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What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond created in a laboratory using advanced technological processes. It has the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and optical properties as a natural diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are graded by independent gemological laboratories and are used in engagement rings and fine jewelry.

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Lab-grown diamonds are recognized by major gemological laboratories, including the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI).

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Shop our collection of lab-grown diamonds

How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Made

Lab-grown diamonds are created using processes that replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form. The two primary methods are:

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  • Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): A carbon-rich gas is activated in a controlled chamber, allowing carbon atoms to bond and form a diamond crystal over time.

  • High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): Carbon is subjected to extreme pressure and temperature conditions similar to those found deep within the earth, resulting in diamond crystal growth.

 

Both methods produce diamonds with the same atomic structure as natural diamonds.

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Learn more about HPHT and CVD lab-grown diamonds.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?

They are composed of pure carbon arranged in a cubic crystal structure, which gives diamonds their characteristic hardness, brilliance, and durability. Because of this, lab-grown diamonds perform identically to natural diamonds in jewelry and daily wear.

The difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds lies in origin, not composition or performance.

How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Graded

Lab-grown diamonds are graded by independent gemological laboratories using the same criteria applied to natural diamonds. These criteria are commonly known as the 4Cs:

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  • Carat weight – the diamond’s physical weight

  • Color – the presence or absence of body color

  • Clarity – internal characteristics and surface features

  • Cut – how well the diamond is proportioned and finished

 

Reputable laboratories such as GIA and IGI issue grading reports that disclose the diamond’s laboratory-grown origin.

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Shop our collection of GIA and IGI certified lab-grown diamonds.

Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds

Lab-grown and natural diamonds are physically and optically identical. Both types of diamonds:

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  • Are composed of carbon

  • Rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale

  • Exhibit the same brilliance, fire, and scintillation

  • Can be set into engagement rings and fine jewelry

 

The primary difference is how they are formed. Natural diamonds develop over long geological time periods, while lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments over weeks or months.

Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Cost Less

Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 95-99% less than natural diamonds. This price difference is primarily due to differences in supply structure rather than differences in quality.

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Laboratory production allows for greater consistency and scalability, reducing all of the costs associated with mining, transportation, and long-term inventory storage. As a result, lab-grown diamonds offer access to much larger sizes and higher grades at substantially lower price points.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Suitable for Engagement Rings?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are widely used in engagement rings and fine jewelry.

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Because they share the same durability and appearance as natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are suitable for everyday wear and long-term use. They can be set into any style of ring or custom jewelry design.

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Create your dream lab-grown diamond engagement ring.

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Buying Lab-Grown Diamonds Online

When purchasing lab-grown diamonds online, buyers should look for:

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  • Independent certification from recognized laboratories such as GIA or IGI

  • Clear disclosure of laboratory-grown origin

  • Transparent pricing

  • Detailed specifications that allow objective comparison

 

Retailers such as Icestore specialize in certified loose lab-grown diamonds intended for fine jewelry and engagement rings, offering buyers the ability to compare diamonds based on measurable quality rather than marketing claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do lab-grown diamonds sparkle the same as natural diamonds?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds have the same brilliance, fire, and scintillation as natural diamonds when cut to the same standards.

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Are lab-grown diamonds the same as cubic zirconia or moissanite?
No. Cubic zirconia and moissanite are diamond simulants with different chemical compositions. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.

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Do lab-grown diamonds test as diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds test as diamonds using standard diamond testing equipment.

 

Are lab-grown diamonds durable enough for daily wear?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the same as natural diamonds, making them suitable for everyday jewelry such as engagement rings.

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Are lab-grown diamonds graded by GIA or IGI?
Yes. Both GIA and IGI issue grading reports for lab-grown diamonds, clearly identifying their laboratory-grown origin.

 

Can lab-grown diamonds be insured?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds can be insured in the same way as natural diamonds when accompanied by a grading report.

Summary

Lab-grown diamonds are real, certified diamonds created using advanced laboratory processes. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds and are graded by the same gemological laboratories. Lab-grown diamonds are widely used in engagement rings and fine jewelry and offer an alternative option based on origin rather than performance.

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