Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Modern Choice

Mining Free

100% Real Diamond

Great Value

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as lab-created, cultured, or engineered diamonds, are produced in precisely controlled laboratory environments. These conditions mimic the natural processes that occur deep within the Earth's mantle, where diamonds are formed. Lab-grown diamonds consist of carbon atoms arranged in the same crystal structure as natural diamonds. As a result, they share the same optical and chemical properties as natural diamonds.

How Are Diamonds Created in a Lab?

Lab-created diamonds start as tiny carbon seeds from pre-existing diamonds. Using advanced technology—either extreme pressure and heat or a specialized process known as chemical vapor deposition (CVD)—scientists replicate the natural diamond-forming process. Over six to ten weeks, these seeds grow into rough diamonds, which are then cut, polished, and crafted into lab diamond jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, or bracelets.

There are two main methods for creating lab-grown diamonds:

1. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This method recreates the intense conditions found within the Earth where natural diamonds form. Carbon material is placed in a large machine and subjected to pressures exceeding 870,000 lbs per square inch and temperatures of 1300–1600 degrees Celsius. These extreme conditions produce lab-grown diamonds.
2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): In CVD, a seed diamond is placed inside a vacuum chamber filled with heated hydrogen and carbon-rich gases. When the gases reach a certain temperature, their molecules break down, causing layers of crystallized carbon to form around the seed and gradually grow a larger diamond. Some CVD diamonds may also undergo additional heat and pressure treatments after formation.

To the naked eye, natural diamonds, HPHT-grown diamonds, and CVD-grown diamonds are indistinguishable. Only trained scientists, through specialized analysis, can detect identifying markers from each growth method.

Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds

Chemically, optically, and physically, lab-created and natural diamonds are identical, with the only distinction being their origins.

Lab-created diamonds are a sustainable, mining-free alternative. Grown from carbon seeds in a carefully controlled environment, they share the exact composition of natural diamonds. Without specialized equipment, it's impossible to tell a lab-grown diamond from a natural one visually. Lab diamonds also provide excellent value, allowing you to maximize your budget across the 4 Cs.

Like our natural diamonds, every lab diamond we offer adheres to our strict quality standards for cut, color, and clarity, ensuring optimal brilliance and radiance. We’re proud to lead with innovation, offering the most sustainable lab diamonds in the industry, including our Capture and Renewable Collections.

Natural diamonds, on the other hand, form over billions of years under intense heat and pressure, deep within the Earth. Composed of 99% pure carbon and 58 times harder than any other natural substance, their beauty and rarity have made them one of the world’s most cherished gemstones. Natural diamonds are revered for their enduring value, often passed down across generations as symbols of love and commitment.

Each of our natural diamonds are conflict free and are hand-selected for their exceptional quality and transparent, responsible origins.

Distinguishing Lab Grown Diamonds from Diamond Alternatives

It's crucial to understand the fundamental difference between diamonds grown in laboratories and materials that mimic diamonds' appearance. Lab-created diamonds are composed of carbon, just like their natural counterparts. In contrast, diamond lookalikes may resemble diamonds visually but lack the same carbon crystal structure.

Two frequently encountered popular diamond substitutes are:

• Moissanite: Naturally occurring moissanite is exceptionally scarce, originating from extraterrestrial sources via meteorites. Commercially available moissanite is lab-produced. While visually similar to diamonds, moissanite often exhibits a more prismatic light dispersion, resulting in a rainbow-like effect rather than the characteristic diamond sparkle.
• Cubic Zirconia (CZ): This synthetic crystal is sometimes used as a diamond alternative. Though reasonably durable and brilliant, it doesn't quite match a diamond's sparkle and may show signs of wear over time. Often serves as a temporary stone in jewelry until replaced by a more resilient option.

Neither moissanite nor cubic zirconia are true diamonds, despite their visual similarities.

Diamond alternatives differ from natural and lab-created diamonds in their chemical and physical properties, resulting in significantly lower prices. These differences are often visible to the naked eye.

Portable diamond testers can differentiate authentic diamonds (both natural and lab-created) from cubic zirconia by measuring thermal conductivity. However, these devices may sometimes confuse certain lab-grown diamonds or naturally colored diamonds with moissanite due to comparable electrical conductivity. Fortunately, expert gemologists have additional methods at their disposal. They can usually tell diamonds apart from moissanite by examining their optical properties. Specifically, moissanite exhibits double refraction, while diamonds display single refraction. This key difference allows for accurate identification.

Advantages of Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds offer an outstanding alternative to mined diamonds. They are not only physically identical but also responsibly sourced and more cost-effective. Some of the key benefits of lab-created diamonds include:

• Less Imperfections
• Budget Friendly
• Trackable origins, ensuring diamonds are sourced from reputable places that do not mistreat workers or communities
• HPHT and CVD methods of lab-grown diamond production help meet demand without compromising quality or engaging in harmful practices

How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Certified and Graded?

Lab-grown diamonds undergo the same certification process as natural diamonds. Gemologists at reputable institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) evaluate the 4 C's — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — of each gemstone. After this assessment, they issue a physical or digital report detailing their findings.

Lab Grown Diamond FAQ