Lab Vs Natural
Let’s Discover What a Lab Grown Diamond & Gem Is:
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What is the difference?
At Nava, we like to keep it simple: The only difference between the two gems is their origin. A natural diamond forms over billions of years under the Earth’s heat and pressure, whereas a lab-grown diamond is created much faster under replicated conditions in a lab.
There is no difference in physical appearance or chemical composition—they’re still 100% the real deal.
The table below compares Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds:
Naturally formed diamonds require mining—a heavily polluting, expensive, and controversial process. In some cases, they have been linked to human rights abuses and crimes, often referred to as “Blood Diamonds” or “Conflict Diamonds.”
While natural diamonds are readily available, they are considered rare. Combined with costly mining practices, this drives up their value. However, they do not retain significant resale value.
Lab-Grown Diamonds are produced in a controlled environment, often powered by green energy, making them widely available and more affordable. They also tend to retain more of their resale value.
Both types of diamonds are graded and certified by globally recognized organizations, including GIA and IGI.
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How are lab grown diamonds & gems created?
The same conditions that create natural diamonds are replicated in a lab using two main techniques: High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
In the HPHT process, graphite (pure carbon) is exposed to intense heat and pressure through electric pulses and compression between metal pieces. This causes the carbon to melt and form a diamond, typically taking several days.
The CVD method involves treating a small diamond piece (often created via HPHT) with heated, carbon-rich gas at high temperatures. The carbon gases ionize and deposit onto the original diamond, causing it to crystallize. While CVD diamonds are produced faster, they often have internal flaws and a brownish tone that requires post-growth treatments to improve their appearance. In contrast, HPHT diamonds are generally higher quality with a more gem-like finish, requiring little to no additional processing.
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