Conception

Diamonds have been dug out of the ground for centuries. Diamonds have been grown in laboratories for industrial purposes for mere decades. As laboratories perfected their techniques, they were able to produce gem-quality stones, diamonds impossible to differentiate from natural diamonds without sophisticated testing.

Most jewelers can’t tell the difference—until they look for the brand name inscribed on the diamond girdle or read a brand name on associated packaging. There are a few indicators, though. Natural diamonds are more likely to have internal flaws. Fancy color diamonds—very rare in nature—are more likely to have been cultured in laboratories. Nonetheless, both natural and man-made diamonds can be certified by major gemological laboratories and are held to identical standards. There is, however, one large differentiating factor: price. Natural diamonds command a price premium over “man-made,” “laboratory grown,” “cultured” diamonds. So, if you have your heart set on a diamond pulled from the dirt in a diamond mine, expect to pay more for it.