When shopping for a diamond in Singapore, there is one seemingly simple question that can lead to one confusing discovery: what is the difference between a lab grown diamond vs real diamond?
The wording of this question requires clarification: a lab-grown diamond is indeed a real diamond, but it is not ‘cubic zirconia’, ‘glass’ or ‘moissanite’. The more accurate comparison would be to distinguish between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond.
A lab grown diamond is composed of crystallised carbon, as is a natural diamond, and both share the same chemical, physical and optical properties with very few subtle differences based on their origin. The former develops underground while the latter is subject to a simulated growth process in a controlled environment.
However, that should be the extent of their comparison, because the origin is merely one consideration for the buyer.
Lab Grown Diamond vs Real Diamond: Can You See the Difference?
Placed side by side, a high-quality lab-grown diamond and a comparable natural diamond should not stand out as having an immediately obvious difference.
Both are capable of demonstrating the same brilliance, fire and sparkle, while also being able to be cut into the same standard shapes such as rounds, ovals, emeralds, cushions, pears and radiants.
Even more conventional examination methods may struggle to distinguish the two gems. Specialist laboratories examine subtleties in growth structures, fluorescence and certain inclusions in order to identify whether a diamond was formed naturally or artificially. As such, it is important for the buyer to understand that when it comes to a reliable grading or identification document, a reputable source should clearly note the origin of a diamond rather than leaving the task of distinguishing between lab grown diamond vs real diamond up to the untrained buyer.
How are Lab Made Diamonds Grown?
Currently, there are two primary processes utilised for the lab production of quality gem diamonds: CVD and HPHT. The latter, which stands for high-pressure, high-temperature, simulates the natural growth conditions of a diamond, while the former (chemical vapour deposition) utilises carbon-containing gas in order to form a diamond layer onto a diamond seed.
The actual manufacturing process is nothing like mining, but the resulting material is indeed a diamond, a fact that further validates the claim that a lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. Because of this, terms such as “fake diamond” are inaccurate when referring to a lab-grown stone.
Natural Diamonds Have a Different Origin Story
The natural origin of a natural diamond is its defining feature, as they were formed in the depths of the earth before being mined back up to the surface.
For many Singapore buyers, this characteristic may factor into their purchase decision, because there are those who prefer the rarity and age of a mined diamond, particularly for an engagement ring or family heirloom. Meanwhile, other buyers are more concerned with achieving the appearance and specifications that they desire within a given budget; this is where lab made diamonds can become appealing to them.
Neither preference is a superior basis for choosing between lab grown diamond vs real diamond, because they are addressing different aspects of the purchase.
Lab Grown Diamond vs Real Diamond Price Differences
A significant practical difference between the two types of diamonds is the price, and it is here that many buyers discover the benefits of a lab-grown diamond.
Lab-grown diamonds tend to cost less than their natural counterparts, which can afford the buyer a greater carat weight or more desirable specifications without having to pay the premium associated with a comparable natural diamond. Of course, the final price is not definitive and should be scrutinised more closely. Shape, cut quality, carat weight, clarity, colour, the selling jewellery company and any setting that the buyer wishes to put the diamond in will also influence the final price.
When comparing rings in Singapore, buyers should be mindful that a well-cut smaller diamond can often surpass a larger diamond in terms of liveliness.
The 4Cs Still Matter When Comparing Diamonds
When comparing either lab grown diamond vs real diamond, buyers should know that the familiar characteristics of a diamond are still relevant when considering its appearance.
The cut of a diamond determines how it reflects the light, with a bad cut reducing the effectiveness of a diamond’s sparkle. Colour describes the degree to which a diamond exhibits a body colour in conventional colourless diamonds. On the other hand, clarity refers to the visible inclusions and blemishes inside and on the surface of the diamond. Lastly, carat weight refers to a diamond’s weight rather than its size. As such, these elements should be taken together in order to identify which diamond is right for the buyer. For example, a high quality clarity grade will not necessarily outweigh a poor cut in terms of attractiveness, nor will a high colour grade justify the additional cost if it is going to be set into a ring.
Diamond Grading Reports Need Careful Reading
A grading report can be a valuable resource for a buyer, but it is crucial to understand what exactly you are looking at. Specifically, buyers should know which laboratory issued the report and what type of document they are reviewing. For example, GIA changed its laboratory-grown diamond assessment practices and policies from October 2025, and currently employs a broader Premium and Standard quality categorisation system for qualifying D-to-Z laboratory-grown diamonds rather than utilising the same descriptions that it uses for natural diamonds.
This is important to understand, because there may be differences between these reports and other grading reports issued by different laboratories. Before buying a diamond, buyers should verify any report number, measurements, the stated origin of the diamond and any additional disclosures regarding treatment or growth method where provided.
What About Durability?
It is reasonable to assume that a lab-grown diamond may simply wear out due to it being created in a laboratory.
Diamonds are known for being incredibly hard, regardless of whether it is a natural or lab-grown diamond, and both are appropriate for jewellery that is meant to be worn regularly.
Hardness does not make a diamond indestructible, however: it is quite possible for a diamond to chip if it is struck on a vulnerable spot and the same principles apply for both types of diamonds. As such, both types of diamonds can benefit from the right settings and proper jewellery care.
Lab Grown Diamond vs Real Diamond for an Engagement Ring
It is impossible to discuss lab grown diamond vs real diamond without mentioning the engagement ring, and this aspect of the purchase is especially personal.
A natural diamond would be appropriate for a buyer who considers the geological rarity and traditional sourcing of mined diamonds to be important. On the other hand, a lab-grown diamond would be a more appealing option for a buyer who prefers to have real diamond material but wants to utilise their budget for other desired carat size, cut, ring setting or other factors.
Singapore buyers considering this purchase may also want to consult specialists such as NOVITA DIAMONDS Singapore, who offer a useful local point of reference when comparing styles of lab-grown diamonds and rings. Choosing based on what somebody else would want for an engagement ring is unnecessary: in the end, what is most important is to understand what type of diamond one is buying and what one is paying for.
Does a Natural Diamond Hold Value Better?
This is an interesting question.
Natural and lab-grown diamonds operate in markedly different markets, and as such their future resale prices cannot be predicted with a high degree of confidence. The manufacture of lab-grown diamonds has seen an increase due to technological advancements, which impact the new-stone pricing as well as re-sale market prices. The resale market for natural diamonds has existed for a far greater length of time, but buyers should not be under any illusion that buying a natural diamond will ensure returns on their investment.
In the end, jewellery tends to be better judged primarily as something that is worn and enjoyed rather than assessing its value as a financial asset.
Which Diamond Makes More Sense for Singapore Buyers?
What is most important is that there is no simple question of lab grown diamond vs real diamond.
Both are diamonds: what distinguishes them is how they came into existence as well as the market value and what they mean to the buyer. If the natural origin and rarity of a diamond are more important, a natural diamond would justify the increased cost. Size, specifications and budget flexibility on the other hand are more important considerations for many Singapore buyers, and a laboratory-grown diamond may serve as a valuable consideration in making their choice.
Before paying, buyers should review the specifics of a diamond rather than focusing on its name or label, and the choice between lab grown diamond vs real diamond will become much simpler
and more relevant to the ring that the buyer wants.