Lab-grown and natural diamonds are virtually indistinguishable in appearance. Both possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties. The main differences lie in their origin and price. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a matter of weeks, whereas natural diamonds take billions of years to form. This difference in production time makes lab-grown diamonds more affordable. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are free from the ethical and environmental issues associated with mining. For many, the choice between the two comes down to personal values and budget.