You already know the basics: lab-grown and natural diamonds look the same. They’re both real. They’re both beautiful. But beneath the surface, there are key differences that most jewelry brands don’t talk about—because they don’t benefit from the nuance.
At Also Freedom, we believe in giving you the full picture. So here it is.
What’s the Same?
Lab-grown and natural diamonds are both:
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Chemically identical (carbon crystal structures)
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Graded by the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat)
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Visually indistinguishable without special equipment
In short: they sparkle the same. But the story behind them—and how they hold value over time—is where the real difference begins.
The Pros & Cons Most People Skip
💡 Lab-Grown Diamonds
✅ Lower Price, Larger Stone
You’ll get more size or quality for your budget. That’s a win for many buyers.
✅ Conflict-Free Origins
Created in labs, lab diamonds avoid the ethical gray areas tied to some mining practices. (Still, not all labs use clean energy—something to ask about.)
✅ Perfect-Looking Stones
Often too perfect. Some buyers love the flawlessness; others find it lacks the organic charm of an earth-made diamond.
⚠️ Hidden Con: Resale Value Drops Fast
Here’s what most won’t say: lab-grown diamonds have little resale value. They’re not rare, and their market is still new. Think of them as beautiful, meaningful—but not collectible.
⚠️ Hidden Con: Tech Moves Fast
Today’s lab diamond may not hold the same appeal in 5 years. Not because it’s less beautiful, but because technology will make them cheaper and more flawless.
🌍 Natural Diamonds
✅ Rarity Holds Value
Earth-made diamonds remain scarce, which helps them retain resale and heirloom value.
✅ Imperfect = Personal
No two natural diamonds are alike. Tiny inclusions and growth patterns make each stone truly unique.
✅ Long-Term Legacy
They’ve been gifted, passed down, and treasured for centuries. A natural diamond carries emotional weight—not just sparkle.
⚠️ Con: Higher Price Tag
You’ll pay more for the same carat size. But you’re also buying into longevity and rarity.
⚠️ Con: Ethical Risk (If Unverified)
Some diamonds still come from questionable sources.
How to Choose What’s Right for You
It’s not about right vs. wrong. It’s about values, lifestyle, and intention.
Choose lab-grown if you:
✔ Want a larger stone within your budget
✔ Are focused on sustainability and modern ethics
✔ Don’t mind minimal resale value—your ring is for you
Choose natural if you:
✔ Want a piece that holds or increases in value
✔ Appreciate nature’s imperfections and rarity
✔ Plan to pass it down or view it as a long-term investment
✨ Our Take
At Also Freedom, we believe in transparency.
We offer both lab-grown and natural diamonds. We’ll guide you through the differences, without pressure. Because you should never have to choose between beauty, ethics, and honesty.
Have questions about diamonds or sourcing?
Email us. We’ll send a curated set of options based on your values, style, and budget.