What are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Quality & Integrity

 Lab diamonds are visually, chemically, and physically identical to mined diamonds.

Environment

No mining required!  Lab diamonds are sustainably and ethically grown with little impact on the environment.

Value

Lab diamonds are more affordable than mined diamonds, which means budget stretching value.

How are Lab Diamonds Grown?

Lab grown diamonds begin life as tiny carbon seeds.  Cutting edge technology replicates the conditions present in the earth’s mantle.  Matter is rained down over the diamond seeds under extreme pressure and heat, as the diamond gradually grows.  Though this process takes one to three billion years in the earth’s core, lab diamonds are grown in approximately 28 days.

This process results in real diamonds, which are chemically, physically and optically identical to a mined diamond.

 

It is impossible for even the most experienced jeweler or appraiser to distinguish between a lab and mined diamond (believe us, we’ve tried).  The only way to tell the difference is using extremely rare, specialized equipment which analyzes trace elements and the crystal growth pattern.  All lab diamonds over .30ct should be accompanied by a certificate from a reputable gemological laboratory, stating its origin as lab gown, and its characteristics (cut, colour, clarity etc.).

Once the raw diamond crystal has fully formed, it is cut and polished, just like a mined diamond.  Lab diamonds form in all coloirs and clarities, which is why selecting a high-quality, certified lab diamond is equally important as for a mined diamond.

Lab Diamonds vs Cubic, Moissanite & Other Simulates

There are SO many diamond lookalikes out there- from Cubic Zirconia, to Moissanite to stones toting a ‘carbon layer’, usually accompanied by a gimmicky marketing name.  These are not diamonds.  They are not the same chemically or physically, and most importantly, they do not look or perform like a diamond.

Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to natural, mined diamonds. 

 

The only difference is the process in which they were created. Lab diamonds are also known as: cultivated diamonds, synthetic diamonds, man-made diamonds, artisan diamonds, above ground diamonds or engineered diamonds.  Though this can undoubtedly be confusing, it’s important to distinguish that lab diamonds are real diamonds, and simulates are not.

Lab diamonds offer excellent value.  Your budget can go up to 30% farther with a lab diamond vs a mined diamond.