Lab Grown Diamond FAQs

A lab grown diamond is a real diamond. It is chemically, physically and optically identical to a mined diamond. The only difference is where it was formed. Learn more on our How Lab Diamonds Are Made page.

Yes. Lab diamonds are pure carbon with the same crystal structure, hardness, brilliance and fire as mined diamonds.

No. Fake diamonds are simulants such as cubic zirconia or glass. A lab diamond is an actual diamond, created in a controlled environment instead of underground.

They are grown using one of two methods: HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). Both recreate the conditions that form diamonds in nature. Read CVD vs HPHT diamonds for the full comparison.

A thin diamond seed is placed in a growth chamber. Carbon is added layer by layer under carefully controlled heat and pressure until the crystal reaches gem size. It is then cut, polished and graded like any other diamond.

Usually about 6 to 12 weeks to reach gem quality, depending on the size and method.

Natural diamonds form when carbon crystallizes deep inside the Earth under extreme heat and pressure over millions or billions of years. Lab diamonds recreate that same process in weeks.

Buyers get the same beauty and durability as a mined diamond, with clear origin and a much lower price, which often means a larger or higher quality stone for the same budget.

Not by eye or with a regular jeweler's loupe. Only specialized laboratory equipment can identify a diamond's origin. See our full comparison of lab diamonds vs mined diamonds.

Not without advanced testing equipment. A certified lab diamond is also laser inscribed and comes with a grading report that states its origin. More in Can a Jeweler Tell If a Diamond Is Lab Created?

Yes. Standard diamond testers identify lab diamonds as diamonds, because they are diamonds.

Yes. Sparkle comes from cut quality, not origin. A well cut lab diamond sparkles exactly like a well cut mined diamond.

A lab diamond is pure carbon and a real diamond. Moissanite is silicon carbide, a different gemstone with its own look and stronger rainbow flashes. Compare them on our Lab Diamonds vs Moissanite page.

Cubic zirconia is a diamond simulant. It is much softer, scratches and clouds over time, and has different optical properties. A lab diamond is a real diamond that lasts for generations.

The main one is resale value, which is lower than for mined diamonds. Lab diamonds also do not carry the natural rarity some buyers look for. In beauty, hardness and everyday wear, there is no difference.

Yes. Labs such as IGI and GIA grade them on cut, color, clarity and carat. Our guide to the 4 Cs of diamonds explains each one.

Yes. Our lab grown diamonds are IGI certified, so every stone comes with a grading report. See Certified Diamonds for details.

Both are respected grading laboratories. IGI is the most widely used lab for lab grown diamonds and provides detailed reports and laser inscriptions. What matters most is that your diamond comes with a report from a recognized lab.

Most certified lab diamonds have a microscopic laser inscription on the girdle that matches the report number, so the stone can always be identified.

Yes. Like natural diamonds, they can have inclusions and are clarity graded on the same scale.

Yes. Lab diamonds can be completely colorless, in the D to F color range.

Yes. Lab diamonds can be grown or treated to produce colors such as pink, yellow and blue. Browse our colored diamond jewelry.

It can occur during growth. If present, it is listed on the grading report.

Yes. Round, oval, cushion, emerald, radiant, pear, princess and more, from small accent stones to large center diamonds. See our 3 carat and 4 carat rings.

It has a soft, vintage look and covers more of the finger, so it can appear larger than a square cushion of the same weight.

Lab diamonds typically cost a fraction of the price of a mined diamond of the same size and quality. See our lab diamond price per carat guide for current ranges.

The savings come from a shorter, more efficient supply chain, not lower quality. More in Why are lab diamonds cheaper?

No. Quality depends on cut, color, clarity and carat, not on whether the diamond was grown or mined.

Cut, color, clarity, carat weight, shape, the metal and setting, and certification all affect the final price.

It depends on shape, cut, color, clarity and setting. You can see current prices in our 3 carat diamond rings collection, or read our 3 carat lab grown diamond ring buying guide.

A mined 3 carat diamond of similar quality usually costs many times more than a lab grown one, often well into five or six figures.

It is a statement size but very wearable with the right setting. Oval and radiant shapes also look larger than their carat weight. See the best shapes for 3 carat rings.

Resale value is lower than for mined diamonds, so a lab diamond is best bought to wear and enjoy rather than as an investment. More in Do lab grown diamonds have value?

For most buyers, yes. You get a real diamond with the same beauty and durability for far less, which leaves room for a larger stone, a better setting or a matching band.

Yes. They can be insured and appraised just like mined diamonds. See our insured jewelry protection page.

Yes. They are just as hard and brilliant as mined diamonds and made for daily wear. Explore our lab grown diamond engagement rings.

Yes. Lab diamonds are one of the fastest growing choices for engagement rings, especially for couples who want a larger stone.

Browse our lab grown diamond wedding rings and bands to pair with your engagement ring.

Eternity bands, three stone rings and diamond rings are the classic choices.

Anniversary rings are popular at the 1st, 10th, 25th and 50th anniversaries. Eternity rings are most often given at the 10th or 25th.

Yes. Lab diamond rings can be set, resized and repaired exactly like mined diamond rings.

Yes. We create custom lab diamond designs with timelines of about 2 to 6 weeks. Start on our Custom Design page or browse custom cut diamonds.

You get a one of a kind design in the exact shape, size and metal you want, at a price that is far more accessible than a mined diamond.

Yes, when you buy certified diamonds from a jeweler with clear return, warranty and support policies.

Online jewelers usually offer better pricing, more selection, full certification details and more ways to customize.

Yes, shipping is included on eligible orders. See Free Shipping.

See our Returns and Refunds page and our Satisfaction Guarantee.

Yes. Every piece is covered by our Lifetime Warranty and Lifetime Support.

Yes. Studs are worn often and lab diamonds give you more size and sparkle for the price. Shop our lab grown diamond earrings.

They look identical and are just as durable, at a much lower price.

Yes. They share the same structure and sparkle. Browse our lab grown diamond necklaces.

A pendant works for everyday wear and formal occasions, and can be customized by shape, size and metal.

A bracelet set with real lab grown diamonds, such as a tennis bracelet or bangle, at a lower price than mined. See our lab grown diamond bracelets.

Yes. Lab diamonds are as durable as mined diamonds and will last for generations.

No. A lab diamond keeps its brilliance permanently. If it looks cloudy, it is a film of skin oil or lotion that comes off with a simple clean.

Soak it in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse and dry with a lint free cloth. Avoid bleach, toothpaste and harsh chemicals.

The diamond is. Be careful with pave settings, plated pieces, softer gemstones or any loose prongs, and follow the care guidance for your metal and setting.

Diamonds are secured in metal with prongs, a bezel or a channel. Prongs show the most of the stone, while bezels offer the most protection.