What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds have been making waves in the jewelry world, and for good reason. They offer the visual beauty and physical characteristics as natural diamonds, but come with their own unique story. Still, there’s often confusion around what exactly they are, how they’re made, and how they compare to their earth-mined counterparts.
In this article, we’ll discuss exactly what lab-grown diamonds are, how they’re created, and what to consider when deciding whether they’re the right choice for your next piece of fine jewelry.
What Exactly Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
A lab-grown diamond is chemically, physically, and optically identical to their natural counterparts. The only difference with them is that they’re made in a lab rather, than formed underground in the earth for over millions of years.
It cannot be understated that they are not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They’re actual diamonds with the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), the same refractive index, and the same brilliance.
Lab-grown diamonds are certified by the same gemological institutes that grade natural diamonds, like the GIA. They’re assessed on the exact same criteria: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
To the naked eye, even most jewelers with a keen eye can’t always tell the difference without equipment. A typical que that gives away a lab-grown stone is in the inscription on the girdle; most stones have an inscription which notes that the diamond is lab-grown, both for transparency and traceability.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
There are two main methods used to create lab-grown diamonds: HPHT and CVD. Both work by growing a small sliver of diamond (known as a diamond seed) into a larger crystal by replicating the conditions under which natural diamonds form deep within the Earth.
- HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) mimics the natural environment of a diamond’s formation. A small diamond seed is subjected to extreme pressure and heat, encouraging carbon atoms to crystallize around it.
- CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) starts with a diamond seed placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. The gas is heated until carbon begins to deposit on the seed, layer by layer, growing the diamond over time.
Both methods produce high-quality diamonds, and the choice between them generally comes down to the preferences of the grower and the equipment available. In either case, the final product is a diamond that can be cut, polished, and graded just like one from the earth.
Why Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond?
With lab-grown diamonds being virtually identical to mined diamonds, one may ask the question is: why choose a lab-grown diamond? The most obvious reason is value. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 30–50% less than mined diamonds of the same quality. That means you can often opt for a higher carat weight or better cut within the same budget.
For couples shopping for an engagement ring, this can open up creative possibilities—whether it’s choosing a larger center stone, investing in a custom setting, or allocating more budget to other wedding expenses.
Some buyers also appreciate the traceable origin and lower environmental footprint that comes with lab creation. While mined diamonds have improved their sourcing practices, lab-grown diamonds offer a controlled, transparent, and more ethical alternative that appeals to many modern shoppers.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Hold Their Value?
This is where lab-grown and natural diamonds differ the most.
Natural diamonds (especially those with higher grades in the 4Cs) can retain their value well over time, and in some cases, even appreciate. Since they are mined from the earth, they’re inherently valuable and rare. Paired with long-standing demand for something intrinsically valuable, and an established resale market, natural diamonds have a level of staying power that lab-grown diamonds simply don’t have.
This all being said, lab-grown diamonds do not hold their value in the same way. Because they can be produced in large quantities and continue to become more accessible, their resale value is typically much lower. Most jewelers won’t buy back lab-grown stones, and resale platforms often offer a small fraction of the original price.
So while lab-grown diamonds offer excellent visual quality and value up front, they shouldn’t be viewed as long-term investments. If lasting value and future resale are important to you, a natural diamond may be the better option.
Who Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Best For?
Lab-grown diamonds are a great option for anyone who wants a visually stunning, diamond without the higher price tag of a natural stone. They’re especially popular among couples looking for modern engagement rings, custom designs, or larger stones within a specific budget.
They’re also ideal for those who care about transparency and want to know exactly where their diamond came from.
If you’re looking for the brilliance and beauty of a diamond, a lab-grown stone can be the perfect fit—as long as you go in with a clear understanding of their benefits and limitations.
Ready to find the diamond that’s right for you? As Chicago’s preferred custom jewelers, we’ve been helping clients through the diamond selection process for over 35 years.
Whether you’re considering a lab-grown diamond, a natural one, or simply exploring your options for your next jewelry piece, our team is here to help you make a confident, well-informed decision.
Visit Takohl or get in touch with our team—we’ll walk you through the options, answer your questions, and help you create something truly meaningful.