Diamond Education
Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
Two paths to the same brilliance. Whether you choose a lab grown or natural diamond, J. Parkerson Jewelers is here to help you find the perfect stone for your story.
Modern Choice
Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds in every sense of the word. They share the same chemical composition, physical properties, and optical brilliance as natural diamonds, grown in a controlled environment that replicates the conditions deep within the earth. They offer exceptional value, stunning beauty, and a more accessible path to the diamond of your dreams.
Classic Choice
Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the earth over billions of years, making each one a truly unique product of nature. Their rarity and geological journey give them an enduring romantic appeal and a long-standing tradition as symbols of love and commitment that has stood the test of time.
Why Choose a Lab Grown Diamond?
Lab grown diamonds have quickly become one of the most exciting options in fine jewelry. Here is why so many couples are choosing them.
01
Identical to Natural Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are not simulants or imitations. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds and are graded using the exact same standards by leading gemological labs including GIA.
02
Exceptional Value
Lab grown diamonds typically offer significantly more size and quality for your budget compared to natural diamonds of the same grade. This means you can invest in a larger stone, a better cut, or a higher clarity without compromising on the look you love.
03
Stunning Brilliance
Because lab grown diamonds share the same refractive index as natural diamonds, they sparkle and shine with the same breathtaking brilliance you expect from a fine diamond. No trained eye can tell the difference without specialized equipment.
04
Certified and Graded
Just like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are independently certified and graded for cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. You receive a full grading report so you know exactly what you are getting in every stone.
05
A Responsible Choice
Lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, making them a popular choice for those who are mindful about the origins of their jewelry. They offer a modern path to a timeless symbol of love.
06
Expert Guidance at Every Step
At J. Parkerson Jewelers, Jamie's nearly four decades of gemological expertise means you will never feel overwhelmed choosing between lab grown and natural. We walk you through every option so you can decide with complete confidence.
Side by Side Comparison
See how lab grown and natural diamonds stack up across the qualities that matter most.
| Feature | Lab Grown Diamond | Natural Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | ✓ Pure carbon, identical to natural | ✓ Pure carbon |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | ✓ 10 — the hardest known material | ✓ 10 — the hardest known material |
| Brilliance & Sparkle | ✓ Identical optical properties | ✓ Identical optical properties |
| Independent Certification | ✓ GIA certified and graded | ✓ GIA certified and graded |
| Value for Budget | ✓ Significantly more stone per dollar | Higher cost per carat |
| Rarity | Created in controlled conditions | ✓ Formed over billions of years |
| Resale Market | Emerging and growing market | ✓ Established resale market |
"A lab grown diamond is not a compromise. It is a choice."J. Parkerson Jewelers, Starkville, MS
Not Sure Which Diamond Is Right for You?
Visit us in Starkville and let Jamie walk you through both options in person. With nearly 40 years of gemological experience, we will help you find the perfect stone for your story and your budget.
Shop Diamonds Schedule a Consultation