Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Lab Grown Diamonds

Diamonds have long been a symbol of luxury, elegance, and true love. But for much of history, getting your hands on one has required a big bank account, hunting down rare treasures, or and dealing with questionable paper trails. Today, however, advancements in technology have brought us lab-grown diamonds, a popular and ethical alternative to natural diamonds. But what makes the best lab grown diamonds stand out from this growing crowd and how can you find the perfect lab grown diamond for your jewelry needs? Let us serve as your guide to everything you need to know about lab diamonds, from their creation process to their benefits, and how to choose the best ones for your collection.

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Understanding Lab-Grown Diamonds

Let's start with mined diamonds, or natural diamonds, which are formed under high pressure and temperatures deep within the Earth's crust and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. They are then mined by both human hands and major machinery, which has a lot of impact on our natural resources. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are made using advanced technological processes that replicate the natural formation of diamonds.

Lab diamonds are formed from carbon atoms attached to a diamond seed under high pressure and temperature conditions, only in a highly controlled scientific environment instead. There are a couple of different methods used to grow diamonds in a lab: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods produce diamonds with the same chemical properties as natural diamonds. They are physically and optically identical. So, same brilliance, same beauty, less ethical concern, more sustainability. Sometimes you might hear terms like synthetic or cultured diamonds, but as the market becomes more accustomed to the technology, lab-grown or lab-created diamonds are the terms to know.

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What Makes the Best Lab-Grown Diamonds?

When searching for the best lab-grown diamonds, several factors come into play. The Four Cs—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight—are as important for lab-grown diamonds as they are for natural ones. Additionally, consider the diamond's origin, the certification it comes with, and the reputation of the producer.

1. Cut: The cut of a diamond has the most impact on its brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut lab-grown diamond will reflect light beautifully, creating that signature sparkle you're looking for. Prioritizing cut grade and diamond proportions will ensure you have a beautiful stone.

2. Color: The best lab-created diamonds are colorless or near-colorless, though they can be created in any color you desire! The GIA grades diamond color from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Aim for diamonds in the D to F range for a truly white, clear appearance.

3. Clarity: Clarity refers to the diamond's lack of inclusions or blemishes. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the higher the clarity grade. We often recommend looking for an eye-clean diamond, meaning that no matter what grade it is, inclusions are not noticeable to the naked eye without magnification. This can help save money while still providing a beautiful stone.

4. Carat Weight: Carat weight measures the physical weight of the diamond, not its size. This is where cut is important because you can have a large diamond that isn't cut well, and end up with a big dull rock on your hand. Instead, look for a well-cut diamond at a size you can afford.

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What to Look for in Lab-Grown Diamonds

When shopping for lab-grown diamonds, here are some additional factors to keep in mind beyond the 4Cs:

1. Certification: While many trusted labs historically did not grade lab created diamonds, they do now. Look to see if your lab grown diamond comes with a certification from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). This gives you a detailed report on the diamond's quality and authenticity.

2. Reputation of the Producer: If you can, research the diamond producer's reputation and ensure they adhere to ethical and environmental standards. Trusted producers are transparent about their processes and have positive reviews from customers. Our team can help you identify everything you need to know.

3. Type IIa Diamonds: Type IIa diamonds are the purest form of diamonds, with no nitrogen or boron impurities. They are rare and highly sought after for their exceptional clarity and brilliance. Many lab grown diamonds are Type IIa, making them a superior choice for those seeking the best quality.

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Shopping for Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry

Sure, you can buy loose lab-grown diamonds, or set them in engagement rings, but you can also purchase them in wedding jewelry, pendant necklaces, diamond studs, wedding bands, and other jewelry too! Lab-grown diamonds can be used in all the same styles as mined diamonds, and offer all the same diamond cuts, shapes, sizes, and colors. Here are some popular ways to incorporate these stunning gems into your collection:

Engagement Rings

Lab-grown diamonds are a fantastic choice for engagement rings, which are often a major budget breaker for folks. A lab diamond offers the same brilliance and durability as a natural diamond but at a more affordable price. Whether you prefer a classic solitaire, a vintage-inspired halo, or a modern tension setting, lab-grown diamonds can be crafted into any design. Lab-grown diamonds sparkle from across the room as your center stone, but you can also find gorgeous lab-grown diamond pave settings, or accent stones that feature lab diamonds in countless shapes and styles.

Wedding Bands

You can also buy lab-grown diamonds set into beautiful men's wedding bands, women's wedding bands, and fashion rings. These high-quality diamonds offer the same beauty and sparkle, and they work for gorgeous diamond bands. The diamond industry is producing diamonds in every size to fit all kinds of designs from chunky diamond eternity bands to tiny pave rings to on-trend styles and diamond shapes. Our collection of lab-grown diamond rings is precision-crafted and set with perfectly cut diamonds to mark your special moment with timeless elegance.

Earrings

From elegant diamond studs to glamorous hoops and drop earrings, lab-grown diamonds add a touch of sophistication to any style. Their sparkle and clarity make them a perfect choice for everyday wear or special occasions. The only difference between lab diamonds and mined diamonds here is the price tag. A pair of lab grown diamond stud earrings might be half the price of a comparable pair of mined diamond studs, with the same diamond quality and appearance.

Necklaces

A lab grown diamond pendant or necklace is a timeless addition to any jewelry collection. Whether you opt for a simple solitaire pendant or a more elaborate design like a tennis necklace, a lab created diamond necklace will catch the light beautifully and complement any outfit. Want a drop-dead diamond choker? We've got that too.

Bracelets

You can't go wrong with a diamond bracelet, they're just a stunning way to accessorize any look and they go well with both black tie and your favorite denim. Their flexibility is made even better when set with lab grown diamonds, offering intense sparkle and beauty at a more affordable price than natural diamonds. Choose from a wide variety of diamond shapes, total carat weights, and metal colors to suit your style.

Lab grown diamonds make the perfect jewelry accessories.

The Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds

Choosing lab-grown diamonds for your jewelry can be a more ethical, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective option compared to natural diamonds. The mining process for natural diamonds can be pretty rough on the Earth, including deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat destruction. In contrast, the controlled environments where lab-grown diamonds are produced have a smaller environmental footprint. They still use a lot of energy to produce, but it's low in comparison to the water and carbon footprint of natural diamonds.

Additionally, many natural diamonds come from conflict zones, where they can fund violence and exploitation. If you're concerned about purchasing a conflict-free diamond, a lab-grown diamond is for you.

And one of the most significant advantages of lab-grown diamonds is their cost-effectiveness. Lab-grown diamonds are produced super efficiently and at a lower overall cost than natural diamonds. This means you can get a larger, higher-quality diamond for the same price as a smaller, lower-quality natural diamond.

Choose a more ethical option and save money with Lab Grown Diamonds.

Exploring Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry

Lab-grown diamonds offer a brilliant, ethical, and cost-effective alternative to natural diamonds. By understanding what makes the best lab-grown diamonds, considering the Four Cs, and paying attention to certification and reputation, you can find the perfect diamond to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for an engagement ring, earrings, necklace, or bracelet, lab-grown diamonds provide endless possibilities for stunning, sustainable jewelry. Embrace the future of fine jewelry with lab-grown diamonds and enjoy the beauty, sparkle, and peace of mind they bring.