Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth over billions of years. Lab-grown diamonds are created using technology that recreates the conditions in which diamonds develop.

Both have the same crystal structure and essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties. Trace elements can occur in either type.

To the unaided eye, a high-quality lab-grown diamond looks like a natural diamond. Specialized equipment is generally needed to determine origin.

Both are real diamonds and share the same exceptional hardness, making either suitable for jewelry designed to be worn every day.

Lab-grown diamonds generally offer a larger stone or higher specifications at the same initial budget. Pricing and resale markets can change over time.