Find Your Perfect Diamond
Made to sit flush against the engagement ring it was designed for.
Every ring is made from start to finish in our Los Angeles atelier.
Diamonds symbolize enduring love and commitment, but today’s couples are also thinking about where their diamonds come from. Lab grown diamonds have emerged as a popular option for those who want all the sparkle and beauty of a traditional diamond and the peace of mind that comes with a sustainable, ethical choice. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about lab grown diamonds – truly sustainable luxury explained – so you can make an informed decision for that perfect engagement ring or special piece of jewelry.
Table of Contents
Lab grown diamonds (also known as lab created or man made diamonds) are real diamonds that are produced in a laboratory setting rather than formed naturally in the earth. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as mined diamonds. In fact, to the naked eye and even under a microscope, a lab grown diamond looks identical to a mined diamond. The only difference is its origin: one is created by scientists in a controlled environment, while the other is formed by geological processes over billions of years underground.
It’s important to note that lab grown diamonds are not “fake” diamonds or simulants. They are entirely different from diamond look-alikes like cubic zirconia or moissanite. Lab diamonds are composed of pure carbon arranged in the diamond crystal lattice – just like natural diamonds. This means they exhibit the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), brilliant sparkle, and durability. Even professional gemologists need specialized equipment to tell a lab grown diamond apart from a mined one.
Lab grown diamonds have been around for several decades (initially produced for industrial uses), but only in recent years have they become widely available for jewelry. Advances in technology now allow growers to create gem-quality diamonds large enough and high enough in quality to grace engagement rings and fine jewelry. As a result, more jewelers and consumers are embracing lab grown diamonds as a mainstream choice for their beauty and ethical appeal.
Growing a diamond in a lab is a marvel of modern technology. There are two primary methods used to create lab grown diamonds:
Both HPHT and CVD produce genuine diamonds. The rough lab grown diamonds are then cut and polished by skilled craftsmen in the same way that mined diamonds are. The result is a sparkling diamond that is chemically and visually indistinguishable from a natural diamond. The only real clues to a diamond’s lab origin are subtle differences in growth patterns and trace elements, which can be detected by specialized lab equipment (and reputable lab-grown diamonds typically come with certification identifying them as lab-created).
Choosing a lab grown diamond comes with several compelling benefits, especially for those concerned about ethics and sustainability. Here are some of the key advantages of lab grown diamonds:
Conflict-free: Lab grown diamonds are guaranteed conflict-free. They are created in controlled lab environments, so there’s no risk that your money is funding armed conflicts or unsafe labor practices. In contrast, some mined diamonds (often called “blood diamonds” or conflict diamonds) have historically been linked to unethical mining operations and civil wars. With a lab diamond, you can be confident it comes with a clean, transparent origin.
Fair Labor: Because lab diamonds are produced in high-tech facilities, they aren’t associated with the dangerous working conditions that can be found in some remote mining locations. There are no miners facing hazardous conditions deep underground. Instead, scientists and technicians oversee the creation of each stone.
Eco-friendly Production: Lab grown diamonds generally have a much smaller environmental footprint than mined diamonds. Traditional diamond mining can be very invasive – it often involves removing tons of earth, disrupting ecosystems, and consuming large amounts of energy and water. In contrast, creating diamonds in a lab uses far less land and water and can be powered by renewable energy. There’s no open-pit mining, no habitat destruction, and no giant carbon emissions from heavy mining machinery. While the labs do use energy (and thus have a carbon footprint), ongoing advances are making lab diamond production increasingly energy-efficient and green.
Sustainable Luxury: With their ethical sourcing and reduced environmental impact, lab grown diamonds represent sustainable luxury. You get all the beauty, rarity, and significance of a diamond without many of the negatives associated with mining. For eco-conscious couples, this means you can wear your ring with extra pride, knowing it aligns with your values. The concept of sustainable luxury is about enjoying fine things responsibly, and lab diamonds are a shining example of this principle in action.
At first glance, a lab grown diamond and a mined diamond look exactly the same. But beyond origin, what differences should you be aware of? Here’s a quick comparison of lab grown diamonds versus mined diamonds across several key factors:
When it comes to selecting a lab grown diamond for your engagement ring (or any piece of jewelry), the process is very much like choosing a traditional diamond. You’ll want to consider the “4 Cs” – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat – which are the standard measures of a diamond’s quality and beauty. Here’s a breakdown of each and how to think about them for lab grown diamonds:
The cut of a diamond refers to how well it has been shaped and faceted by a craftsman. Cut is often considered the most important of the 4 Cs because it has a huge impact on a diamond’s sparkle. A well-cut diamond will reflect light beautifully, showing off that coveted brilliance and fire. Whether you’re buying a lab grown or mined diamond, you’ll want a stone with an excellent or very good cut grade. Lab grown diamonds are cut using the same techniques and standards as mined ones, so you can find superbly cut lab diamonds in all the classic shapes (round, princess, oval, etc.). Prioritize cut to ensure your diamond dazzles.
Diamond color actually refers to the absence of color. The most sought-after diamonds are “colorless” (graded D-F on the diamond color scale), which appear icy white. As you go down the scale toward G-J and beyond, diamonds exhibit slight hints of yellow or warmth, though many are still nearly colorless to the untrained eye. Lab grown diamonds are available across this color spectrum, from D color perfect whites to beautiful near-colorless stones. When choosing color, consider the setting metal (a slightly warmer diamond can still look white in a yellow gold setting, for example) and your budget. The good news is that because lab diamonds are more affordable, you might be able to afford a higher color grade in a lab stone than you could in a mined stone.
Clarity measures how free a diamond is from internal inclusions or external blemishes. The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (no inclusions even under 10x magnification) down to Included (visible imperfections). Almost all diamonds have tiny imperfections, but many are not visible without magnification. Lab grown diamonds typically have excellent clarity, often in the VS (Very Slightly Included) to VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) range, though you can also find SI (Slightly Included) lab diamonds. The types of inclusions in lab diamonds may differ (for instance, tiny metallic inclusions from the growth process), but they’re generally hard to see.
For the best value, look for a lab diamond that is “eye-clean,” meaning no inclusions visible to the naked eye. This often corresponds to the VS2 or SI1 clarity range, which gives you a beautiful stone at a lower price than a seemingly identical FL or VVS1 stone.
Carat is the measure of a diamond’s weight, and it directly relates to the size of the stone. Because lab grown diamonds cost less than mined diamonds, you can often afford a larger carat weight on the same budget. For example, if a 1.5 carat mined diamond is outside your price range, a 1.5 carat lab grown diamond of similar quality might comfortably fit your budget. When choosing carat, think about your preferences and those of your partner – some people want a very large stone for maximum wow factor, while others prefer a more low-key, modest size. Also consider the ring style: a halo setting can make a center diamond look larger, so you might not need as big of a center stone. Ultimately, with lab diamonds, you have the freedom to pick a size that makes you happy without as much financial compromise.
Remember, the goal is to balance the 4 Cs to meet your personal priorities. Lab grown diamonds give you more wiggle room in that balance since their pricing is gentler. For instance, you might opt for a slightly bigger lab diamond without sacrificing color or clarity, staying within budget. Always review a diamond’s certification (lab-grown diamonds are often certified by reputable gem labs like IGI or GIA) to understand its grades, and choose the combination of qualities that is most beautiful and meaningful to you.
One fantastic aspect of lab grown diamonds is that they can be used in any engagement ring setting – just like a mined diamond. You have endless style options to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a glamorous design or something classic and understated, there’s a ring style for you. Here are a few popular engagement ring styles and how lab diamonds shine in each of them:
Halo engagement rings: Halo rings feature a circle of smaller accent diamonds surrounding the center stone. This not only adds extra sparkle but also makes the center diamond look larger. A lab grown diamond is perfect as the centerpiece of a halo setting – you can maximize your ring’s wow-factor in an ethical way. The halo of tiny diamonds enhances the brilliance of your lab grown center stone, creating a truly dazzling, star-like effect on your finger.
Vintage engagement rings: Vintage-inspired rings often include intricate details like milgrain edging, filigree work, and antique-style diamond cuts. A lab grown diamond fits beautifully into these designs, delivering old-world charm with a modern conscience. Whether it’s an Art Deco geometric pattern or a Victorian floral motif, you can enjoy the romantic look of a bygone era knowing your diamond was created with today’s ethical standards. Many couples love the idea that a lab-grown diamond combines timeless style with futuristic technology.
Solitaire engagement rings: The solitaire is a classic for a reason – it puts all the attention on one stunning diamond. In a solitaire setting, a single lab grown diamond takes center stage, symbolizing the focus and purity of your love. Because lab grown stones are more affordable, you might choose to go a bit larger or higher in quality for your solitaire’s center diamond without breaking the bank. The result is a timeless, elegant ring with a beautiful lab-created gem proudly on display.
Of course, these are just a few examples. There are many other styles – from three-stone rings symbolizing your past, present, and future, to sleek modern designs and unique custom creations. The good news is that no matter what style you adore, you can likely have it with a lab grown diamond. In fact, some jewelers (like RockHer) allow you to design your own ring by choosing a setting and then selecting a lab-grown center diamond to go with it. With tools such as RockHer’s Build Your Own Engagement Ring experience, you can create a bespoke ring that perfectly matches your vision, all while using a lab-grown diamond as the sparkling focal point.
Lab grown diamonds are just as durable as mined diamonds, which means they’re built to last a lifetime and beyond. To keep your lab diamond ring looking as brilliant as the day you got it, follow these care and maintenance tips:
Lab grown diamonds have truly revolutionized the diamond world, providing a beautiful alternative that aligns with modern values. They offer the same brilliance, fire, and durability as mined diamonds, while often costing less and coming free of ethical baggage. For many first-time diamond buyers and engaged couples, choosing a lab grown diamond means you don’t have to compromise – you can have a stunning engagement ring and feel good about where it came from.
In the end, the “right” diamond is the one that feels right to you. Lab grown diamonds give you an opportunity to own a spectacular, genuine diamond that is a product of human ingenuity and conscience. Whether you’re drawn by the sustainable luxury aspect, the better price point, or just the idea of having a high-tech gem, lab grown diamonds are worth considering for your milestone moments. With more and more jewelers (including RockHer) offering a wide selection of lab grown diamond options, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect ring that matches both your dream and your values. Here’s to finding a diamond that symbolizes your love – brilliantly, responsibly, and uniquely yours.
Every RockHer piece is made to order in our Los Angeles atelier and reviewed by our Lead Gemologist before it ships. Bring us your questions, your certificate numbers, or the ring you have been circling for weeks.
