
Natural Diamonds vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
Diamonds have long been a symbol of love and luxury. Today, lab-grown diamonds are revolutionising the industry by offering the same brilliance and durability as natural diamonds—but with added ethical and environmental benefits. Let’s explore the key differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds so you can make an informed decision for your next jewellery purchase.
What Are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth over billions of years under intense heat and pressure. These gems are then mined, often at great cost to the environment and human communities.
- Formation Time: Billions of years.
- Environmental Impact: Mining involves significant ecological disruption and carbon emissions.
- Price: Natural diamonds are typically more expensive due to the mining process and market demand.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are created in advanced laboratories using processes that replicate natural diamond formation.
- Formation Time: A few weeks.
- Environmental Impact: Minimal, as there’s no mining involved.
- Price: Up to 40% more affordable than natural diamonds.
At Aroha Diamonds, we exclusively offer lab-grown diamonds because they combine luxury, sustainability, and affordability, allowing us to make premium jewellery accessible to every New Zealander.
How Are They Similar?
Lab-grown and natural diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical. Both have the same:
- Hardness (10 on the Mohs scale).
- Brilliance and fire.
- Durability, making them ideal for everyday wear.
How Are They Different?
- Origin: Natural diamonds come from the Earth, while lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments.
- Ethics: Lab-grown diamonds eliminate concerns about unethical labour practices and conflict diamonds.
- Cost: Lab-grown diamonds offer better value without compromising on quality.
Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Are the Future
Consumers today are more eco-conscious than ever. Choosing lab-grown diamonds reflects a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. At Aroha Diamonds, we are proud to offer jewellery crafted from diamonds that align with these values.
Explore our collection of certified lab-grown diamond jewellery on our Shop Page. For any questions, contact us at info@arohadiamonds.co.nz or visit our homepage.