Physically, chemically and optically, nothing. Both are pure carbon, both rate 10 on the Mohs scale, and both sparkle the same. The differences are origin (a lab versus the earth's mantle) and price, with lab grown often costing 80 to 90% less.

Yes. A standard thermal diamond tester reads a lab grown diamond as a diamond because it is one. Occasionally an HPHT lab diamond that contains trace boron can read as moissanite on a basic electrical tester, so a jeweler may run a second check. No handheld tester can tell lab grown from natural.

Not by eye or with a jeweler's loupe. Telling them apart takes specialized lab screening equipment. Your grading report states the origin, and lab grown diamonds graded by IGI usually carry a tiny laser inscription on the girdle that matches the report number.

Our lab grown diamonds are graded by IGI with the full 4Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat. Natural diamonds are graded by GIA or IGI on the same scale. Since late 2025, GIA describes lab grown diamonds only as "Premium" or "Standard" instead of giving exact color and clarity grades, which is one reason many jewelers use IGI reports for lab grown stones.

No. A lab grown diamond is a diamond, the hardest material known, so it won't cloud, fade, change color or scratch from everyday wear. Like any diamond it can look dull when lotion or soap builds up, which a cleaning fixes. PBD jewelry comes with free lifetime cleanings and prong checks at our studio.

Not the diamonds sold in engagement rings. Natural diamonds only behave like investments when they're irreplaceable stones selling for millions. Engagement ring diamonds, lab grown or natural, typically resell for far less than you paid, and natural diamonds usually lose more dollars because they cost so much more up front. We recommend choosing the diamond you'll love wearing.

We don't offer trade-ins, because we only sell new, unworn pieces. When you come back for another engagement ring with a new center stone and setting from us, we take 20% off the setting.

No. We only work with diamonds, lab grown and natural. Moissanite is a different gemstone that imitates a diamond.

Visit our family owned studio at Bella Terra in Huntington Beach, open every day, and compare shapes, carats, colors and clarities from our diamond selection. Shopping from farther away? We work with clients every day by text, email and video call, and send photos and videos of every option.