Diamonds have always symbolised love, commitment, and timeless beauty. But in recent years, a new option has entered the market—lab-grown diamonds. At Hour Time Jewellery, clients often ask which is better: lab or natural. The answer depends on what truly matters to you.

1. Origin

• Natural Diamonds: Formed over billions of years beneath the Earth’s crust, created by heat and pressure. Each one is a geological miracle.

• Lab-Grown Diamonds: Created in controlled environments using advanced technology (HPHT or CVD methods). They’re identical to natural diamonds in atomic structure, just born in months—not millennia.

Both are 100% real diamonds. The only difference lies in their story of creation.

2. Quality and Appearance

To the naked eye, lab-grown and natural diamonds look identical. Both have the same brilliance, hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and fire. Even professional gemologists need specialised tools to tell them apart.

At Hour Time, we source both types with GIA or IGI certification, ensuring you always know exactly what you’re purchasing.

3. Price and Value

Here’s where the biggest difference lies:

• Lab-Grown: Typically 60–80% less expensive than natural. Perfect if you want a larger or higher-quality stone for the same budget.

• Natural: Holds long-term rarity and resale value due to limited supply and natural origin.

Lab diamonds are ideal for design freedom and affordability. Natural diamonds remain the choice for collectors and traditionalists.

4. Environmental and Ethical Factors

Lab-grown diamonds offer a sustainable and conflict-free alternative, using less land and fewer resources. For clients who prioritise environmental ethics, they’re a forward-thinking choice.

Natural diamonds support mining communities and global trade but require careful sourcing to ensure responsible practices.

5. Which Should You Choose?

It depends on what matters most:

• Choose Lab-Grown if you value innovation, size, and sustainability.

• Choose Natural if you prioritise legacy, rarity, and long-term value.

At Hour Time Jewellery, we believe in education, not persuasion. Our role is to guide—not sell—so you can make a confident, informed decision that aligns with your values.