Lab grown diamonds are diamonds: the same carbon crystal, the same hardness, the same brilliance as a natural diamond, grown above ground in a matter of weeks rather than formed in the earth over a billion years. This guide covers how they are made, how they compare with natural diamonds, how GIA and IGI grade them, and how they are priced, so you can choose with confidence.
Every lab grown diamond RockHer offers is scored by ROSI™, our gemological intelligence, and examined by our Lead Gemologist in Los Angeles before it ships. You can browse lab grown diamonds as you read.
Table of Contents
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
Lab grown diamonds are “grown” in high-tech laboratories using advanced technological processes that mimic nature. There are two primary methods of creating these diamonds:
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HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature): This method places a tiny diamond “seed” into a special press that replicates the intense pressure and heat found deep within the earth. The seed is surrounded by carbon sources and metal catalysts. Under extreme conditions (over 1.5 million PSI and temperatures around 1500°C), carbon atoms crystallize onto the seed, forming a larger diamond crystal. After a few weeks, the result is a rough diamond that can be cut and polished. HPHT was the first successful technique to create diamonds and is often used to grow smaller stones or to improve diamond color.
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CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): This newer method grows diamonds in a vacuum chamber rather than under high pressure. A thin slice of diamond seed is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases (like methane) which are then heated into a plasma. In these conditions, carbon atoms deposit onto the seed layer by layer, building up a diamond crystal (much like ice forming on a surface). CVD can produce larger, high-quality diamonds and is widely used for most gem-quality lab diamonds today. Sometimes, CVD-grown diamonds are additionally treated with HPHT heat afterward to enhance their color.
Once the rough lab grown diamond is created by either method, it is cut and polished just like a natural diamond. Skilled gem cutters examine the rough, plan the optimal shape, and facet the stone with precision. The goal is the same as with mined gems – to maximize brilliance and fire. When finished, a lab grown diamond is chemically and structurally the same as its mined counterpart. To the naked eye, both will sparkle with equal beauty, since they are, in fact, the same material: pure crystallized carbon.
Lab Grown vs. Mined Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
In terms of appearance and composition, there is no visible difference between lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds. Both are real diamonds composed of carbon atoms in the exact same crystal structure. They exhibit the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), brilliance, fire, and scintillation. In other words, a lab-created diamond will sparkle just as brightly and be just as durable as a diamond pulled from the earth.
The main differences lie in their origin and some subtle characteristics detectable only to experts:
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Origin: Natural diamonds formed billions of years ago under the earth’s crust and were brought to the surface via volcanic activity. Lab diamonds, on the other hand, are grown in a matter of weeks in a laboratory setting. This difference in origin is the primary distinction – one is mined from the ground, the other is made by scientists. Because of this, lab diamonds are often called “man-made” or “synthetic” diamonds, while natural diamonds are sometimes called “earth-mined” diamonds.
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Inclusions and Growth Patterns: Under magnification, gemologists can sometimes tell a lab diamond from a natural one by tiny details. Lab grown stones may show internal characteristics like minor metallic inclusions (from metal catalysts in HPHT) or growth patterns (such as slight color zoning in CVD diamonds). Natural diamonds often have different inclusion types (like small crystals of other minerals) and growth lines that reflect their geological formation. These clues are invisible without specialized equipment, but labs use them to identify origin.
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Rarity: Natural diamonds are rare gifts of nature – in fact, only a small percentage of mined rough has gem quality. This rarity can imbue natural diamonds with a sense of uniqueness and traditional value (they are literally ancient treasures of the earth). Lab grown diamonds, by contrast, can be produced repeatedly with technology, making them more readily available. This difference affects pricing and emotional value for some buyers (more on that in the Value section).
It’s important to note that to a consumer or even a jeweler with the naked eye, a lab grown diamond is indistinguishable from a mined diamond. Both will come with a certification (grading report) to verify their qualities. In fact, the only reliable way to know a diamond’s origin is through specialized testing or laser inscription on the diamond. Reputable labs inscribe lab-grown diamonds with a microscopic note on the girdle (edge) indicating “lab grown” along with the report number. This ensures full transparency without affecting the gem’s beauty.
Quality Factors and Certification of Lab Diamonds
When it comes to quality, lab grown diamonds are evaluated by the exact same standards as mined diamonds. The “4 Cs” – cut, color, clarity, and carat weight – apply equally to both. This means a lab diamond can be just as flawless, colorless, and well-cut as the very best natural diamond. Here are some key points regarding quality:
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Cut: Lab grown diamonds are cut by professional gem cutters to bring out maximum brilliance. In fact, because the rough crystals can be grown to spec, cutters often have an easier time achieving excellent proportions. You’ll find lab diamonds in all popular shapes (round, oval, princess, etc.) with the same facet arrangements as natural stones.
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Color and Clarity: Many lab created diamonds are of extremely high purity. They are typically classified as Type IIa diamonds, meaning they contain very few or no nitrogen impurities. (Less than 2% of mined diamonds are Type IIa.) As a result, lab diamonds often exhibit superb color and clarity. It’s not uncommon to see lab gems rated D, E, F (colorless) or in high clarity grades (IF, VVS). Of course, lower grades are available too, but the point is that achieving high quality is easier in a controlled lab environment. This also means the premium for a “perfect” looking diamond is often less with lab grown, since those grades are more attainable.
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Certified Grading: Just like natural diamonds, reputable lab grown diamonds come with independent grading reports. Major gemological laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) issue certificates for lab diamonds. These reports document the 4Cs and also note the origin (lab-grown). In fact, to avoid any confusion, most labs use a slightly different format or color for lab-grown diamond reports, and include a laser inscription on the stone. When you purchase a lab diamond, you should receive a certificate identifying its carat weight, color grade, clarity grade, cut grade, and confirming it is laboratory-grown.
Identifying lab vs. natural: As mentioned, you as a consumer won’t be able to tell the difference just by looking – and you shouldn’t worry about it! The certification and laser inscription serve to inform jewelers and buyers of a diamond’s origin. Advanced devices can also detect certain growth features (for example, fluorescence patterns or spectral analysis can reveal lab origin), but these are used behind the scenes in the industry. The take-home message is that lab grown diamonds share the same quality scale as mined diamonds. When shopping, you will compare lab stones based on their cut, clarity, color, and size just as you would any diamond. Always look for a certified stone so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Value and Pricing: Getting More Sparkle for Your Budget
One of the most attractive aspects of lab grown diamonds is their excellent value for the price. Because they are less rare and costly to produce than natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are typically sold at a significantly lower price than equivalent mined stones. This means you can often afford a larger or higher-quality diamond on the same budget when you choose lab grown.
Affordable luxury: On average, a lab grown diamond might cost anywhere from 30% to 50% (or more) less than a comparable natural diamond. For example, with a given budget, you might be able to buy a gorgeous 2 carat lab-grown diamond ring instead of a 1 carat natural diamond ring of similar quality. Many couples take advantage of this pricing difference to get a visibly bigger center stone or to upgrade in color/clarity without breaking the bank. Lab diamonds deliver “more bling for your buck,” making the dream of a larger, brilliant diamond more attainable.
Resale and long-term value: It’s important to note that diamonds (whether lab or natural) are not great investments in terms of resale, but lab-grown diamonds in particular may have lower resale value. Since technological advancements continue to make lab diamond production more efficient, the market prices for lab stones have been trending downward over the past several years. You shouldn’t expect to resell a lab diamond for profit, and its retail price may drop over time as production scales up. However, this factor is similar to many electronics or luxury goods – you’re purchasing it for the beauty and enjoyment it brings, not for financial appreciation.
The emotional value: Remember that the true value of a diamond isn’t only monetary. Lab grown diamonds carry the same emotional significance as any diamond – they symbolize love, commitment, and celebration. Some people cherish the idea that a natural diamond is a rare ancient treasure of the earth, formed over billions of years. Others feel more connected to the statement a lab diamond makes – that love can be celebrated in a forward-thinking, responsible way. In the end, the “value” of your diamond is also personal. There is no right or wrong answer, only what matters to you as a couple. What’s certain is that with lab grown options, you have more choices in size and quality at a given price point, which is a win for many buyers.
Caring for Your Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry
One wonderful thing about lab grown diamonds being real diamonds is that they are just as durable and easy to care for. Whether your diamond is from a lab or the earth, the same care guidelines apply to keep it sparkling for generations. Here are some tips for maintaining your lab grown diamond jewelry:
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Regular Cleaning: Diamonds can attract oils and dirt, which dulls their shine. Clean your ring or diamond jewelry at home periodically. The safest method is to soak it in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, then gently brush the diamond with a soft toothbrush. Rinse and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. This will restore its sparkle by removing any film on the surface.
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals: While diamonds themselves won’t be damaged by most chemicals, the metal setting could be. It’s best to remove your diamond jewelry before using bleach, chlorine, or other harsh household cleaners. Also avoid wearing your ring in swimming pools or hot tubs, since chlorine can weaken gold alloys over time.
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Safe Handling: Even though diamonds are extremely hard, they aren’t indestructible. Avoid subjecting your ring to hard blows or rough work. It’s wise to take off your diamond jewelry when doing heavy manual tasks, lifting weights at the gym, or any activity where it could be knocked. This protects not just the stone, but also prevents the ring setting from bending or prongs from loosening.
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Proper Storage: Store your diamond pieces separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box. Diamonds can actually scratch other gemstones and metals due to their hardness. Keeping each piece isolated will prevent your diamond from scratching another jewelry item (or getting scratched by another diamond).
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Professional Check-ups: Just as you take your car for service, take valuable jewelry for periodic check-ups. Jewelers can professionally clean your lab diamond jewelry and inspect the setting for any wear or loose prongs. It’s a good idea to have this done once a year to ensure your gem is secure and sparkling at its best. Many jewelers (RockHer included) offer complimentary cleaning and inspection services for the life of the piece.
By following these care tips, your lab grown diamond will stay as radiant as the day you first put it on. The good news is that with their legendary hardness, diamonds are quite low-maintenance and perfect for daily wear – that’s why they are the top choice for engagement rings and heirloom pieces.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Perfect Diamond
Lab grown diamonds offer a brilliant fusion of beauty and value. They give you all the romance and sparkle of a traditional diamond, with a grading report that states exactly what you own. Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds both have their merits, and the “perfect” choice comes down to your priorities.
If you cherish the idea of a rare, billion-year-old natural gemstone and the storied journey it took from deep within the earth to your ring, a mined diamond may speak to your heart. On the other hand, if you love the notion of a high-tech gem that offers a larger size for your budget, a lab grown diamond is an excellent choice.
RockHer’s Commitment: At RockHer, we’re proud to offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds, and we hold both to the same ROSI™ score and the same gemologist examination before they ship. Our goal is to help you find the diamond that perfectly matches your values and vision. Whether you choose a classic mined gem or a state-of-the-art lab created diamond, you will be getting a stunning stone that honors your commitment in a meaningful way.
We hope this guide has illuminated the facts about lab grown diamonds. Armed with this knowledge, you can shop with confidence and find the diamond that resonates with you. In the end, the best diamond is the one that you connect with, one that you will be thrilled to wear now and forever. Our Lead Gemologist, John Anderson, is at (800) 779-1726 if you would like to talk one through.
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