Scientific transparency
Natural or lab-grown? An objective view.
Are lab-grown diamonds real? Yes. Under the U.S. Federal Trade Commission definition, a diamond is pure crystallised carbon in the isometric system — whether it formed 150 km beneath the crust or inside an advanced plasma chamber.
Physical & optical comparison
| Property | Natural | Lab-grown | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | 100% pure crystallised carbon (C)Identical | Identical atomic lattice; impossible to distinguish by chemical assay. | |
| Crystal structure | Isometric-hexoctahedral (cubic)Identical | Identical crystal lattice and cleaving planes. | |
| Mohs hardness | 10 (hardest known mineral)Identical | Identical scratch resistance and durability. | |
| Refractive index | 2.417Identical | Identical light refraction, brilliance and dispersion. | |
| Specific gravity | 3.52 g/cm³Identical | Identical weight per volume. | |
| Growth process | Mantle magma at 150–200 km depth over 1–3 billion years | CVD or HPHT in 4–12 weeks | Controlled growth chamber replicating deep-Earth conditions. |
| Purity classification | Predominantly Type Ia (trace nitrogen) | Predominantly Type IIa (near-zero nitrogen) | Type IIa represents the top 1–2% of rarest natural diamonds. |
| Third-party certification | GIA / IGI / HRD grading dossier | IGI / GIA laboratory-grown report | Laser inscription on the girdle details laboratory and origin. |
| Pricing & resale | Finite geological supply; established secondary market | Technology-driven supply; 70–85% lower cost per carat | Lab-grown maximises carat per budget; natural preserves rarity. |
Which is right for you?
Choose natural if
- You prioritise rare geological provenance formed over billions of years.
- You are building a generational heirloom or investment collection.
- You follow traditional fine jewellery conventions.
Choose lab-grown if
- You want the greatest carat weight and presence for your budget.
- You value Type IIa optical perfection with zero nitrogen discolouration.
- You prefer modern engineering with guaranteed non-conflict origin.
Novva stocks both and offers side-by-side microscopic video inspection, so you can decide on your own priorities.
Compare both — in person or on video.
Natural and lab-grown are catalogued separately and independently certified.