Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamonds | David Douglas

Natural diamonds are among nature's most precious and beautiful creations. It's the hardest gem found on the Earth and made of just one element: carbon. Most diamonds are primeval and form deep within the Earth.

More than 99% of diamonds are now from conflict-free sources and are tracked under the UN mandated Kimberley Process since its inception in 2000.

We love the idea of traceable diamonds! That's why we offer Canada Mark Diamonds. They are responsibly mined, natural and untreated, and tracked through audited processes to comply with the Canadian Diamond Code of Conduct.

Lab grown diamonds, lab created diamonds, and synthetic diamonds are all terms used to describe diamonds that are made in a laboratory. They are "synthesized" from the same organic material as its natural mineral counterpart.

A lab grown diamond is made from the mineral carbon - just like a natural diamond. Scientists have been synthesizing lab grown gemstones since the 1800s and have been perfecting it ever since!

Here's a quick comparison: You can bring in ice from the Arctic or you can create ice inside your freezer. Both are ice - one is created naturally and the other created in a synthetic environment.

Simulated diamonds, diamond simulants, and imitation diamonds are all terms used to describe manufactured and look-alike stones.

A key difference between a synthetic diamond and a simulated diamond is found in its chemical makeup. A simulated diamond is not made from carbon, like a natural diamond, but rather different manmade materials. They're made to look like a diamond but they don't act like a diamond.

Cubic zirconia is the most commonly known simulated diamond. White sapphires, Moissanite gemstones, and white topaz are also used to "imitate" a natural diamond.

What's the difference?

Natural Diamonds

Lab Grown Diamonds

Simulated Diamonds

How can I tell the difference?

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