 2026, choosing a lab grown diamond is not a compromise — it is a smart, modern decision.
At Bezelis, we are proud to offer IGI and GIA certified lab grown diamond jewellery in real 14K and 18K gold — crafted to the highest standards and backed by our 100% buyback guarantee.
Ready to find your perfect piece? Shop our full collection of lab grown diamond jewellery →
Or design something completely your own. Start your custom jewellery journey →
Written by the Bezelis team | Updated May 2026 All diamonds at Bezelis are IGI or GIA certified lab grown diamonds set in BIS Hallmarked 14K and 18K gold.
