Lab-grown diamond rings have grown in the last three years in popularity for an affordable choice for brides looking for a larger look without the larger hit to their pocketbook. As their popularity has increased, so has the jewelry selection available.
If you are looking for fun fashion jewelry (see LIGHTBOX) available in a range of diamond colors, think bold blues and pretty pinks. Or, if you are looking for a center stone to your dream engagement ring (see LOOSE LAB DIAMONDS), lab-grown diamonds have arrived on the scene.
So What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
They are essentially technological advancements. This new technology has allowed humans to recreate the same physical, chemical, and optical properties that earth mined diamonds went through billions of years underground to achieve.
These diamonds are created in a lab using two different processes: HPHT or CVD.
HPHT (high-pressure, high temperature) this process essentially subjects carbon to extreme temperatures to replicate the pressure conditions natural diamonds face inside the earth.
Learn More About the Science Behind HPHT: HERE
CVD (chemical vapor deposition) this process allows diamonds to grow from a hydrocarbon gas mixture subjected to pressure in a vacuum chamber. Learn More About the Science Behind CVD: HERE
While we call diamonds that come from the earth “natural diamonds or earth mined diamonds,” Lab-grown diamonds born from CVD or HPHT share the same scientific definition. “The scientific definition of a real diamond is pure carbon crystallized in the isometric system. Both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds are diamonds.” (AGS, July 2021) Both Lab-Grown and Earth Mined diamonds have the same hardness of 10, the same dispersion of 0.044, and the same refractive index of 2.42.
According to industry laboratory, G.I.A. (Gemological Institute of America), these diamonds can go by many different names, “lab-grown, lab-created, lab-made and even engineered diamonds. These names suggest synthetic diamonds are created in a laboratory or factory rather than mined from the earth.
Some synthetic diamond laboratories use advanced technology to mimic the conditions that natural diamonds undergo when they form beneath the earth’s crust. This origin story is the main factor that sets synthetic diamonds apart from natural ones since synthetic diamonds have essentially the same chemical, optical and physical properties and crystal structure as natural diamonds.” (GIA.Edu July 2021) 
A CVD (left), HPHT (middle) and natural diamond crystal (right). The CVD diamond is edged in carbon from the growth process. (GIA.Edu)
One question we get often, Is a lab-grown diamond just a CZ (cubic zirconia)?
No! As stated above, the man-made diamond is just that, a high-quality diamond – made of carbon atoms in a cubic crystal structure. Cubic zirconia IS NOT A DIAMOND! A CZ is just a diamond simulant that “looks” similar to a diamond, but in fact, they contain ZERO CARBON! CZ’s can fade, scratch, and even change color over time. It makes them a poor choice for fine jewelry but a fun choice for cute inexpensive vacation jewelry!
Could You Recognize A Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring?
Lab-Grown diamonds and earth mined diamonds look the same to the naked eye, and they require a professional to determine their origin.
Trained professionals with specialized equipment can determine the minor differences in trace elements. At SVS Fine Jewelry, we are proud to offer diamond testing using the Sherlock Holmes CVD & HPHT Lab Grown Diamond Detector. Our trained gemologists use this state of art equipment paired with their extensive knowledge of diamonds, chemistry, and optical properties to make conclusive determinations on a diamond's origin.
Can Lab Diamonds Have Grading Reports?
Yes, they can! Major gemological laboratories are offering reports. For example, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), AGS (American Gem Society), and IGI (International Gemological Institute) all offer reports.
GIA offers a laboratory-grown Diamond Report, and GIA laser inscribes the diamond's girdle with the report number and the statement that identities it as a lab-created diamond. This report will look different than the earth-mined reports GIA offers.
Learn More About GIA Laboratory Diamond Reports: HERE
AGS offers a Laboratory Grown Diamond Grading Report. The report uses “LG” for lab-grown before the color and clarity grade to distinguish natural diamond grades. Also, the Laboratory-Grown inscription is required.
Learn More About AGS Laboratory Diamond Reports: HERE
IGI offers Laboratory Grown Diamond reports. Their reports differ in color from the standard natural diamond report. The lab-grown reports are yellow, and the lab diamond much is laser inscribed with the words “lab-grown” and the report number.
Learn More About IGI Laboratory Diamond Reports: HERE
Which diamond is right for you?
Well, we believe that this is a conversation best saved for you and your partner. As Master IJO Jewelers, we are here to help you make the right decision for you and your family when choosing a diamond. We are happy to help educate you further on the differences in pricing and show you both diamonds to help make your decision.
Schedule a virtual or in-person lab and/or earth mined diamond viewing appointment: HERE
Great Resources For You to Learn More About Lab Diamonds from Industry Laboratories: