4 C’s of Diamonds

Created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the 1940s, the 4 C's — cut, color, clarity, and carat — serve as the universal standard for assessing diamond quality. Each C represents a distinct quality attribute, measured on its own scale: 

  • Cut: Graded from Excellent to Poor on the GIA scale and Ideal to Poor on the International Gemological Institute (IGI) scale 
  • Color: Graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown) 
  • Clarity: Graded from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3) 
  • Carat: Measured in metric carats, where one carat equals 200 milligrams
 
Lab-Grown Diamonds Natural Diamonds
Diamond hardness: Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are rated 10 on the Mohs scale and are scratch resistant. Natural diamonds are famous for their hardness and brilliance. Like with lab-grown diamonds, they too are rated 10 on the Mohs scale.
Chemical composition: Unlike lab grown diamonds, natural diamonds are created with pure carbon and are made with the same chemical structure. Natural diamonds are made of pure carbon deep beneath the Earth and shaped over millions of years, resulting in shared chemical makeup.
Density: Similar to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds have a density of 3.52 grams per cubic centimeter. Contributing to their weight and feel, natural diamonds have 3.52 grams per cubic centimeter density.
Refractive index: Both lab-grown and natural diamonds have a refractive index of 2.4, which determines their brilliant sparkle and light refraction. Natural diamonds exhibit the same refractive index, producing the iconic fire and brilliance highly valued in jewelry.
Origin: Using advanced technological processes like HPHT or CV, lab-grown diamonds are produced from pure carbon. Natural diamonds are mined from the Earth’s crust through extensive excavation, a process that can be labor-intensive and environmentally impactful.
Cost: Generally, lab-grown diamonds are 70–80% more affordable than natural diamonds, offering consumers significant savings while maintaining quality. Natural diamonds tend to be more expensive due to their rarity, market demand, and the costs associated with mining and distribution.
Certification: Lab-grown diamonds are certified by reputable international gemological laboratories, guaranteeing their authenticity and quality. Certification: Natural diamonds also receive certification from gemological institutes.
Environmental impact: Producing one carat of lab-grown diamond saves approximately 100 square feet of land, significantly reducing habitat destruction and ecosystem damage. Mining one carat of natural diamonds typically uses around 100 square feet of land and often results in deforestation and soil disruption.
Water usage: About 18 gallons of water per carat used, reflecting a much lower water footprint. In contrast, natural diamond mining consumes about 126 gallons of water per carat, making it a far more water-intensive process.
Traceability and ethical sourcing: Lab-grown diamonds offer full traceability from creation to sale, ensuring ethical sourcing. Natural diamonds may face challenges with traceability, and some can be associated with unethical mining practices.