Why this question matters
In Brooklyn, we care about the story behind what we wear. We want our jewelry to feel as good as it looks. One of the questions I hear most in our Williamsburg studio is: “What’s the real difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?”

It’s not just science. It’s values and marketing. Some of the biggest diamond companies are actively trying to slow lab grown adoption with “buyer beware” language and new “verification” machines that put more spotlight on natural stones. Here’s what actually matters.

How they’re made
Natural diamonds form deep underground over billions of years.

Lab grown diamonds are created in advanced labs that replicate those same conditions. The result is the same carbon crystal structure, the same sparkle and durability, grown in months instead of millennia. Both are real diamonds; the difference is birthplace.

Cost difference
Natural diamonds are positioned as rare and traditional, and they’re often priced with a higher markup. Lab grown diamonds don’t carry that same markup, which means you can often choose a larger or higher quality stone for the same budget.

Environmental and ethical considerations
Natural diamonds can carry heavy environmental and human costs depending on their origin.

Lab grown diamonds avoid digging and landscape disruption, and as a result, their impact is much smaller. For a Brooklyn community that values sustainability and compassion, this difference matters.

Myths and misconceptions

• “Lab grown diamonds aren’t real.” They are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds.

• “They don’t last.” A lab grown diamond will last forever, just like a natural one.

• “They have no emotional value.” The meaning comes from your story, not the origin.

Why Haejin Jewelry chooses lab grown
We’re a Brooklyn, woman owned studio. We believe luxury shouldn’t require compromise. Lab grown diamonds align with our values:

• Transparency — you know what you’re getting.

• Accessibility — fine jewelry without inflated markups.

• Sustainability — beauty with less harm.

Big brands may try to protect the status of natural diamonds, but here in Williamsburg we choose what feels honest and fits real life. If you’re ready to create a piece that reflects your style and your values, visit our studio or explore our designs online.