What is a Lab Grown Diamond? A Brief History and Description of Man Made Diamonds

Catalina, Blythe, and Clementine Six Ring Settings

Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and visually the same as a natural diamond. It is impossible to distinguish the difference between the two using a diamond tester or visual inspection. Both natural and lab diamonds are a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and are certainly heirloom quality! Lab grown diamonds are great options for individuals looking to make a more environmentally informed purchase, as well as those looking to save on their ring .

How are lab diamonds made?

Natural diamonds are created through a  geological process while lab diamonds are manufactured through an industrial process. Lab grown diamonds are born from the seed of a natural stone, the seed is a singular diamond crystal about as thick as a strand of hair. This seed is embedded in carbon or placed in a carbon vapor. An immense amount of pressure and heat surrounds the stone and encourages the growth of a diamond. This process replicates the natural process that occurs within the mantle of the earth, the process typically takes anywhere from 1 to 3.5 billion years while a lab grown diamond is formed in as few as two months.

How much do lab grown diamonds cost? Do lab diamonds retain value?

The cost of lab created diamonds is typically 40-60% less than their natural counterpart. This is due the expedited growth process of laboratory stones. Lab grown diamonds retain their value at the same rate of natural stones, the only difference is the lab grown stones begin at a lower price range. The stone will depreciate at a similar rate but since the starting price is lower the amount of value lost will actually be less over time.

Why are lab grown diamonds ethical?

Lab grown diamonds are more sustainable than natural diamonds due to the ability to continuously produce more stones. There is a finite quantity of diamonds available within the earth due to the massive amount of time it takes for a diamond to grow naturally. Lab stones do not require additional mining practices which historically had many intense ecological impacts such as the displacement of migratory animals and chemical leaching into natural water supplies. The laboratory process is more streamlined while providing humanitarian and regulated career opportunities.

Where can you buy a lab grown diamond?

Laura Preshong offers a selection of lab grown diamonds in our easy to use  database that can be placed in any of our settings. Each stone is independently graded by a laboratory which provides a unique gem certification. You can search for the perfect stone, or if you are in need of guidance you can view our in-house collection for curated selection of top quality stones. And of course, if you have any questions or would like assistance, please feel free to contact us!