What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds, also referred to as lab created diamonds, man made diamonds, engineered diamonds, cultured diamonds and synthetic diamonds are carbon diamonds that have been grown in a laboratory, much like flowers grown in a greenhouse. And just like their mined counterparts, they are brilliant.
Lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to naturally mined diamonds, however, they are made in a lab. Lab made or lab grown diamonds are environmentally superior because they are not mined like diamonds found in the Earth’s crust. They are made with crystallized carbon in a lab to have identical compositions both physically and chemically, meaning they are in every way equal to a mined diamond beside their origin.
No longer are mined diamonds the only choice for diamond engagement rings and diamond jewelry. Modern technology allows us to create diamonds with the same chemical properties in a lab so they are not just beautiful, but are also better for the environment, workers and you.
Are Lab Created Diamonds Real?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are real! Lab diamonds, also called synthetic diamonds, are as real as diamonds pulled from the earth. Lab diamonds are identical to mined diamonds in every way, except that they are created in a lab using advanced technology rather than mined from the earth. They even have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as mined diamonds and exhibit the same fire, scintillation and sparkle, making them the same in every way.
Lab Diamonds vs. Mined Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as mined diamonds. The only difference between the two is their origin. Lab diamonds are created in a lab using advanced cutting-edge technology that recreates the natural growing process of crystallizing carbon which naturally happens over millions of years beneath the Earth’s crust.
Due to this process, lab grown diamonds exhibit the same fire, brilliance and scintillation as mined diamonds (depending on their 4Cs grading). Learn more about the differences between lab diamonds vs. naturally mined diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Diamond Simulants
The difference between real lab created diamonds and diamond simulants is chemical composition. Man made diamonds are made almost entirely of carbon, just as mined diamonds, while diamond simulants differ in composition. There are many different simulants in the market today, all of which vary in physical and optical characteristics. Two of the best diamond simulant options are the Nexus Diamond™ alternative and moissanite.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Made of Carbon
Lab diamonds are chemically identical to earth mined diamonds.
Visually Stunning
The same sparkle and optical properties including graded flaws and a range of color and clarity.
Certified
Graded the same as mined diamonds by the International Gemological Institute (IGI).
Cuts Glass
As hard as mined diamonds at a 10 on the Mohs scale.
Heirloom
Lasts a lifetime and beyond to be handed down for years to come.
Eco-friendly & Ethical
Free of human rights violations and better for the environment because they are not mined.
Diamond Simulants
Certified
Certified by Forever Companies using a stringent code of ethics.
Guaranteed
Purchase with ease knowing our diamond simulants are guaranteed for life.
Affordable
Diamond simulants cost up to 90% less for the same look.
Durable
Nearly as hard as a diamond and will cut glass.
Brilliant
Eye-catching with superior fire and light dispersion
Eco-friendly & Ethical
Free of human rights violations and better for the environment because they are not mined.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lab Grown Diamonds
Still curious about the differences between lab created diamonds and mined diamonds? We’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions about lab diamonds.
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
Lab created diamonds are grown in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology that replicates the conditions under which diamonds naturally develop beneath the Earth’s crust. These lab grown diamonds consist almost entirely of carbon atoms and are arranged in a diamond crystal structure. This means our lab diamonds are physically and optically identical to naturally mined diamonds.
How Are Lab Created Diamonds Certified and Graded?
Lab diamonds traditionally receive grading reports from independent gemological organizations on the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The problem is, there is no consistent grading scale from retailer to retailer, which makes it difficult to get a true sense of quality.
That’s why we developed our own stringent standard for accurately evaluating diamond cut. This includes closely reviewing all features in a more comprehensive manner compared to other retailers—guaranteeing a truly accurate cut grade for every single diamond. In order to earn a cut grade, every attribute of the diamond must meet our quality standards. And because our system is far more robust than other retailers, you can have peace of mind knowing exactly what you’re getting.
How Much Do Lab Grown Diamonds Cost?
While the price of a lab diamond depends on many factors, like where you buy it from, carat weight and its quality rating, the cost of a 1 carat lab created diamond is around $1,000-$1,500 per carat. This is a significant price decrease from mined diamonds which average around $6,000-10,000 per carat.
Where’s the Best Place to Buy Lab Grown Diamonds?
Diamond Nexus offers lab grown diamonds that will always be F/G color, VVS/VS clarity and Excellent/Ideal cut. These diamonds are hand curated to be both aesthetically beautiful and a great value. Diamond Nexus offers transparent pricing and easy shopping for your engagement rings or fine jewelry. If you’d like to self select your lab grown diamond from thousands of stones at varying grades, shop our sister company 12FIFTEEN Diamonds. Use the ring builder to craft your dream engagement ring today.