Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds: Real Prices From Our Studio
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio, Toronto · Updated September 27, 2026
Short answer: They are the same material: real diamond, 10 on the Mohs scale, graded the same way. The difference is origin and price. In our September 2026 listings a 2 carat lab grown diamond had a median price of $2,546 CAD, and a comparable natural diamond $9,905 CAD. Natural holds value better; lab gets you a bigger or better stone for the money.
We sell both, so we do not have a side to push. Here is how we explain it on calls.
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. A lab grown diamond is carbon in the same crystal structure as a mined one. It scores 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, passes a diamond tester, and is cut and graded the same way. Only specialist lab equipment can tell them apart, which is why the certificate states the origin.
What is the price difference?
This is from diamonds priced through our own ring builder between June and September 2026, in Canadian dollars:
| Stone | Listings | Median price |
|---|---|---|
| 2ct lab grown (IGI) | 72 | $2,546 |
| 2ct natural (mostly I to J, VS) | 18 | $9,905 |
Roughly four to one. And the natural stones in that comparison are mostly lower colour grades, so at matching colour the gap is even wider.
Which one holds its value?
Natural, clearly. Lab prices have dropped for years and keep moving. If resale matters to you, buy natural. If you want the biggest, whitest stone your budget allows and you plan to keep the ring, lab grown is the better value. Most of our clients choose lab.
How do I know which one I am getting?
The certificate. Every diamond 1 carat and up that we sell comes with an IGI certificate, and a lab grown report says so plainly. Natural stones may come with a GIA or IGI report. We always tell you which one you are looking at before you pay.
Is there anything to watch for with lab diamonds?
One thing. Be careful with lab diamonds graded F. We have seen G, H and I stones grouped loosely into F, so a lab F can carry a very slight tint. We check every stone on video before we recommend it, and we often suggest near colourless on purpose.
Want us to look at your idea?
A free 30 minute video call with Clint or Karina. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.
Book a free callSee our processQuestions we get about this
Is a lab grown diamond worth it?
For most people keeping the ring, yes. You get the same material and look for roughly a quarter of the price of a comparable natural stone, based on our 2026 listings.
Can a jeweller tell if a diamond is lab grown?
Not by eye. It takes specialist lab equipment, which is why the certificate states the origin.
Do lab grown diamonds come with certificates?
Yes. Every diamond 1 carat and up we sell comes with an IGI certificate.
Do you sell natural diamonds too?
Yes, both. We can also source rarer natural stones, like champagne diamonds and natural pink sapphires.
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