A clear, elegant guide to choosing the diamond that’s right for you
The world of diamonds has changed rapidly in recent years, and for many clients the conversation can feel confusing. With natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds now sitting side by side in the market — often at very different price points — the question becomes: What’s the real difference?
At James Thredgold, our commitment to natural diamonds is grounded in education, transparency and long-term value for our clients. This Journal article offers a simple, clear introduction to the topic, while our full Diamond Guide goes deeper for those wanting expert-level detail.
What Is a Natural Diamond?
A natural diamond is a geological treasure — formed one to three billion years ago under exceptional heat and pressure deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Every natural diamond is genuinely one of a kind, shaped by nature and time.
Clients who choose natural diamonds often do so for their:
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rarity
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emotional and geological significance
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enduring beauty
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long-term value
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timeless symbolism
This is why natural diamonds have been associated with commitment, legacy and celebration for generations.
What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is created in weeks within a controlled environment that replicates the heat and pressure of the Earth. It shares the same chemical and optical properties — but not the same origin, rarity or long-term value.
Lab-grown diamonds are:
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manufactured, not mined
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available in unlimited supply
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falling rapidly in resale value
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heavily influenced by marketing language
They may be visually similar, but the story and significance are fundamentally different.
Where Confusion Usually Begins
Much of the uncertainty comes from marketing terms designed to blur the lines between the two categories. A few of the most common misconceptions:
“Lab-grown diamonds are more sustainable.”
Not always. Lab-grown production requires extremely high energy output, and sustainability claims vary widely. Many are unregulated.
“Lab-grown diamonds hold their value.”
Current market data shows significant price declines as production becomes cheaper and more scalable.
“Lab-grown diamonds are more ethical.”
Ethical mining, labour standards and traceability frameworks exist across the natural diamond industry, while lab-grown transparency varies by facility and region.
“They’re the same — so why pay more?”
Natural diamonds carry geological rarity, cultural significance and long-term value that cannot be replicated in a laboratory.
This is why understanding origin is so important.
Why We Choose Natural Diamonds
Our philosophy is simple: jewellery created for life’s most meaningful moments should carry lasting value — personal, emotional and financial.
Natural diamonds offer:
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a story billions of years in the making
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enduring rarity
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an asset with stable long-term value
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beauty shaped by the Earth, not a machine
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heirloom significance
For engagement rings, milestone gifts and bespoke pieces, natural diamonds continue to be the choice clients feel most connected to over time.
Making an Informed Decision
If you’re beginning the journey of choosing a diamond, the most important thing to remember is this:
A diamond should feel meaningful to you.
Understanding the distinctions helps ensure that meaning lasts — whether your priority is value, symbolism, authenticity or simply choosing a piece that feels right.
Our team is here to guide you through natural diamond selection, explain the 4Cs clearly, and help you choose a stone that reflects your story.
Continue Your Learning
If you’d like to explore the topic further — including value, sustainability, certification, rarity and misconceptions — you’ll find our full educational page here:
