Diamond Guide

Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamonds

Choosing between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond is one of the first decisions many couples make when shopping for an engagement ring. At H.L. Gross & Bro. Jewelers in Garden City, Long Island, you can see both in one visit. We keep them as separate choices, and every diamond we sell is clearly identified as natural or lab-grown.

We have helped Long Island families choose diamonds since 1910, and today we are run by the fifth generation of the Gross family. This guide explains what natural and lab-grown diamonds have in common, how they differ and how to decide which is right for you.

The short answer: natural and lab-grown diamonds are both real diamonds, with the same chemistry and the same sparkle. The difference is origin. A natural diamond formed in the Earth over millions of years; a lab-grown diamond was grown in a laboratory in a matter of weeks. They are priced differently, come with reports from different grading laboratories, and only natural diamonds are eligible for our Diamond Trade-Up Policy.

Natural diamonds Lab-grown diamonds Compare side by side

What natural and lab-grown diamonds have in common

Both are pure carbon arranged in the same crystal structure, so a lab-grown diamond has the same hardness, brilliance and fire as a natural diamond. To the eye they look the same, and telling them apart takes specialized laboratory equipment. Both are cut into the same shapes and graded on the same 4Cs: carat, cut, color and clarity.

Woman wearing a natural diamond cushion halo engagement ring Natural

Natural diamonds at H.L. Gross

A natural diamond formed deep in the Earth over millions of years before it was mined, cut and polished. When we say natural or earth-mined, we mean this category only.

  • Our natural center diamonds come with GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grading reports
  • Available as engagement ring center stones and throughout our fine jewelry and wedding rings
  • Eligible for our Diamond Trade-Up Policy
  • Choose a Ready To Go natural engagement ring with the center diamond already set, or have any of our engagement ring settings made for the natural diamond you choose
Ready To Go Natural RingsSearch Natural Diamonds
Woman wearing a lab-grown diamond oval engagement ring Lab-Grown

Lab-grown diamonds at H.L. Gross

A lab-grown diamond is grown in a controlled laboratory environment, using either the CVD (chemical vapor deposition) or HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) process. When we say lab-grown, we mean this category only, and we never describe a lab-grown diamond as natural.

  • Our lab-grown center diamonds come with IGI (International Gemological Institute) grading reports
  • Offered only as the center stone of an engagement ring, not in our other jewelry
  • Typically costs less than a natural diamond of similar size and quality
  • Not eligible for our Diamond Trade-Up Policy
  • Choose a Ready To Go lab-grown engagement ring with the center diamond already set, or have any of our engagement ring settings made for the lab-grown diamond you choose
Ready To Go Lab-Grown RingsSearch Lab-Grown Diamonds

Natural vs lab-grown diamonds side by side

Natural diamondLab-grown diamond
OriginFormed in the Earth over millions of years, then minedGrown in a laboratory (CVD or HPHT) in a matter of weeks
Real diamond?YesYes
Look and durabilitySame brilliance, fire and hardnessSame brilliance, fire and hardness
Grading report at H.L. GrossGIAIGI
PriceHigher for a given size and quality, reflecting natural raritySubstantially lower than a natural diamond of similar size and quality
Diamond Trade-Up PolicyEligibleNot eligible
Where we offer itEngagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewelryEngagement ring center stones only
Shop onlineReady To Go natural rings · Natural diamond searchReady To Go lab-grown rings · Lab-grown diamond search

Neither is the better choice for everyone. Your priorities decide.

How to choose

A natural diamond may suit you if

  • You want a stone that formed in the Earth and is naturally rare
  • Tradition and heirloom character matter to you
  • You may want to trade up to a larger diamond later through our Trade-Up Policy

A lab-grown diamond may suit you if

  • You want a larger center diamond for your budget
  • Size and look matter more to you than earth origin
  • You are choosing the center stone for an engagement ring

Many couples compare both before deciding. Any of our engagement ring settings can be completed with either a natural or a lab-grown center diamond, so you can settle on the ring first and the diamond second, or the other way around.

Compare both in person in Garden City

The best way to decide is to see natural and lab-grown diamonds side by side. Visit our showroom for a complimentary diamond education with one of our diamond experts. We will walk you through the 4Cs, shape and grading reports, and curate natural or lab-grown diamonds, or both, for you to compare.

Walk-ins are welcome during store hours, or you can reserve a time.

Schedule an appointment Call 516-747-6666
H.L. Gross & Bro. Jewelers 840 Franklin Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530
516-747-6666
diamonds@hlgross.com
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday and Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Sunday and Monday: Closed

Natural vs lab-grown diamond FAQs

What is the difference between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond?

Natural diamonds formed deep in the Earth over millions of years and are mined, then cut and polished. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory using a diamond's seed. They differ in origin and are priced differently, and our diamond experts can explain how each fits your priorities and budget. See our side-by-side comparison of natural vs. lab-grown diamonds.

Can you tell a natural diamond from a lab-grown diamond by looking at it?

No. Natural and lab-grown diamonds look the same to the eye and under a jeweler's loupe. Telling them apart takes specialized laboratory equipment, which is why the grading report matters. Every diamond we sell is clearly identified as natural or lab-grown.

Which grading reports come with your natural and lab-grown diamonds?

Our natural center diamonds come with grading reports from GIA (Gemological Institute of America), and our lab-grown center diamonds come with reports from IGI (International Gemological Institute). The report states whether the diamond is natural or laboratory-grown, and our diamond experts will walk you through it.

Do you sell both natural and lab-grown diamonds?

Yes. We offer natural and lab-grown diamonds as separate choices, and every diamond is clearly identified as one or the other. Learn how they differ in our guide to natural vs. lab-grown diamonds. Shop online with our natural diamond search or lab-grown diamond search, or visit our Garden City showroom to compare both side by side in one visit. Please note that we offer lab grown diamonds only as the center stone in an engagement ring. They are not available in any other piece of jewelry that we sell.

Which is better for an engagement ring, natural or lab-grown?

Neither is better for everyone. A natural diamond appeals to shoppers who value earth origin and natural rarity, and only natural diamonds are eligible for our Diamond Trade-Up Policy. A lab-grown diamond costs substantially less than a natural diamond of similar size and quality, so it appeals to shoppers who want a larger stone for their budget. At our Garden City showroom you can compare both and choose the one that fits your priorities.

Can I choose a natural or lab-grown center diamond for any engagement ring setting?

Yes. Our engagement ring settings are sold without the center stone and can be made for any shape or size diamond, natural or lab-grown. If you prefer a complete ring, our Ready To Go natural diamond engagement rings and Ready To Go lab-grown diamond engagement rings come with the center diamond already set.

Do you offer a diamond trade-up policy?

Yes, for natural diamonds purchased from H.L. Gross & Bro. You may trade in the natural diamond from your engagement ring for a 100% credit of the original purchase price toward any new diamond that costs at least 100% more than your original diamond. The diamond must be in its original condition, free of chips or scratches, and come with its original laboratory report. Lab-grown diamonds are not eligible. Diamonds purchased elsewhere, or upgrades that do not meet the price requirement, are evaluated individually. Read the full Diamond Trade-Up Policy.

Are your diamonds conflict-free?

Yes. All the diamonds we sell are ethically sourced and adhere to Kimberley Process guidelines, and we only partner with vendors that do the same. Our gemstones come from longstanding suppliers who use fair-trade and ethical sources. Learn more about our conflict-free diamonds.

Can I compare natural and lab-grown diamonds in one visit?

Yes. Visit H.L. Gross & Bro. Jewelers at 840 Franklin Avenue in Garden City during store hours with no appointment needed, or schedule an appointment online or by calling 516-747-6666. Our diamond experts offer a complimentary diamond education and will show you natural and lab-grown diamonds as separate choices.

Do you have diamonds available to see in person today?

Yes. We keep an extensive inventory of natural and lab-grown diamonds in our Garden City showroom, available to view any time during store hours.

Follow us

Step inside our world of fine jewelry and meaningful moments. Discover stories, style, and inspiration from our community.

#hlgross