The conversation behind diamonds
Before we start, let’s lay out the facts. Both lab-grown and natural diamonds are 100% the same — they’re made of pure carbon and nothing else. They’re just formed differently: one is created by nature over billions of years, while the other replicates that same process in a controlled environment. Unlike moissanite, cubic zirconia, or clear crystals (which have entirely different properties), lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural ones.
The debate between lab-grown and natural diamonds has become one of the most polarising in modern jewellery. Both sides make valid points, and truthfully, both can be right. Because in the end, it’s not about choosing a side; it’s about understanding what matters to you.
1. Resale value and investment: the reality
Yes, the resale market for lab-grown diamonds is limited, but it’s also true that natural diamonds often lose a portion of their value after purchase. The truth? Fine jewellery can be an investment, but not always. Buy it because you love it first, and you’ll always find value in it, whether sentimental or material.
Unless a piece is made entirely of gold, its worth will always be somewhat subjective. Diamonds and gemstones — whether natural or lab-grown- depend heavily on appraisers, market trends, and timing. Gold, on the other hand, remains the most reliable element of intrinsic value in fine jewellery. So yes, jewellery holds value, but in practice, it’s about context.
2. Quality and precision
Modern lab-grown diamonds are often exceptional. Thanks to advanced technology, they’re grown with remarkable clarity, precision, and control. Natural diamonds, meanwhile, are celebrated for their individuality — the tiny inclusions and unique formations that remind you they were made by the earth, not a machine. Both forms of beauty have merit. One celebrates perfection; the other, nature.
3. Ethics, environment, and sustainability
Lab-grown diamonds are often described as the more ethical or sustainable choice, and in many cases, that’s true. But they’re not entirely impact-free — their energy use during growth still contributes to their footprint, depending on how and where they’re produced.
At the same time, the natural diamond industry, often perceived as less ethical, also supports many small communities and economies worldwide. When sourced responsibly, natural diamonds can sustain those livelihoods and preserve generations of craftsmanship. While a small portion of the trade still operates outside formal regulation, the majority of diamonds today come from regulated, traceable, and conflict-free sources through systems like the Kimberley Process and independent third-party audits.
Ultimately, it’s less about which option is “better” and more about who you’re buying from. The integrity of the company — their supply chain, practices, and overall transparency, not just the material, is what truly counts.
Pro tip: Beware of value-signalling. If a brand hard-sells one option while discrediting the other, that’s a red flag. Marketing shouldn’t rely on guilt or buzzwords like “real” or “responsible.” What should convince you isn’t the message, it’s the intent, the quality, and the authenticity behind it. Look into what the brand is doing for the communities it supports, how it manages carbon offsetting, and the kind of diamonds it chooses to work with.
There’s so much more to be said about this topic, but that’s a conversation for another blog post.
4. Room to play
On a lighter note, lab-grown diamonds also give you room to have fun. Choosing larger stones has long been seen as a status symbol, but beyond that, it’s just enjoyable to play with proportion and design. Why shouldn’t more people wear bold, heart-shaped diamond earrings or statement solitaires if the natural equivalent would cost ten times as much? Lab-grown diamonds make that freedom possible. They bring creativity, accessibility, and a little playfulness back into fine jewellery.
5. A note on gemstones
For coloured gemstones, lab-grown options can be a brilliant choice. literally and figuratively. Some natural stones, for instance fine Colombian emeralds, are difficult to trace ethically and often priced beyond reason. A high-quality lab-grown emerald or sapphire can be just as beautiful, more consistent in colour, and more accessible.
6. The sentimental core
All jewellery, no matter its origin, carries emotion. What gives it meaning isn’t where it came from; it’s the sentiment you attach to it. If you love the idea that your diamond was shaped by the earth, choose natural. If your attachment lies in the design or story, lab-grown might be perfect. Both are real. Both are beautiful. Both work because what matters most is what it means to you.
I personally asked for an ethically sourced natural diamond. I was happy to compromise on size for something that took billions of years to form — the sentimentality of my engagement ring meant more to me than the jewellery I wear every day. For my everyday pieces, though, I prefer lab-grown diamonds. They allow more freedom, creativity, and fun without compromising on quality or craftsmanship.
7. It comes down to preference
There really isn’t a definitive “better” choice. Some people love the look of larger stones — the presence, the brightness, the fun of it. Lab-grown diamonds make that possible without the same price tag. Others are drawn to the idea that their diamond was formed deep within the earth over billions of years, shaped entirely by nature. And then some see no difference at all; to them, carbon is carbon, beauty is beauty. There’s no right answer here — only what feels meaningful to you.
In summary
Whether you choose lab-grown or natural diamonds, the decision isn’t about right or wrong; it’s about what aligns with your values, lifestyle, and story. At NAMIRI, we believe jewellery is deeply personal. It’s about living intentionally, choosing pieces that hold meaning, and investing in quality that lasts through everyday life.