Last Updated: October 27, 2026
Quick Summary
Lab grown gemstones are real crystals grown in a controlled laboratory, while natural gemstones form underground over millions of years. Most are chemically and optically the same mineral, so the choice comes down to origin, price, and personal preference rather than authenticity.
- Lab grown stones are often priced below comparable natural stones, and the gap widens at larger carat weights.
- Hardness depends on the gemstone species, not on whether the stone is lab grown or natural.
- Request a grading report that states the stone's origin and confirm the report number with the issuing laboratory.
- Resale offers from dealers are usually below retail for both lab grown and natural stones.
Table of Contents
- What Lab Grown and Natural Gemstones Are
- How Each Gemstone Forms: Lab Environment vs Earth
- Appearance, Clarity and Durability Side by Side
- Lab Grown Gemstones vs Natural Gemstones Value
- How to Tell If a Gemstone Is Lab Grown or Natural
- Choosing Lab Grown Gemstones for Engagement Rings
- Lab Grown Gemstones Buying Guide and Next Steps at TresAdore
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Lab Grown and Natural Gemstones Are
Lab grown gemstones are real crystals grown in a controlled laboratory, while natural gemstones form underground over millions of years (gia.edu). Both are chemically and optically the same mineral in most cases, which is why the choice between them comes down to origin, price, and personal preference rather than whether one is "fake."
Lab grown gemstones, sometimes called laboratory-grown or lab-created stones, are produced by replicating the heat and pressure conditions that form natural crystals. Natural gemstones are mined from the earth, and their color and inclusions are shaped by geology. Mined stones carry a history that some buyers value and others do not care about.
Start with the question that matters most to you: is it the origin, the look, the budget, or the long-term value? Your answer will point you toward the right stone.
How Each Gemstone Forms: Lab Environment vs Earth
Natural gemstones form deep in the earth over long periods, often under extreme heat and pressure. Their growth depends on the minerals present and the conditions over time, which leaves each stone with a unique pattern of inclusions.
Lab grown stones are created in a few weeks or months using controlled processes. Because the environment is managed, growers can produce consistent color and fewer inclusions. That consistency is one reason many shoppers find lab grown stones easier to compare side by side.
The practical takeaway: a lab grown stone is not a lesser stone, but its origin is different. Ask any seller for a grading report that states how the stone was made.
Appearance, Clarity and Durability Side by Side
Visually, a well-cut lab grown stone and a natural stone of the same type can look nearly identical to the naked eye. Differences often appear under magnification, where a gemologist may spot the growth pattern or inclusion type.
Durability depends on the gemstone species, not the origin. A diamond scores 10 on the Mohs hardness scale whether lab grown or mined, while softer stones such as amethyst (about 7) need more careful handling in either form (Natural Gemstones).
Here is a quick side-by-side summary:
| Factor | Lab Grown | Natural |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Controlled laboratory | Mined from the earth |
| Inclusions | Often fewer and more uniform | Vary widely by stone |
| Hardness | Same as the natural species | Baseline for the species |
| Visual match | Often indistinguishable without a loupe | Unique character |
Amethyst, for example, is a natural crystal used in our Natural Amethyst Gemstone Jewelry Set at $49.95.
!Close-up of hands wearing an amethyst necklace and earring set in soft natural daylight, with a jeweler's loupe on a wooden table
Lab Grown Gemstones vs Natural Gemstones Value
Price is where the gap is most obvious, but value is more than the sticker. Lab grown stones typically cost less than comparable natural stones, and the difference widens at larger carat weights because lab production scales more predictably than mining. The trade-off is resale: natural stones have historically held more of their value, while lab grown stones are still establishing a secondary market.
Separate three numbers before you buy:
- Retail price, what you pay at the counter or online.
- Appraised value, an independent gemologist's opinion of replacement cost, used for insurance.
- Resale value, what a dealer or auction house will actually pay, which is almost always below retail for both lab grown and natural stones.
A common pattern is that insurance replacement values for lab grown stones track retail closely, while resale offers from dealers are lower and less consistent. For natural stones, resale depends on species, size, color, clarity, and whether the stone is certified, a one-carat certified natural diamond has a clearer resale path than an uncertified colored stone of the same size.
How to Tell If a Gemstone Is Lab Grown or Natural
Visual inspection alone rarely settles the question. Reliable identification requires gemological testing, usually done by a laboratory with specialized equipment (Analysis & Grading). Look for a grading report from a recognized lab that clearly states the stone's origin.
What a grading report can establish depends on the stone and the lab. For diamonds, reports from major independent laboratories typically cover color, clarity, cut, carat weight, and whether the stone is lab grown or natural. For colored stones such as sapphire, ruby, and emerald, reports more often focus on species, treatments, and origin, and origin assessment for colored stones is an opinion based on inclusions and trace evidence, not a certainty. Ask which laboratory issued the report and what the report actually states about origin and treatments.
Species matters here. A lab grown diamond is identified by growth patterns and trace elements under magnification and spectroscopy. Lab grown sapphire and ruby are identified by growth features such as curved striae and included flux or gas bubbles. Lab grown emerald is identified by growth features and inclusions that differ from natural emerald. A single "lab grown" label does not mean the same test applies across all gem species.
Ask the seller direct questions:
- Is this stone lab grown or natural, and does the grading report state that origin?
- Which laboratory issued the report, and can I see the report number?
- Has the stone been treated or enhanced, and is that disclosed in writing?
- If the stone is lab grown, was it grown by a method the report identifies?
Watch for vague answers such as "created" without an origin statement. Clear disclosure is the strongest sign of a trustworthy seller. Both natural and lab grown stones may require disclosure of treatments, so origin and treatment are separate questions, ask both.
Choosing Lab Grown Gemstones for Engagement Rings
Engagement rings are a common place where shoppers compare these options. Lab grown stones let you choose a larger or cleaner stone within the same budget, which is why many couples consider them.
Set expectations for the long term. Choose a setting that protects the stone, especially if you prefer a softer gemstone, and plan for periodic inspection and cleaning. Ask about the grading report and the setting material before you decide.
Lab Grown Gemstones Buying Guide and Next Steps at TresAdore
Before you buy, define your budget, confirm the origin in writing, and request a grading report. Compare the stone's appearance and hardness against your daily wear. Then check the return policy and the setting quality.
If you are ready to shop, browse our Natural Amethyst Gemstone Jewelry Set for a natural gemstone piece at $49.95.
Explore The Collection to see how each piece fits your style and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between lab grown and natural gemstones?
The main difference is origin. Natural gemstones form over long periods in the earth and are mined. Lab grown gemstones are created in a controlled laboratory that reproduces the same crystal structure and chemical composition. Both are real gemstones with the same physical and optical properties. The practical differences show up in price, sourcing and resale value, which is why buyers compare them closely before choosing.
Do lab grown gemstones look different from natural gemstones?
To the eye, they can look nearly identical. Color, clarity and inclusions vary in both types, and a trained gemologist usually needs specialized equipment to separate them. Buyers should look for a grading report that states the origin of the stone. Choosing a clear, well-cut stone matters more to appearance than the origin alone.
Are lab grown gemstones as durable as natural gemstones?
Durability depends on the gemstone species rather than the origin. A lab grown stone and a natural stone of the same species share the same hardness on the Mohs scale, so they resist scratches to the same degree. Setting style and daily wear still affect how well any gemstone holds up over time.
How can you tell if a gemstone is lab grown or natural?
Identification requires gemological testing, usually by a laboratory that issues a grading report. Visual inspection alone is not reliable. Ask the seller for a report that names the origin and the testing body, and keep the document with your purchase records. Independent disclosure is the safest way to confirm what you are buying.
Which is better for an engagement ring, a lab grown or natural gemstone?
The better choice depends on your priorities. Lab grown gemstones cost less for a comparable size and quality, which lets you spend more on setting or design. Natural gemstones may suit buyers who value origin and expect stronger resale interest. Compare the grading reports, the setting and the return policy before deciding.
