Lab-Grown diamonds, also called lab-created diamonds, are diamonds that have been made in a laboratory by scientists. They’re real diamonds with the same chemical composition, physical properties, and gorgeous sparkle as mined diamonds. The only fundamental difference between Lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds is how they’re made.
Lab-Grown Diamond Shapes
Discover your dream gem in our varied selection of lab-grown diamonds. Choose a round cut diamond for a traditional look or add a unique touch to your jewelry with a fancy shaped center stone. With options like emerald, oval, and pear, you’re sure to find a lab-grown diamond that speaks to you.
There are two methods scientists can use to create diamonds in a lab: the High Pressure High Temperature method (HPHT) and the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method. Both methods start with the use of a diamond seed, a tiny diamond fragment. The HPHT method mimics how diamonds form naturally in the earth. To create a HPHT diamond, scientists place a diamond seed inside pure carbon. They then expose the seed to extraordinary pressure and heat. This causes the pure carbon to melt and stick to the diamond seed, creating a lab-grown diamond that’s ready to be cut, polished, and set in jewelry. The CVD method involves using plasma technology. To create a CVD diamond, scientists place a diamond seed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. They then heat the chamber to extreme temperatures, causing the carbon in the gas to separate and stick to the diamond seed. Layer by layer, this will create a diamond crystal that can be cut, polished, and set in jewelry.
Laboratory-Grown diamonds are real diamonds, so they are not the same thing as diamond simulants. Diamond simulants are gemstones that look similar to diamonds, but are not diamonds. Examples of diamond simulants include cubic zirconia and moissanite. Diamond simulants may look somewhat like diamonds, but they have visual, chemical, and physical differences. Perhaps most notably, diamond simulants are not as durable as diamonds, which are the hardest naturally occurring material in the world. The same can’t be said for lab-grown diamonds, which are just as durable as mined diamonds because they have the exact same carbon crystal structure.
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Lab-Grown Diamonds
Most Common Questions
Are laboratory-grown diamonds more affordable than earth mined diamonds?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds can cost as much as 50% less than natural diamonds of comparable quality and carat weight. This price difference is a major advantage, since it allows you to either save money on your center stone or upgrade to a higher quality and carat.
Should I choose a Lab-Grown diamond for my engagement ring?
Lab-grown diamonds are an excellent choice for an engagement ring. They’re durable and beautiful, and they offer excellent value. Of course, ultimately, whether a natural or lab-grown diamond engagement ring is right for you is very personal. If you’re unsure which option you’d prefer, visit our showroom and our expert jewelers can show you side-by-side comparisons and answer any questions you may have.
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamond gemstones with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.
Can you tell a diamond is lab-grown by looking at it?
No, even trained jewelers and gemologists can’t tell a diamond has been lab-grown with the naked eye. Jewelers and gemologists will only be able to tell that a diamond has been lab-grown with the use of specialized equipment.
Do lab-grown diamonds come with certification?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are assessed by grading laboratories like the GIA and IGI, so they can come with certification. We recommend making sure any diamond you purchase, whether it’s lab-grown or mined, comes with a grading report in order to ensure its authenticity.
Are lab-grown diamonds more flawless than natural diamonds?
On average, lab-grown diamonds tend to be slightly higher quality than natural diamonds because scientists can somewhat control their creation. However, there’s still an element of nature and craftsmanship involved in the formation and processing of lab-created diamonds, so they’re certainly not all flawless. If you’d like to see if a specific lab-grown diamond is high quality, check its diamond grading report or view it for yourself in person.
Are lab-grown diamonds the same thing as synthetic diamonds?
The term “synthetic” can be used to describe anything that’s made by chemical synthesis, so you could describe diamonds that are made in a laboratory as synthetic diamonds. Note that the term “synthetic” shouldn’t be confused with “simulated,” which describes an imitation. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds made in a lab, so they are not imitating diamonds.