Complete Guide to Lab-Grown Diamonds 2026
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It is likely that you hear about lab grown diamond more often now but perhaps still have some questions.
Is it really a diamond? Is it similar to cubic zirconia? Why is it less expensive than a natural diamond?
These are very frequent questions and I am here to provide you with the answers.
After you read this guide you will learn everything about lab grown diamonds, their production process, comparison with natural diamonds, 4C evaluation and buying tips.
You can consider this guide to be your guide for beginners to lab grown diamonds. And let's start with the most frequent question.
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond that is cultivated in a laboratory, not mined from the earth. The difference between the two is the place where the diamond is produced, not the diamond itself.
Both a lab grown diamond and a natural one consist of carbon atoms and have the same structure. They have the same hardness (10/10 Mohs), chemical characteristics, as well as brilliance and fire.
Lab grown diamonds can be rated by the same 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
A lab grown diamond is neither cubic zirconia nor moissanite. These are different materials often used as a diamond alternative.
In simple words, a lab grown diamond is a natural diamond crystal produced in a lab environment.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
Two processes exist for growing diamonds in laboratories, which are HPHT and CVD. Both methods are aimed at growing true diamond crystals with the only distinction of the process of growing a diamond.
Method 1: HPHT – High Pressure and High Temperature
This method simulates the conditions that are similar to those in the depths of the earth: extremely high pressure and temperature of about 2,700°F are applied to a tiny diamond seed that is surrounded with carbon.
Carbon atoms crystallize and grow a diamond in layers surrounding the seed.
This process was known since the 1950s, but thanks to modern technology it became possible to grow high-quality gem diamonds more efficiently.
Method 2: CVD – Chemical Vapor Deposition
This method consists of growing diamonds in an enclosed chamber with help of gases containing high amount of carbon, specifically methane and hydrogen. The chamber is heated up to 1,400-1,600°F causing dissociation of the gas and deposition of carbon atoms on a diamond seed.
This method is widely used for growing gem-quality lab-grown diamonds.
Which Method Is Superior?
Neither HPHT nor CVD is superior by default. Both processes are capable of creating genuine, high-quality diamonds.
The certificate from GIA or IGI will reveal which process has been used, so a reputable seller should always disclose whether the diamond has been created via HPHT or CVD.
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
This is among the most critical questions for a first-time buyer: What makes lab-grown and natural diamonds different from each other?
What Is the Same?
Chemical composition: Carbon
Crystal structure: Diamond structure
Hardness: 10 Mohs hardness scale rating
Light reflection: They both behave the same when it comes to light interaction; they create diamond fire.
4Cs: They both can be graded based on the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight).
Appearance: You cannot distinguish one from the other with your bare eye.
What's Different?
Origin: Natural diamonds have developed deep within the earth over millions of years. Lab-created diamonds have been made in laboratories within a relatively short amount of time.
Price: Lab-created diamonds tend to be significantly less costly than their natural counterparts. This is dependent on the stone and the market.
Environmental impact: Lab-created diamonds are not mined, though energy is required in making them.
Rarity: Natural diamonds are inherently rare, while lab-created diamonds can be created under controlled conditions.
Resale value: Natural diamonds have a more established resale market, but neither lab-created or natural diamonds should automatically be considered an investment.
Lab-created diamonds have the same essential properties of the natural diamond – its composition, durability, and appearance. The differences between the two diamond types lie in origin, rarity, creation process, and cost, and which one is best for you is based on your personal preference.
Understanding the 4Cs for Lab-Grown Diamonds
Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat are the most important aspects for evaluating a diamond and it applies to lab grown as well as naturally formed diamonds.
Cut : The Most Important Aspect
It determines how well the stone will reflect light and sparkle. A well cut diamond will appear more sparkly compared to one with poor cut even if it is bigger.
Best Approach: Focus on cut first before considering carat size.
If the diamond is round then Excellent or Very Good Cut is best. In case of a fancy shape like oval, pear or cushion shape then you have to consider proportions and videos.
Color : Whiteness of the Diamond
Diamond color grades range from D to Z. D-Z denotes increasing amount of yellow and brown tone in a diamond.
D-F: Colorless and premium
G-H: Near-colorless and excellent value
I-J: Slightly warm and perfect match for yellow or rose gold
G-H is the best value for money for many people.
Clarity : The Cleanliness of the Diamond
Clarity is about the diamond’s internal flaws as well as surface imperfections.
FL-IF: Extremely rare diamonds with extremely high prices
VVS: High clarity with minor inclusions
VS1-VS2: High value diamonds which are often eye-clean
SI1: May be eye-clean in some cases
SI2: Likely to have some visible inclusions
Good option would be to choose VS2 or eye-clean SI1 instead of spending money on flawless clarity which you won’t be able to notice anyway.
Weight vs. Size
Carat is the measurement of a diamond's weight rather than size. Diamonds that weigh equally can have different visual sizes based on their cut and shape.
For instance, oval diamonds might be visually bigger compared to round diamonds with the same carat weight.
Carat weight should not be the only criterion for choosing a diamond. A diamond with great cutting, color, and clarity will definitely look prettier than a heavier stone.
Simple Criteria for Lab-Grown Diamonds
As a good starting point for the majority of lab-grown diamond buyers, one can consider the following criteria:
Excellent cut + G-H color + VS2-SI1 clarity + appropriate carat weight.
Such a set of parameters can provide you with a great sparkle without paying for features that you would never notice.
How to Purchase a Lab-Grown Diamond: A Step by Step Guide
The process of buying a lab grown diamond becomes a lot easier if you know what to look for.
Step 1: Set Your Budget
Determine your budget for purchasing the entire piece of jewelry.
Step 2: Select a Diamond Shape
Select a diamond shape according to your preferences. The round diamond is traditional while the oval, cushion, pear, and emerald cuts have their own unique shapes and may offer bigger diamonds on lower budgets.
Step 3: Focus on the Diamond Cut
The cut plays an important role in terms of the diamond's brightness and shine. If you are buying a round diamond, ensure to get it with Excellent or Very Good cut.
Step 4: Choose the Color
The type of metal may influence your color selection:
White gold or platinum: G–H is a commonly selected color range.
Yellow or rose gold: H–I can represent an excellent bargain.
You will normally not be required to spend more on D–F color diamonds unless very high color is of extreme importance for you.
Step 5: Choose Eye-Clean Clarity
VS2 is a good place to start, and SI1 can provide you with a good value when the individual diamond is eye-clean.
Remember always to see the actual diamond rather than the grading certificate only.
Step 6: Ensure the Certification
If there is a GIA or IGI certification included with the diamond, check out its authenticity by visiting the grading laboratory website using the certification number before buying the stone.
Step 7: Select a Reputable Retailer
Be sure to select a retailer with transparent pricing, certification information, diamond videos, a clear return policy, secure shipping, and honest customer reviews.
Step 8: View the Diamond Video
When looking at a major purchase of lab grown diamonds, consider viewing a video of the diamond itself, where possible. This 360-degree video will allow you to assess the diamond’s shine and clarity better than photos alone.
Buying Guide Checklist
Budget → Shape → Cut → Color → Clarity → Certification → Retailer → Video
Taking these steps will allow you to get a stunning lab diamond without paying for unnecessary features.
Certification Comparison: IGI vs. GIA
Both IGI and GIA are reputable independent diamond certification laboratories. Either of them can be used to provide third-party verification of a lab-grown diamond.
IGI
IGI or International Gemological Institute is often used to grade lab-grown diamonds. The certificate contains detailed information about 4Cs and laboratory-grown nature of the diamond.
GIA
GIA or Gemological Institute of America is one of the most trusted names in diamond certification. GIA also issues documentation for laboratory-grown diamonds.
Which One is Better?
In most cases, both IGI and GIA can be considered credible. However, reports issued by IGI are especially popular in the lab-grown diamonds industry.
Get Independent Grading Documented
For any serious purchase of lab-grown diamond, make sure to get the independent grading document and check the report number at the issuer's website.
Basic advice: Never trust the seller's word alone. Verify the diamond using the grading document.
The Most Common Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Purchases
Engagement Rings : Engagement rings are now available in larger sizes because of lab-grown diamonds, as people no longer need to pay the same price for natural diamonds.
Wedding Bands : Lab-grown diamonds enable brides and grooms to have eternity, pavé, and channel-set wedding bands, which make their bands sparkly.
Stud Earrings : This style is one of the most versatile jewelry choices for any type of everyday wear.
Pendant Necklaces : Lab-grown diamonds are also used in simple solitaire pendant necklaces that never go out of fashion.
Fashion Rings and Tennis Bracelets : Lab-grown diamonds are used in making fashionable jewelry such as cocktail rings and tennis bracelets.
Take away message: You have many stylish options when buying lab-grown diamond jewelry.
Typical Buying Mistakes Related to Lab-Grown Diamonds
Despite being laboratory-grown, some typical mistakes may result in the purchase of the wrong diamond.
Opting for carat over cut : Large diamonds with low-quality cuts will have a mediocre look. Pay more attention to the cut quality than to the carat weight.
Neglecting the certificate : Ask for an official certificate issued by a reliable grading laboratory to check out the information about the quality of the stone.
Skipping the video of the stone : Pictures do not provide the whole picture. While purchasing online, make sure that there is a video of the stone.
Confusing lab-grown diamonds with simulants : Lab-grown diamonds are actually diamonds, but not cubic zirconia and moissanite.
Selecting the cheapest diamond : The cheapest product may turn out to be less valuable than others despite having the same properties.
Failing to cross-check the report : In case the diamond is certified by the IGI or GIA laboratory, make sure to compare its information with the report of the grading laboratory.
Rule of thumb : Do not select based on price and carat weight only. Consider the 4Cs, certification, actual stone, and retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond manufactured in a laboratory setting using sophisticated technology to mimic the formation process of natural diamonds.
Q2: Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are true diamonds.
Q3: How much cheaper are lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are usually 50–70% cheaper compared to their natural equivalents.
Q4: Will anyone be able to tell my diamond is lab-grown?
No, people usually cannot identify a lab-grown diamond from a natural one just by its appearance.
Q5: Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value?
Lab-grown diamonds do not usually retain their value like natural diamonds and tend to depreciate in resale price.
Everything You Need to Begin Your Lab Grown Diamonds Quest
You started your quest with questions. Now you have all you need to shop confidently.
Lab grown diamonds are diamonds just like any other, sharing the same basic chemical makeup, crystalline structure, hardness, and shine as natural diamonds. What sets them apart is their origins, how they were made, and cost.
It is important to get certified. Make sure you have an independently verified diamond certificate before making a big purchase.
Consider the 4Cs: Pay attention to the cut for sparkles, select the appropriate color according to your jewelry design, seek out eye-clean clarity and pick the right carat size.
Lab grown diamonds give you a bigger leeway in terms of budget, giving you access to more engagement rings, wedding bands, stud earrings, pendants and tennis bracelets.
You know everything you need to now, so let the fun begin!
Browse through our selection of lab-grown diamonds available in various items including engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, and necklaces. Each of the diamonds is guaranteed with IGI or GIA certification with designs that come in solid gold and platinum.
