When buying Diamonds in Singapore you will often come across the option of choosing between lab grown or natural diamonds. Although both of these would be beautiful in your engagement ring they have a number of differences when it comes to price, originvalue. As both diamonds are real diamonds it can get confusing to understand the differences. The key difference comes down to how they are produced.
This helps inform you on what jewellery to buy that fits within your budget, personal preferencesexpectations.
Lab Grown Vs Real Diamonds
Natural diamonds are formed far below the surface of the earth under extreme heatpressure.
Lab created diamonds are man made using advanced technologies. They are generally created using either the High PressureHigh Temperature (HPHT) method or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD).
These diamonds will have very similar characteristics to natural diamonds with the same chemical makeup, crystal structureoptical properties.
They are man made but this doesn’t mean they are fake diamonds such as cubic zirconia or moissanite.
Why Lab Created Diamonds Are Just As Sparkly
The sparkle of diamonds depend on how well they are cut. There isn’t a difference between lab created diamondsnatural diamonds based on where they come from.
If a lab created diamond is well cut it can look more beautiful than a badly cut natural diamond. Natural diamonds can also be very sparkly if carefully chosen.
They will both have the same hardness rating of 10 on the Mohs Scale. This means they are perfect for engagement rings, wedding jewelleryjewellery that will be worn regularly.
Diamonds aren’t indestructible so they can chip if hit with a hard object. They can both chip depending on how they’re hitwhere they’re hit (such as on the edge).
Price
One key difference between lab-grown diamonds vs real diamonds is the price.
Lab created stones are generally cheaper than natural diamonds. This is due to the fact that they can be produced at a higher rate as they’re man made.
If you’re looking into creating engagement rings as a couple in Singapore this can effect your choices.
It could mean you can go for a bigger centre stone, platinum settings or intricate designs whilst keeping within your budget.
Natural diamonds are typically more expensive due to how they’re formed naturallyhow rare they are.
Novita Diamonds is a great place to start if you’re looking into lab created diamond jewellery in Singapore.
Certifications
Diamonds should be looked at more than just by the carat. The cut, colour, claritycarat will all effect how the diamond looksits value.
Having independent lab reports will help inform you on what you’re buying.
In October 2025 the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) updated their lab diamond report. They now classify diamonds as either Premium or Standard if they are colourless to near colourless.
Other grading labs may differ.
Before buying make sure the certificate shows the origin of the diamond, that it is the right stonethere is enough information to know the quality.
If you’re looking to compare jewellery from man made diamonds you can use the same checks.
Are Natural Diamonds More Valuable In The Long Run?
Natural diamonds have a well established second hand market however they can be significantly cheaper.
Generally lab created diamonds will be more uncertain when it comes to second hand value. This is due to how much they can be producedhow much they cost in retail.
Neither should be seen as an investment.
If you’re looking to sell your diamond in the future do some research on how much people are offering for them.
If the jewellery has sentimental value then this may be much more important than second hand value.
Environmentally Friendly?
Whilst lab created diamonds don’t require traditional mining they do require energy, equipmentindustrial resources.
Depending on how they’re powered, how efficient they arehow they’re handled in the supply chain they can have an effect on the environment.
Natural diamonds also have an effect on the environment due to mining.
Neither will be 100% sustainable.
If you’re looking for sustainable jewellery in Singapore ask your retailers for specific information on how they source their diamondsback up their claims.
Final Things To Consider
When making your final decision there are a few things to consider.
Make sure the ring is made from the right metal, the setting is secure, if they can resize it, what warranty they offerwhat their returns policy is. Also make sure the price in SGD includes GSTif there are any customisation charges.
When looking into engagement rings make sure to look at the diamonds in different lights. Don’t rely on heavily edited images.
