The short answer: choose a natural diamond if the rarity, the age of the stone and the tradition of a mined diamond matter to you, and make the choice with the facts in front of you. Look for a clear report, honest origin information and a stone you love in person.
With lab grown diamonds more widely available, some buyers wonder whether natural is still the right choice. For many people it is, and for others lab grown suits better. Here is how to choose a natural diamond well.
Why people choose natural
- A natural diamond formed in the earth over a very long time.
- Natural diamonds are finite, and their rarity is part of their appeal.
- They carry a long tradition in engagement jewellery.
- They generally hold more trade value than lab grown stones.
What to check
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Independent report | Confirms the grades and that the stone is natural. |
| Cut quality | Determines how the stone sparkles. |
| Origin information | Ask what the seller knows, and what they cannot know. |
| The stone in person | Colour and clarity look different from the page. |
How a natural stone is confirmed
Natural and lab grown diamonds look the same to the eye and even under a simple loupe. Grading laboratories use specialist equipment to confirm whether a diamond formed in the earth, and a report from an independent laboratory states this clearly. That is why a report matters so much for a natural stone, and why we always share it with you. See how to read a diamond certificate.
Balance size and quality
Natural diamonds cost more per carat than lab grown ones, so a budget goes less far on size. Many people choose a slightly smaller stone with better cut and colour, because it can look more beautiful than a larger, duller one. Carat weight is only one part of how a diamond looks on the hand.
Where to compromise
With a natural diamond, small changes in grade can make a big difference to price while making little difference to how the stone looks. A colour grade or two lower, or a clarity grade where the inclusions cannot be seen without magnification, can free up budget for a better cut or a larger stone. See how much should you compromise on colour and clarity.
Consider recycled and antique stones
If you like natural diamonds but want to avoid new mining, recycled and antique stones are an option, and they often have lovely character. See recycled and antique diamonds for more.
Be realistic about origin
Natural diamonds pass through many hands, and a seller may not be able to name the mine. A trustworthy jeweller will tell you what is known and what is not, and will not claim more than they can show. Our article on what a jeweller can honestly promise about sourcing explains the questions to ask.
How we help
We can source natural stones, show you options on video and talk through the reports. We also tell you where lab grown might offer something you would prefer, so the choice is yours. See natural vs lab grown diamonds.
How to choose
- Decide what matters most to you about a natural stone.
- Set a budget and find the best cut within it.
- Check the report and see the stone on video.
- Design a setting to suit.
Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
Browse diamonds, and compare with a 1.5 carat lab grown and a 1 carat natural.
Frequently asked questions
Is natural better than lab grown? It is different, and the right choice depends on what you value.
Do natural diamonds hold value? They generally hold more trade value than lab grown, though we suggest buying for enjoyment.
Can I see a natural diamond before I buy? Yes, on video, and we explain the report.
Can you tell me the mine? Usually not, and we will say so honestly.
Can I order from overseas? Yes, by video consultation, with insured, tracked FedEx delivery.