Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Natural: What Canadian Shoppers Want in 2025

Lab-grown diamonds vs natural diamonds is one of the biggest questions while people are engagement ring shopping —people asking “are lab-diamonds real?”, “lab diamond cost vs natural”, and “ethical diamond options Canada”. For many buyers, especially in Toronto or rural Canada, lab-grown stones offer major savings, plus ethical and environmental benefits, without sacrificing sparkle. At Livia Diamonds, we combine lab-grown and moissanite rings (and now natural stones) so you can find the best balance between beauty, value, and meaning. In this post, we’ll go through the differences, common misconceptions, cost comparisons, and what’s trending among Canadian shoppers so you can make the decision that’s right for your ring.

What Are Lab-Grown & Natural Diamonds?

Natural diamonds are formed under Earth’s surface over millennia and mined. Each one is unique and carries geological history.
Lab-grown diamonds (also called lab created or engineered) are made in controlled environments using processes like HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). They have the same chemical structure, brilliance, and durability as natural diamonds.
According to the Natural Diamond Council, lab-grown diamonds recycle fewer resources and costs have dropped dramatically in recent years, making them more accessible. Only Natural Diamonds

Key Differences & What Actually Matters

Feature	Natural Diamonds	Lab-Grown Diamonds
Rarity & Tradition	Very high; appeals to people who value natural origin and legacy	Manufactured; appeals to those valuing innovation + sustainability
Price	Significantly higher due to mining, scarcity, brand markup	Typically 30-60% less for comparable size & quality according to sources like ROEN and CaratX ROEN+1
Environmental & Ethical Impact	Mining has more environmental disruption and ethical risk	Lower impact; more traceability; growing transparency in manufacturing standards Only Natural Diamonds+1
Certification & Quality	Graded by labs like GIA, AGS; higher prestige for certain buyers	Also graded by recognized labs (GIA, IGI, etc.); buyers should ensure lab report clarity
Resale & Sentimental Value	Often higher resale for natural stones because of rarity	May retain less resale premium, but growing sentimental and cultural value, especially for younger buyers

Why Many Canadian Shoppers Are Choosing Lab-Grown

1. Cost Efficiency Without Compromise

When you go with lab-grown, you can often get a larger or higher quality stone for the same budget. At Livia Diamonds eShop, you’ll see this in practice: moissanite and lab diamonds priced to let you go bigger or more detailed in design.

2. Ethics & Environmental Concerns

Consumers today want transparency—where stones come from, how they’re made, and what impact they have. Lab-grown diamonds score well in areas of ethical sourcing, less ecological disruption, and fair labour when manufactured properly.

3. Fast Turnaround & Flexibility

Lab-grown stones are produced more predictably than mined ones. This means more consistent availability and often less wait time for design decisions.

4. Trending Preferences in Canada

Data and blog trends show searches like “lab-grown diamonds Canada”, “ethical engagement ring Toronto”, “lab vs natural diamond cost” growing. Many couples tell us they prefer lab-grown or moissanite because it lets them allocate more of their budget to the setting or design of their ring — exactly where custom shines.

Myths & Misconceptions

“Lab diamonds are fake.” Not true. They are real diamonds with the same hardness, brilliance, and optical properties as natural ones. ROEN+1
“Natural diamonds are always better investment.” While natural stones often hold value in certain markets, investment potential is uncertain. Many buyers get greater satisfaction and value from a lab-grown diamond that lets them afford more quality and design.
“Lab diamonds look different.” To most eyes, no. The differences in cut, clarity, and finish are what affect appearance — and those are matched in lab and natural options.

What to Ask Your Jeweller (That Will Help You Decide)

Which lab/grading lab will certify the stone? (GIA, IGI, etc.)
What are the origin / sustainability practices of the stone’s manufacturer?
Can I see side-by-side comparisons of color, clarity, and cut?
What’s the total cost including setting, metal, any design fees or CAD/prototype work (so you see full cost).
What warranty, resizing, or maintenance comes with the ring?

How Livia Diamonds Helps You Choose

At Livia Diamonds, our process is built to support your decision:

Browse both lab-grown and moissanite stones via our eShop.
For custom design, we offer CAD sketching and prototypes so you can preview before finalizing.
Our Toronto studio allows in-person consultations to examine stones up close.
Clear pricing: you’ll always see what you’re paying for stone, metal, design, and labour.

For our custom design clients, many tell us that choosing lab-grown diamonds enabled them to choose superior cut, more detail, or better quality metal than they thought possible—often achieving elegance and luxury without the typical retail markup.

Final Thoughts

Lab-grown diamonds are not just a reasonable alternative—they’re often the smarter choice for many Canadian buyers who care about value, ethics, and design. Whether you prioritize heritage, rarity, or social responsibility, both natural and lab-grown diamonds have their place. But if you want the most sparkle for your budget (especially with custom design), lab-grown often wins.