Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: Complete Comparison Guide

Choosing between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond is one of the most significant decisions when shopping for an engagement ring or fine jewelry. The wrong choice could mean overpaying for your priorities, missing out on ethical sourcing you care about, or choosing a stone that doesn't align with your values and budget.

Lab-grown diamonds offer the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural diamonds at a fraction of the cost. Natural diamonds carry geological rarity and traditional prestige but come with higher prices and complex ethical considerations. Both options produce genuine diamonds—the difference lies in origin, cost, and what matters most to you.

This guide walks through how each type is created, their physical properties, costs, ethical implications, and best-fit scenarios so you can choose confidently. Whether you prioritize budget, sustainability, tradition, or resale value, you'll understand exactly which diamond type matches your needs.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Overview

Lab grown diamonds (also called lab-created diamonds or lab diamonds) are real diamonds created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology. These diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds—they're not diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite.

Lab-grown diamonds are made using two primary methods:

1. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) – Mimics the natural diamond-forming process deep in the earth by applying extreme pressure and heat to carbon
2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) – Grows diamonds from a carbon-rich gas in a controlled chamber

Both methods create diamonds with the same crystal structure, hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and optical properties as earth-mined diamonds.

Product Range & Quality Grades

Lab-grown diamonds are available in:

• All standard cuts (round brilliant, princess, emerald, cushion, oval, etc.)
• Full carat weight range from small accent stones to 10+ carats
• Complete color grades (D-Z scale, plus fancy colors)
• All clarity grades (IF to I3)

Higher-quality labs can now produce Type IIa diamonds—the purest category, representing less than 2% of natural diamonds. Many lab diamonds actually have fewer impurities than natural stones because the controlled growth environment eliminates many common natural defects.

Physical Properties & Durability

Lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds with identical properties to natural diamonds:

• Hardness: 10 on Mohs scale (hardest natural material)
• Chemical composition: Pure carbon in cubic crystal structure
• Refractive index: 2.42 (same brilliance and fire)
• Thermal conductivity: Identical to natural diamonds
• Density: 3.52 g/cm³ (exactly matches natural)

Lab diamonds are just as durable as natural diamonds. They won't cloud, fade, or degrade over time. They're as hard as natural diamonds and suitable for daily wear in engagement rings and other jewelry.

The only difference is origin—not performance, appearance, or longevity.

Grading & Certification

Lab-grown diamonds are graded by the same gemological standards:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America) – Issues reports specifically for lab-grown diamonds
• IGI (International Gemological Institute) – Widely used for lab diamonds
• GCAL, AGS, and other labs – Also certify lab-grown stones

Grading uses the same 4Cs:

• Cut quality
• Color grade
• Clarity grade
• Carat weight

Reputable lab diamonds come with certificates just like natural diamonds. The certificate will clearly state "laboratory-grown" or "lab-created," but the grading standards are identical.

Environmental & Ethical Profile

Lab-grown diamonds can be produced with significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional mining:

• No large-scale excavation or habitat disruption
• Reduced water usage (mining is water-intensive)
• No risk of conflict diamonds or unethical labor practices
• More transparent supply chains

However, lab diamond production does require substantial energy. The environmental benefit depends on the energy source—operations using renewable energy have the lowest carbon footprint.

Lab-grown diamonds offer ethical alternatives to mined diamonds for buyers concerned about:

• Conflict diamonds (blood diamonds)
• Mining labor conditions
• Environmental damage from large-scale mining operations

Cost & Value

Lab-grown diamonds cost 60-80% less than natural diamonds of equivalent quality:

• 1-carat lab diamond (excellent quality): $800-$1,500
• 2-carat lab diamond: $2,000-$4,000
• 3-carat lab diamond: $4,000-$8,000

This price advantage means you can:

• Get a significantly larger stone for the same budget
• Upgrade to higher color and clarity grades
• Allocate more budget to the setting or other priorities

Resale value: Lab diamonds have limited resale value. Because production costs continue declining and supply is essentially unlimited, lab diamonds depreciate significantly. They're best viewed as a purchase for personal enjoyment, not investment.

Best Fit

Choose a lab-grown diamond if:

• Budget is a primary concern and you want maximum size/quality for your money
• Ethical sourcing and environmental impact matter to you
• You value the actual diamond properties over geological origin
• You're buying for personal enjoyment, not investment or resale
• You want flexibility to upgrade without financial loss
• You appreciate modern technology and innovation

What Are Natural Diamonds?

Overview

Natural diamonds are formed deep in the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and heat over 1-3 billion years. They're brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions, then mined from kimberlite or alluvial deposits.

Natural diamonds carry geological rarity and traditional prestige. Each stone has a unique formation story and natural characteristics shaped by its journey through the Earth. For many buyers, this origin story and connection to Earth's history adds emotional and symbolic value.

Mining & Sources

Natural diamonds are extracted through:

1. Open-pit mining – Large-scale excavation of diamond-bearing rock
2. Underground mining – Shaft mining for deeper deposits
3. Alluvial mining – Extracting diamonds from riverbeds and ocean floors

Major diamond sources include:

• Botswana (highest-quality production)
• Russia (largest producer by volume)
• Canada (newer source with strict regulations)
• South Africa (historic source)
• Australia, Angola, and others

Mining operations vary widely in environmental practices, labor conditions, and community impact. Responsible sourcing initiatives like the Kimberley Process aim to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the supply chain.

Physical Properties & Durability

Natural diamonds have identical physical properties to lab-grown diamonds:

• Hardness: 10 on Mohs scale
• Chemical composition: Pure carbon crystal
• Optical properties: Same brilliance and fire
• Durability: Suitable for lifetime wear

Natural diamonds often contain unique inclusions and characteristics from their formation. These "fingerprints" can actually help gemologists authenticate and trace individual stones.

There is no performance or durability difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds. Both are equally hard, brilliant, and long-lasting.

Grading & Certification

Natural diamonds are graded using the same 4Cs system:

• Cut
• Color
• Clarity
• Carat weight

Leading certification laboratories:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America) – Most respected and conservative grading
• AGS (American Gem Society) – Known for strict cut grading
• IGI, HRD, and others

A GIA-certified natural diamond provides detailed analysis of the stone's characteristics. For natural diamonds, the certificate is especially important to verify you're getting what you pay for.

Rarity & Market Position

Natural diamonds carry geological rarity:

• Took billions of years to form
• Finite supply (though very large)
• Each stone is unique with distinct natural characteristics
• Historic and cultural significance

This rarity supports higher pricing, though the actual scarcity is debated. Diamond prices are influenced by both natural supply constraints and controlled market distribution by major mining companies.

For many buyers, the knowledge that their diamond formed billions of years ago deep in the Earth carries romantic and symbolic value that justifies the premium.

Ethical & Environmental Considerations

Challenges:

• Environmental impact from large-scale mining (habitat disruption, water use, carbon emissions)
• Historical issues with conflict diamonds (blood diamonds)
• Labor practices vary widely between regions
• Long, complex supply chains

Progress:

• Kimberley Process certification (though imperfect)
• Canadian diamonds with stricter regulations
• Botswana's community investment model
• Increased transparency from some retailers

Many natural diamond buyers prioritize certified conflict-free sources and responsibly mined stones. Reputable jewelers now offer detailed sourcing information.

Cost & Value

Natural diamonds command premium pricing:

• 1-carat natural diamond (excellent quality): $4,000-$12,000+
• 2-carat natural diamond: $15,000-$40,000+
• 3-carat natural diamond: $40,000-$100,000+

Prices vary significantly based on:

• Quality (color and clarity grades)
• Cut quality
• Source/origin
• Market conditions

Resale value: Natural diamonds generally retain value better than lab-grown diamonds, though they're not strong investments. You'll typically recover 25-50% of retail price when reselling. Rare, high-quality natural diamonds can appreciate, but most do not.

Best Fit

Choose a natural diamond if:

• Traditional value and geological rarity matter to you
• You appreciate the billions-of-years formation story
• Resale value and long-term value retention are priorities
• You want a diamond with established cultural and symbolic significance
• Family traditions or personal values emphasize natural stones
• You're willing to pay premium pricing for origin story
• You can verify ethical sourcing through reputable retailers

Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds: Head-to-Head

Comparison

Chemical & Physical Properties

Winner: Tie

Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are chemically and physically identical:

• Same carbon crystal structure
• Same hardness (10 on Mohs scale)
• Same optical properties (brilliance, fire, sparkle)
• Same thermal conductivity
• Same density

Gemologists need specialized equipment to tell them apart. To the naked eye—even to trained jewelers—they're indistinguishable. Lab diamonds are 100% real diamonds, not diamond simulants.

The only difference is origin, not performance or appearance.

Cost & Value for Money

Winner: Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds cost 60-80% less than natural diamonds of equivalent quality:

This means:

• You can get a 2-carat lab diamond for the price of a 0.5-carat natural diamond
• Or upgrade to VS1 clarity and D color for the same budget
• Or allocate savings to a premium setting, wedding band, or other priorities

If maximizing stone size and quality within budget is your priority, lab-grown diamonds offer substantially better value.

Resale Value & Investment

Winner: Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds retain value better:

• Typically recover 25-50% of retail price when reselling
• High-quality rare stones can appreciate over time
• Established market with traditional jewelers and auction houses

Lab-grown diamonds have minimal resale value:

• Production costs continue falling
• Essentially unlimited supply
• Limited secondhand market
• Significant depreciation

However, diamonds generally aren't good investments regardless of origin. Even natural diamonds lose 50-75% of retail value immediately. If investment or resale value matters significantly, neither diamond type is ideal—you're better off with actual investment-grade assets.

Choose based on what you want now, not future resale plans.

Ethical Sourcing & Conflict-Free Status

Winner: Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds offer clear ethical advantages:

• Zero risk of conflict diamonds (blood diamonds)
• No mining labor concerns
• Transparent supply chains
• No funding of war or human rights abuses

Natural diamonds present complex ethical considerations:

• Historic issues with conflict diamonds
• Mining labor practices vary widely
• Long supply chains with limited transparency
• Environmental and social impact in mining regions

Important note: Many natural diamonds now come with strong ethical certifications:

• Canadian diamonds (strict regulations)
• Botswana diamonds (community investment model)
• Kimberley Process certification (though imperfect)
• Responsible jewelers with verified sourcing

If you choose natural, verify ethical sourcing through reputable retailers. If you want the simplest ethical choice, lab-grown diamonds eliminate most concerns.

Environmental Impact

Winner: Lab-Grown Diamonds (Usually)

Lab-grown diamonds typically have lower environmental impact:

• No large-scale excavation or habitat destruction
• Reduced water usage
• Smaller physical footprint
• More controlled waste management

Natural diamond mining creates significant environmental impact:

• Massive excavation (must move ~1 ton of earth per carat)
• Habitat disruption and biodiversity loss
• High water consumption
• Carbon emissions from operations and transportation

Caveat: Lab diamond production requires substantial energy. The environmental benefit depends on energy source:

• Labs using renewable energy: lowest impact
• Labs using fossil fuel energy: moderate impact
• Some studies show minimal difference when considering full lifecycle

For environmentally conscious buyers, verify the energy source for lab-grown diamonds. But even with standard energy grids, lab diamonds generally have lower total environmental impact than mining.

Cultural Significance & Emotional Value

Winner: Natural Diamonds (For Some Buyers)

Natural diamonds carry:

• Billions of years of geological history
• Traditional romantic symbolism
• Cultural significance across societies
• Unique formation story for each stone
• Family heirloom potential

Lab-grown diamonds offer:

• Modern innovation and technology
• Same symbolic commitment (still "forever" stones)
• Ethical story and values alignment
• Practical value for money

This factor is entirely personal:

• If tradition, rarity, and Earth's history matter to you: natural diamonds
• If modern values, ethics, and practical considerations matter more: lab diamonds

Neither choice is "wrong"—it depends on what story and symbolism you want your ring to carry.

Appearance & Quality Options

Winner: Tie

Both offer identical quality options:

• Full range of cuts, colors, and clarity grades
• Same brilliance and sparkle
• Same durability and wearability
• Same ability to create custom designs

Lab diamonds can actually achieve higher purity:

• Type IIa diamonds (purest category) are more common in lab-grown
• Fewer natural inclusions due to controlled growth
• Consistent high quality available

Natural diamonds offer:

• Unique inclusions and characteristics
• Fancy colors from natural elements (more variety)
• Each stone is one-of-a-kind

For appearance and quality, you can achieve identical results with either type.

Social Perception & Acceptance

Winner: Natural Diamonds (Traditionally), But Changing

Current social perception:

• Traditional view: Natural diamonds are the "real" choice for engagement rings
• Growing acceptance: Lab diamonds increasingly mainstream, especially among younger buyers
• Transparency matters: Many couples openly discuss and celebrate choosing lab diamonds

Considerations:

• Family expectations and traditions may favor natural
• Peer groups vary—urban/educated demographics more accepting of lab diamonds
• Resale situation: lab diamonds harder to upgrade or trade at traditional jewelers

This factor matters most if:

• Family opinions strongly influence your decision
• You're concerned about others' perceptions
• You want traditional jeweler support for future services

If you're confident in your choice and prioritize personal values over external opinions, social perception shouldn't drive your decision.

Costs: Upfront Price, Long-Term Value, and Total Ownership

Purchase Price Comparison

Lab-grown diamonds cost significantly less than natural diamonds:

Example: Excellent Quality Round Brilliant

The price gap widens as carat weight increases. At larger sizes, lab diamonds offer even greater proportional savings.

What Drives the Price Difference?

Natural diamonds:

• Mining operations (excavation, processing, labor)
• Exploration and discovery costs
• Geological rarity and controlled supply
• Long distribution chains
• Marketing and brand positioning

Lab-grown diamonds:

• Technology and equipment costs
• Energy consumption (primary expense)
• Shorter supply chains
• Growing efficiency reducing production costs

As lab technology improves, production costs continue falling. This benefits buyers but also means lab diamonds you buy today may cost less in the future.

Long-Term Value & Depreciation

Natural diamonds:

• Retain approximately 25-50% of retail value
• Stable market with established resale channels
• Rare high-quality stones may appreciate
• Family heirloom potential with sentimental value

Lab-grown diamonds:

• Minimal resale value (perhaps 10-20% of purchase price)
• No established secondhand market
• Continuing production cost declines put downward pressure on value
• Best viewed as purchase for personal enjoyment, not financial asset

If you plan to upgrade or resell, natural diamonds offer better value retention—though you'll still lose 50-75% of retail price.

Insurance Costs

Insurance costs are based on replacement value:

• Lab-grown diamonds: Lower replacement cost = lower insurance premiums
• Natural diamonds: Higher replacement cost = higher insurance premiums

Over 10 years of ownership:

• Insuring a $10,000 natural diamond: ~$1,000-$1,500 total
• Insuring a $2,000 lab diamond: ~$200-$300 total

Factor insurance into total cost of ownership.

Upgrade & Trade-In Considerations

Natural diamonds:

• Many jewelers offer upgrade programs (typically 2x purchase price)
• Can sell to diamond buyers and pawn shops (at discount)
• Online marketplaces available (eBay, specialized platforms)

Lab-grown diamonds:

• Limited upgrade programs
• Few buyers in secondhand market
• Better strategy: sell existing stone at loss, buy new lab diamond at current lower prices

If you think you'll want to upgrade in the future, consider:

• Natural diamonds: upgrade path through traditional jewelers
• Lab diamonds: plan to treat as sunk cost and buy new

How to Choose Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds

1. Define Your Budget & Priorities

If budget is tight and size matters:
Lab-grown diamonds let you maximize carat weight, color, and clarity within your budget. You can get a 2-carat lab diamond for the price of a 0.5-carat natural.

If you have a premium budget:
Both options deliver exceptional quality. Decide based on other factors (tradition, ethics, resale value).

If resale value matters:
Natural diamonds retain more value, though both depreciate from retail price.

2. Consider Your Values & Ethics

Prioritize environmental impact:
Lab-grown diamonds generally have lower environmental footprint (verify energy source).

Concerned about conflict diamonds and labor practices:
Lab-grown diamonds eliminate these concerns entirely. Natural diamonds require careful sourcing verification.

Value geological rarity and Earth's history:
Natural diamonds offer billions-of-years formation stories.

Appreciate modern technology and innovation:
Lab-grown diamonds represent cutting-edge science and efficiency.

3. Evaluate Traditional vs Modern Preferences

Family traditions emphasize natural diamonds:
Consider how important family opinions and expectations are to your decision.

You value cultural and romantic symbolism:
Natural diamonds carry traditional significance. Lab diamonds offer modern love story.

Social perception matters to you:
Consider your social circle's likely response. Younger, urban, educated demographics increasingly embrace lab diamonds.

4. Long-Term Plans & Flexibility

Planning to upgrade in 5-10 years:
Natural diamonds have established upgrade paths through jewelers. Lab diamond strategy: sell at loss, buy new at lower future prices.

Want family heirloom potential:
Natural diamonds carry more sentimental resale story. Lab diamonds may feel disposable to some.

Prefer flexibility to change styles:
Lab diamonds' lower cost makes it easier to switch designs without financial guilt.

5. Stone Size & Quality Goals

Want maximum size:
Lab diamonds deliver 3-4x larger stone for same budget.

Prioritize highest color/clarity grades:
Lab diamonds make D color, VVS clarity affordable. Natural diamonds at these grades command premium pricing.

Specific cut or shape preferences:
Both offer full range. Lab diamonds may have better availability in some cuts.

Decision Framework: Real Scenarios

Scenario 1: Young Couple, $3,000 Budget

Lab-grown choice:

• 2-carat, VS1 clarity, G color, excellent cut
• Modern values, ethical sourcing priority
• Maximum impact for budget

Natural choice:

• 0.75-carat, SI1 clarity, H color
• Family traditions important
• Prefer smaller natural over larger lab

Best fit: Lab-grown for maximum value and modern ethics.

Scenario 2: Established Professional, $15,000 Budget

Lab-grown choice:

• 3-4 carat, VVS clarity, D-E color
• Statement piece, modern values
• Allocate savings to custom platinum setting

Natural choice:

• 1.5-2 carat, VS clarity, E-F color
• Traditional prestige, heirloom potential
• Value retention over time

Best fit: Either works. Choose based on personal values—ethical priority vs. traditional value.

Scenario 3: Environmentally Conscious Buyer

Priority: Minimize environmental and social impact

Best choice: Lab-grown diamond from renewable-energy operation

• Verify energy source with retailer
• Transparent supply chain
• Zero mining impact

Alternative: Canadian or Botswana natural diamond with verified ethical sourcing

• Strict environmental regulations
• Community investment programs
• Clear chain of custody

Best fit: Lab grown offers simplest ethical choice.

Scenario 4: Family Heirloom Mindset

Priority: Stone to pass down through generations

Lab-grown consideration:

• Still a real diamond (won't degrade)
• May feel less special as future generations see lab diamonds as disposable

Natural consideration:

• Traditional heirloom status
• Unique formation story
• Value retention over decades

Best fit: Natural diamond for symbolic generational significance.

Scenario 5: Investment-Minded Buyer

Important reality: Neither diamond type is a good investment

Natural diamonds:

• Retain 25-50% of value
• Not an appreciating asset for most stones
• Better than lab diamonds for resale, but still significant loss

Lab-grown diamonds:

• Minimal resale value
• Depreciating asset

Best fit: If investment matters, reconsider buying a diamond. If you must choose for some resale value: natural diamond.

Summary Table: Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds

Conclusion: Who Should Choose Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds?

Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds If:

• Budget is a primary concern and you want maximum size and quality for your money
• Ethical sourcing and environmental impact are top priorities
• You value modern innovation and appreciate technology
• Resale value isn't important to you
• You want flexibility to upgrade or change styles without financial guilt
• You're comfortable with modern alternatives to tradition
• You prioritize practical value over symbolic rarity
• You want the largest, highest-quality stone possible within your budget

Choose Natural Diamonds If:

• Traditional values and geological rarity matter to you
• You appreciate the billions-of-years formation story and Earth connection
• Resale value and investment are considerations (though diamonds generally aren't strong investments)
• Family traditions and expectations favor natural stones
• You want established cultural symbolism for your engagement ring
• Heirloom potential for future generations is important
• You're willing to pay premium pricing for origin story
• You can verify ethical sourcing through reputable retailers and feel comfortable with responsible mining practices

The Bottom Line

Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are both 100% real diamonds with identical physical, chemical, and optical properties. The difference is origin story, cost, and personal values—not performance or appearance.

There's no universally "right" choice. The best diamond for you depends on:

• Your budget and size goals
• Your values (ethics, environment, tradition)
• Your views on investment and resale
• What symbolic meaning you want your diamond to carry

Both options create a beautiful, durable symbol of commitment. Choose the one that aligns with your priorities, and don't let external pressure override what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition (pure carbon crystal), physical properties (hardness 10 on Mohs scale), and optical characteristics (brilliance and fire) as natural diamonds. The only difference is origin—lab diamonds are grown in controlled environments while natural diamonds form in Earth's mantle. Gemologists need specialized equipment to tell them apart because they're chemically and physically identical. Lab diamonds are not diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite.

How much do lab-grown diamonds cost compared to natural diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds cost 60-80% less than natural diamonds of equivalent quality. For example, a 1-carat lab-grown diamond might cost $800-$1,500, while a comparable natural diamond costs $4,000-$12,000. This price gap widens at larger sizes—a 2-carat lab diamond costs $2,000-$4,000 vs $15,000-$40,000 for natural. This means you can either get a significantly larger stone for the same budget or upgrade to higher color and clarity grades while spending less overall.

Can anyone tell the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds?

No, lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are visually indistinguishable to the naked eye—even trained jewelers cannot tell them apart without specialized equipment. Both have the same sparkle, brilliance, and fire. Gemological laboratories use advanced instruments to identify growth patterns and trace elements that indicate origin, but these differences don't affect appearance. When mounted in jewelry, there is no visual difference whatsoever.

Do lab-grown diamonds have resale value?

Lab-grown diamonds have minimal resale value—typically only 10-20% of purchase price. This is because production costs continue falling and supply is essentially unlimited, putting downward pressure on used prices. Natural diamonds retain value better (typically 25-50% of retail), though neither type is a good investment. If resale value matters to you, natural diamonds offer better value retention, but both depreciate significantly from retail price. Lab diamonds are best viewed as purchases for personal enjoyment, not financial assets.

Are lab-grown diamonds more ethical than natural diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds generally offer clearer ethical advantages: zero risk of conflict diamonds, no mining labor concerns, and transparent supply chains. Natural diamond mining can involve environmental damage, questionable labor practices, and funding of conflicts, though many natural diamonds now come from responsible sources with strict certifications (Canadian diamonds, Botswana's community investment model, Kimberley Process certification). If simple, straightforward ethics matter most, lab-grown eliminates most concerns. If you choose natural, verify ethical sourcing through reputable retailers.

Will lab-grown diamonds get cheaper over time?

Yes, lab-grown diamond prices have been declining as production technology improves and becomes more efficient. Prices have dropped 50-70% over the past 5 years and will likely continue falling. This is good news for buyers today but also means the lab diamond you purchase may cost less in the future. For this reason, lab diamonds have poor resale value—it's often cheaper to buy new than to buy used. View lab diamonds as consumable purchases for current enjoyment rather than value-holding assets.

Do lab-grown diamonds last forever like natural diamonds?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds are just as durable and permanent as natural diamonds. Both have the same hardness (10 on Mohs scale—the hardest natural material) and chemical stability. Lab diamonds won't cloud, fade, chip more easily, or degrade over time. They're suitable for daily wear in engagement rings and will last lifetimes just like natural diamonds. "Forever" applies equally to both because they're chemically identical.