Lab Grown Diamond Guide: Everything You Need to Know

In This Guide

What is Lab-grown Diamond?

Lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory setting rather than deep within the Earth. Unlike diamond simulants, like cubic zirconia or moissanite, lab-grown diamonds are made of pure carbon and are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds. Two primary methods, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT), replicate the natural conditions that form diamonds. This means a lab-grown diamond will have the same sparkle, brilliance, and hardness as a mined diamond.

Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds

1. Origin

Natural Diamonds:Formed over billions of years in the Earth’s mantle, natural diamonds are mined from deep underground. Because of their beauty and rarity driven by their limited quantity, natural diamonds have been one of the most sought-after gemstones, symbolizing romance and commitment.

Lab-Grown Diamonds: Created in weeks using advanced technology, lab-grown diamonds are formed under controlled conditions that mimic the Earth’s natural processes. Despite their differing origins, lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from natural diamonds in appearance and composition. Lab diamonds also offer excellent value, so you can maximize your budget across the 4 C’s.

2. Price Comparison

Lab-grown diamonds are generally 20% to 50% less expensive than natural diamonds due to their streamlined production and lack of mining costs. This makes them an appealing choice for buyers seeking premium quality at a more affordable price.

Natural diamonds, on the other hand, are rare and mined with significant labor and resources, contributing to their premium price

3. Rarity

Natural diamonds are much rarer than lab-grown diamonds. Because of their limited quantity, natural diamonds have been cherished for their enduring value and passed from generation to generation.

Each of our natural diamonds meet our industry-defining Beyond Conflict Free™ standard and is hand-selected for its premium quality and responsible, transparent origins.

How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?

Lab-grown diamonds are made by recreating the natural process that forms diamonds deep within the Earth—but in a lab and in a fraction of the time. Natural diamonds grow over millions of years under intense heat and pressure, transforming carbon atoms into the dazzling gemstones we all love. Lab-created diamonds do the same thing, but instead of taking eons, they grow in just a few weeks.

The process starts with a tiny piece of diamond, called a diamond seed. This seed is placed inside a special chamber designed to mimic the extreme conditions found in the Earth’s crust. Coated with pure carbon, the seed grows into a diamond through one of two methods: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

The HPHT method mimics the natural way diamonds form in the Earth. The diamond seed is placed in a pressurized chamber, where it’s exposed to incredibly high temperatures (around 1,500°C) and intense pressure (over 1.5 million pounds per square inch). Molten carbon surrounds the seed, and under these extreme conditions, the carbon crystallizes layer by layer into a diamond. HPHT is great for growing larger diamonds and is often used to create fancy-colored diamonds too.

The CVD method starts with the diamond seed placed in a vacuum chamber. The chamber is filled with carbon-rich gases, like methane, which are heated until they break down into plasma. Carbon atoms from the gas stick to the seed, slowly building up into a diamond. CVD offers precise control over the diamond’s growth and is especially popular for creating high-quality, clear diamonds.

Both methods result in diamonds that are just as real and brilliant as those formed naturally, but they’re made in a way that’s faster, more ethical, and easier on the planet.

Should You Buy a Lab-Created Diamond?

As former Helzberg Diamonds CEO Beryl Raff said, “A lab diamond doesn’t say ‘I love you’ any less than a mined diamond.” Choosing between lab-grown and natural diamonds depends on your priorities:

Here’s a closer look at the main factors that impact clarity grading:

Affordability: Lab-grown diamonds let you save money while still enjoying a brilliant, high-quality stone.Larger inclusions, particularly those near the surface, impact both clarity and durability.

Ethics: For those concerned about environmental and social issues, lab-grown diamonds offer a conflict-free alternative.

Resale Value: If long-term investment is a key factor, natural diamonds may hold their value better over time.

Ultimately, both options offer unique benefits. The perfect diamond is the one that best fits your values, budget, and style.

Lab-Grown Diamond FAQs

No, even jewelers typically require specialized tools to distinguish lab-grown diamonds from natural ones. Both types are visually identical to the naked eye.
An eye-clean diamond has inclusions or blemishes that are not visible to the naked eye. This quality provides a visually flawless look without needing the highest clarity grade.
No, lab-grown diamonds are made of the same pure carbon as natural diamonds. They are considered real diamonds, not synthetic imitations.
Natural diamonds generally hold higher resale value, while lab-grown diamonds are more affordable initially but have lower resale potential.
Only with specialized equipment. Gemologists look for specific growth patterns, inclusions, or laser inscriptions unique to lab-grown diamonds.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds have the same brilliance, sparkle, and hardness as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds can have inclusions as natural diamonds, though they may be referenced differently on grading reports (e.g., a “growth remnant”).


Choosing a diamond is a deeply personal decision. Lab-grown diamonds are an excellent choice for those seeking ethical, budget-friendly options without compromising on quality. Natural diamonds, on the other hand, offer timeless value and tradition. Whichever you choose, let your decision reflect your love, values, and style.

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