You’re ready to buy the ring. You’ve been researching, budgeting, maybe asking your buddies. But now you’re staring down the question every modern buyer in New York is asking:
Should I go with a lab grown diamond or a natural one?
It’s a fair question. And unlike most jewelers, we’re not here to push you either way—we’re here to give you the real breakdown.
First, What’s the Actual Difference?
Natural diamonds are formed deep in the earth over millions (or billions) of years.
Lab grown diamonds are created using advanced technology in a controlled environment—chemically and optically identical to natural diamonds, just without the geological drama.
Both are 10/10 on the Mohs scale, both can be GIA-certified, and both look identical to the naked eye.
But not all lab grown diamonds are created equal.
Most of the lab grown diamonds we offer are produced using CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)—a method that allows for greater control over clarity and crystal structure. Compared to HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) diamonds, CVD stones often result in a more refined final product with fewer inclusions and less strain in the crystal lattice—especially for larger stones (3 carats and above).
So Why Pick One Over the Other?
Let’s compare what actually matters:
|
|
Natural Diamond
|
Lab Grown Diamond
|
|
Price
|
Higher (scarcity drives value)
|
~40–70% less expensive
|
|
Resale
|
Holds value better (limited supply)
|
Lower resale value (supply increasing)
|
|
Ethics
|
Depends on sourcing
|
Often considered more ethical
|
|
Aesthetics
|
Indistinguishable from lab
|
Indistinguishable from natural
|
|
Romance Factor
|
“Formed by the earth” = story
|
“Modern love, modern tech” = story
|
A Note on Budget
Let’s say you have $20,000 to spend. With a natural diamond, you might get a 2.00ct G VS2.
With a lab grown, you could get a 3.50ct or even 4.00ct in the same specs—no compromise on quality.
If she’s dreaming of size, sparkle, and minimal trade-offs, lab grown opens the door to more.
What About Buying in NYC?
New York offers some of the best selection for both lab and natural diamonds—but also some of the worst sales tactics.
At Bouquet Fine Jewelry, we source both lab and natural stones from trusted industry partners and walk you through the tradeoffs with complete transparency.
We’re not loyal to a material—we’re loyal to helping you choose a piece that feels right.
Real Talk: What Do Most of Our Clients Choose?
It depends on the piece.
-
For engagement rings and wedding bands, it's about 50/50. Some clients want the romance of a natural diamond formed over eons. Others want the most brilliance for their budget—and love the innovation behind lab grown.
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For smaller jewelry pieces like earrings and solitaire bracelets, it's usually lab grown. That allows our clients to enjoy something beautiful and wearable without breaking the bank.
-
For tennis necklaces or heirloom-level fine jewelry, which is typically worn for special occasions, it tends to be natural.
There’s no wrong answer—both can make her eyes light up.
We’ve designed stunning engagement rings for both kinds of clients, ranging from $5,000 lab-grown solitaires to $80,000+ natural diamond three-stones.
The Bottom Line
If you’re unsure, don’t start with the stone—start with a conversation.
If the ring is for a proposal, ideally have that conversation with your partner. What do you both want? What matters most—size, rarity, symbolism, or something else entirely?
If it’s a piece for yourself, clarify what you're truly looking for. Is it elegance and timelessness? Bold presence? Something you’ll wear every day, or only on meaningful occasions?
Working backwards from your values—and your budget—often makes the decision clear.
Her style, your values, and how you want the ring to feel.
Once that’s aligned, the choice between lab and natural becomes a lot easier.
Want to See the Difference in Person?
We offer private, by-appointment consultations in our Midtown Manhattan showroom where you can view lab and natural diamonds side by side, ask questions without pressure, and design a ring that reflects your story.
No pressure. Just clarity, craft, and the care you deserve.
→ Book your consultation today. We’re here to help you get it right.
Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds in NYC: Which One Is Right for You?
You’re ready to buy the ring. You’ve been researching, budgeting, maybe asking your buddies. But now you’re staring down the question every modern buyer in New York is asking:
Should I go with a lab grown diamond or a natural one?
It’s a fair question. And unlike most jewelers, we’re not here to push you either way—we’re here to give you the real breakdown.
First, What’s the Actual Difference?
Natural diamonds are formed deep in the earth over millions (or billions) of years.
Lab grown diamonds are created using advanced technology in a controlled environment—chemically and optically identical to natural diamonds, just without the geological drama.
Both are 10/10 on the Mohs scale, both can be GIA-certified, and both look identical to the naked eye.
But not all lab grown diamonds are created equal.
Most of the lab grown diamonds we offer are produced using CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)—a method that allows for greater control over clarity and crystal structure. Compared to HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) diamonds, CVD stones often result in a more refined final product with fewer inclusions and less strain in the crystal lattice—especially for larger stones (3 carats and above).
So Why Pick One Over the Other?
Let’s compare what actually matters:
Natural Diamond
Lab Grown Diamond
Price
Higher (scarcity drives value)
~40–70% less expensive
Resale
Holds value better (limited supply)
Lower resale value (supply increasing)
Ethics
Depends on sourcing
Often considered more ethical
Aesthetics
Indistinguishable from lab
Indistinguishable from natural
Romance Factor
“Formed by the earth” = story
“Modern love, modern tech” = story
A Note on Budget
Let’s say you have $20,000 to spend. With a natural diamond, you might get a 2.00ct G VS2.
With a lab grown, you could get a 3.50ct or even 4.00ct in the same specs—no compromise on quality.
If she’s dreaming of size, sparkle, and minimal trade-offs, lab grown opens the door to more.
What About Buying in NYC?
New York offers some of the best selection for both lab and natural diamonds—but also some of the worst sales tactics.
At Bouquet Fine Jewelry, we source both lab and natural stones from trusted industry partners and walk you through the tradeoffs with complete transparency.
We’re not loyal to a material—we’re loyal to helping you choose a piece that feels right.
Real Talk: What Do Most of Our Clients Choose?
It depends on the piece.
There’s no wrong answer—both can make her eyes light up.
We’ve designed stunning engagement rings for both kinds of clients, ranging from $5,000 lab-grown solitaires to $80,000+ natural diamond three-stones.
The Bottom Line
If you’re unsure, don’t start with the stone—start with a conversation.
If the ring is for a proposal, ideally have that conversation with your partner. What do you both want? What matters most—size, rarity, symbolism, or something else entirely?
If it’s a piece for yourself, clarify what you're truly looking for. Is it elegance and timelessness? Bold presence? Something you’ll wear every day, or only on meaningful occasions?
Working backwards from your values—and your budget—often makes the decision clear.
Her style, your values, and how you want the ring to feel.
Once that’s aligned, the choice between lab and natural becomes a lot easier.
Want to See the Difference in Person?
We offer private, by-appointment consultations in our Midtown Manhattan showroom where you can view lab and natural diamonds side by side, ask questions without pressure, and design a ring that reflects your story.
No pressure. Just clarity, craft, and the care you deserve.
→ Book your consultation today. We’re here to help you get it right.