The primary difference between lab-grown diamonds and earth formed diamonds are the methods in which they are created. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical and optical characteristics as mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are formed by simulating natural conditions of extreme heat and pressure or through a process known as chemical vapor deposition. Like its mined counterpart, lab grown diamonds go through the cutting and polishing stages where they may or may not undergo further annealing and irradiation etc. Lab-grown diamonds are ethical, conflict-free and considerate of sustainable measures. Mined diamonds are extracted from the earth through open-pit mining, hard-rock mining, alluvial mining, and marine diamond mining; all of which leave damaging effects on the planet, often times devastating local ecosystems and human habitats. In order to find a 1.0-carat rough diamond, approximately 1,750 tons of earth has to be displaced.

Lab Grown diamonds are created above the earth’s surface, we only use a fraction of the energy and natural resources used in traditional mining practices which leaves a much lower carbon footprint on our planet. Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a controlled environment under the supervision of highly-skilled scientists who ensure each diamond meets stringent quality measures.

It is stated in section § 23.12 of Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries “a diamond is a mineral consisting essentially of pure carbon crystallized in the isometric system." The Guide goes on to say that they “no longer define a diamond by using the term natural because it is no longer accurate to define diamonds as natural when it is now possible to create products that have essentially the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as mined diamonds.

Lab-made diamonds can go by a few different names. Lab-made, lab-grown, lab-created, synthetic, cultured, and created can all describe diamonds made in a laboratory.

At first glance, there’s no way to tell the difference between a lab-made diamond and a natural one. However, there are two small details you could look for. With a magnifying glass, try to find a tiny laser inscription on the girdle — the widest part of the diamond that forms its outline when you look at it from the top. See if you can read it. Many lab-made diamonds have an inscription that identifies them as lab-made. Diamonds can also have a lab report number inscribed on the girdle. If you go to the laboratory website, you can enter this number to get the report, which will tell you whether the stone is mined or lab-grown, along with plenty of other information. If there’s nothing on the girdle, only a major gemological laboratory can tell you whether the diamond is mined or created.

Loose lab-grown diamonds are graded with the same standards as mined diamonds and carry certifications from various independent laboratories such as IGI. Each diamond is evaluated by its cut, clarity, color, and carat to determine how well it has been shaped into its final, flawless form. The laboratories we commonly use to certify our diamonds is International Gemological Institute (IGI.) We also offer non-certified stones when requested.

Lab-made diamonds have the same thermal and electrical conductivity as mined diamonds. So, they will pass a diamond tester exam.

Two processes can create jewelry-quality diamonds: HPHT and CVD.

HPHT stands for High Pressure/High Temperature. This process mimics the way that diamonds grow in nature, subjecting carbon to high temperatures and pressing it together.

CVD stands for Chemical Vapor Deposition, and it’s not as scary as it sounds. In this process, a mixture of hydrogen and methane gas is placed in a chamber with a seed crystal. Typically, microwave power heats the chamber to a high temperature, which excites the gas. The diamond grows on the seed crystal.

Some people feel that lab-made diamonds are inappropriate for an engagement ring because they’re “cheap.” Others say that a diamond is a diamond, whether it came from the ground or a laboratory. Still others prefer lab-made diamonds over mined diamonds for ethical and environmental reasons.

Not too long ago, a majority of consumers considered lab-made diamonds “cheap.” However, attitudes are rapidly changing. About ⅔ of people aged 21-40 who are shopping for an engagement ring are now willing to consider lab-grown diamonds. Due to natural diamond sticker shock, that’s not too surprising. Lab-grown diamonds average about 30-40% of the price of comparable natural ones. Plus, they look the same. With lower prices and guaranteed ethical sourcing, a lab-grown diamond is a practical and guilt-free alternative.

Lab-grown diamonds are a far cry from fake diamonds. Historically, fake diamonds were typically glass. Glass is much less durable and has a lot less sparkle than a well-cut diamond. Other diamond imitations, like synthetic cubic zirconia and natural zircon or topaz gems, are likely to chip with wear. Lab-created diamonds have none of those issues. They’re just as durable and sparkly as any natural diamond.

Lab-made diamonds typically have good clarity. Like a high-quality natural diamond, lab-made diamonds won’t get cloudy.

Ethical diamond mining has become a hot topic, and the easiest way to avoid unethically mined diamonds is to choose a lab-made one. Diamonds grown in a lab are never “blood diamonds” and have a smaller environmental footprint than mined diamonds. That makes lab-made diamonds a more environmentally sustainable option, too.

The colored diamond option is a major “plus” for lab-grown diamonds. Fancy colored diamonds can be some of the most expensive gemstones — but also some of the most remarkable. Pink diamonds, in particular, are always in demand, but getting one in a nice size for an engagement ring just isn’t an option for most budgets.

If you’re interested in a fancy colored diamond for your engagement ring, a lab-grown stone might be your best option for a nice color, cut, and size at an affordable price.

As long as they have a nice cut, lab-grown diamonds will sparkle!