LAB GROWN DIAMONDS
Debating between a lab-grown and mined diamond?
There's no right or wrong, it's strictly your choice. Here are some facts about lab-grown diamonds so you can make the decision that's right for you.
Why Choose a Lab Grown Diamond?
THEY'RE GENERALLY LESS EXPENSIVE
Because they're made with a predictable supply chain, lab created diamonds are usually less expensive than mined diamonds. The downside? They may decline in value as supply increases.
THEY LAST JUST AS LONG
The only difference between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond is that one comes from a high-tech lab and one comes from within the earth. Both types will last a lifetime and more.
THEY LOOK LIKE EARTH-GROWN DIAMONDS
Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical properties as mined diamonds — they're just as sparkly, full of light, and you can't see any difference at all with the naked eye.
THEY ARE GRADED THE SAME WAY AS EARTH-GROWN DIAMONDS
Lab-grown diamonds are graded on the 4 C's just like natural diamonds: Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat. Lab grown diamonds have to meet the same quality criteria.
More for Your Money
Carat for carat, your budget goes further with lab-grown diamonds, because they generally cost less. So you can purchase a larger size or a higher-quality stone for the same price as a mined diamond.
Same sparkle, same brilliance.
Lab grown diamonds are chemically and physically exactly the same as mined diamonds — it takes specialized equipment to tell the difference. Your lab grown diamond is just as hard and will last just as long as a traditional mined diamond.
You'll know the origin of your diamond
Some people prefer mined diamonds because there's a certain mystery to a stone that has taken millions of years to create. But you'll know exactly which lab your diamond came from, and it will have certification for the 4C's just like a mined diamond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do lab grown diamonds test as real diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are “real” diamonds in the sense that they have exactly the same chemical composition, hardness, and durability as earth-grown diamonds that come from a mine. But a diamond expert using professional equipment can see the difference.
Do lab-grown diamonds last as long as earth-grown diamonds?
Yes, because lab grown diamonds are exactly the same chemically and physically, they last just as long. The only difference is that they are made in a high-tech machine rather than deep in the earth. They don't turn yellow, or fade, or become cloudy.
Are lab grown diamonds flawless?
Lab grown diamonds can be flawless but they are rare, just as with mined diamonds. The growing process starts with a tiny diamond "seed," and most lab grown diamonds have some imperfection or flaw. That’s why they’re graded for color, clarity, cut, and carat just like natural diamonds.
Which is better, lab grown or "natural" earth-grown diamonds?
It depends on what your priority is. Mined diamonds help support communities in mining countries by bringing income to those areas, and there’s a certain mystery to knowing your diamond was created over millions of years. On the other hand, lab grown diamonds are made without mining, which some people consider destructive to the earth. As for resale, there's a chance a lab-grown diamond won't retain its original value as more are made and supply increases. But most people buy their diamond ring for a moment in time, not to count on reselling it sometime in the future.