Natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia are often compared, but they are not the same. This guide explains what each one is, how they differ and what to ask before you buy, without favoring one over another.
At Fantastic Jewelry NYC, we have been in the NYC Diamond District (20 W 47th St) since 2012.
Natural diamonds
A natural diamond formed in the earth over a very long geological period and is obtained through mining. It is crystallized carbon and rates 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Each stone is different, and its value depends on the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat weight) and on market conditions.
Lab-grown diamonds
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond grown in a laboratory under controlled conditions, using methods such as HPHT or CVD. It has the same chemical composition (carbon), the same crystal structure and the same hardness as a natural diamond. It is not an imitation: it is a diamond with a different origin.
Cubic zirconia (CZ)
CZ is a synthetic crystal. It is not a diamond, and it scratches more easily with daily wear. When a piece uses CZ, the description should say so clearly.
Natural vs lab-grown: how they compare
| Natural diamond | Lab-grown diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Formed in the earth, mined | Grown in a lab |
| Composition and hardness | Carbon, 10 on Mohs | Carbon, 10 on Mohs |
| Visible to the naked eye? | No difference | No difference |
| Price | Usually higher | Usually lower, and prices change over time |
| Resale value | Depends on the stone, documentation and market | Depends on the stone, documentation and market; usually lower |
Neither should be presented as a guaranteed investment.
How to tell which one you are buying
You cannot tell by looking. Telling them apart requires specialized laboratory equipment, and common diamond testers usually give the same result for both. That is why the seller's disclosure matters: the product page should state whether the diamonds are natural or lab-grown, and any laboratory report should match the piece. In the United States, FTC guidelines call for clear disclosure when a diamond is lab-grown.
Questions to ask before you buy
- Are the diamonds natural or lab-grown?
- What is the total carat weight, and how are color and clarity graded?
- Is there a lab report for the stone, or only for some stones? Very small melee stones usually do not have individual reports.
- What is the gold karat (10K or 14K) and the weight in grams?
- What are the shipping, return and warranty terms?
What Fantastic Jewelry NYC sells
Our diamond jewelry is presented with natural diamonds. Always confirm the specifications on the product page for the exact piece, and message us on WhatsApp if you have questions before you buy.
Read also: Diamantes de Laboratorio vs Naturales (en espaΓ±ol) Β· Diamantes: GuΓa para Principiantes Β· Lab-Grown Diamond Cuban Link Chains
Shop diamond jewelry Β· WhatsApp: +1 (347) 202-4976 Β· 20 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
REAL GOLD Β· REAL WEIGHT Β· REAL VALUE
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