Diamonds are forever, but does that mean they have to be mined from the earth? Nope! Enter lab-grown diamonds—the more ethically made, environmentally friendly, and (bonus!) more affordable alternative to natural (aka mined) diamonds. Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring or just want to level up your jewelry game, lab-grown diamonds are here to change the industry for the better.
First things first: Are they real diamonds? Absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural, mined diamonds. So, why do we use exclusively lab-grown diamonds? And to that, we say: why would we choose the more expensive, less ethical, and less eco-conscious option? Our mission of crafting jewelry #ForYourTomorrows starts with taking care of the planet we all inhabit.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Spoiler alert: They’re 100% real diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural (aka mined) diamonds — they have the same sparkle, durability, and structure. The main difference? Instead of being sourced from deep within the Earth, they’re created in a high-tech lab.
And to set the record straight…no, lab-grown diamonds are not the same as cubic zirconia or moissanite, which are popular diamond lookalikes. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
Science is cool, and so is the process of creating lab-grown diamonds! There are two main methods:
1. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This process mimics how diamonds form in the Earth’s mantle—applying intense pressure and heat to transform carbon into a diamond.
2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): This method builds diamonds layer by layer using a plasma reactor. It's kind of like 3D printing, but for diamonds.
Source: GIA
Either way, the result is the same: a diamond so real that even gemologists need special equipment to tell it apart from a mined one.
Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
Let’s break it down:
Any differences in appearance between a lab-grown and natural diamond can only be spotted with specialized tests using high-tech equipment. Anyone who tells you they can spot the difference with their naked eye is simply wrong!
Who Should Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Honestly? Anyone who wants a stunning, responsibly sourced, fairly priced diamond. But they’re especially great for:
1. Eco-conscious shoppers who want to avoid the environmental impact of a mined diamond
2. Budget-savvy buyers who want a larger or higher-quality diamond for less (more sparkle for your buck!)
3. Ethically-minded shoppers who want to avoid any risk of their diamond not being conflict-free or responsibly sourced
4. Couples looking for custom engagement rings without restrictions on diamond sourcing
How to Buy a Lab-Grown Diamond
Shopping for a lab-grown diamond is just like shopping for a natural one. Keep an eye on the 4Cs:
1. Cut: Determines how much your diamond sparkles (go for excellent or ideal cut)
2. Color: The less color, the higher the grade (D-F is top-tier)
3. Clarity: Fewer inclusions/blemishes = clearer diamond (typically most desirable)
4. Carat: The weight of your diamond, which determines the pricing
Aside from the 4C’s, leave it to our GIA-certified diamond experts to source the perfect stone for your ring! No more sifting through pages upon pages of loose diamonds. We do all the hard work for you so there’s no need to become a diamond expert (plus, who has the time?). To learn more about buying a lab-grown diamond ring, check out our Ultimate Engagement Ring Buying Guide. Then, once you’re ready to shop, you can browse our collection of lab-grown diamond engagement rings.
Shop Lab-Grown Engagement Rings
Have a special request? Can’t find the exact ring you’re looking for on our site? We also offer custom and bespoke rings! Our designers will work with you to bring every detail of your vision to life, from stone shape and setting style to band width and accent stones. Get started on a custom ring design here!
Caring for Your Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry
The good news? Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable as natural ones (hello, 10/10 on the Mohs hardness scale!). The bad news? They still get dirty.
Our number one recommendation to clean your ring is to gently wipe it down with a microfiber jewelry polishing cloth. If it’s still dirty, you can gently clean it with warm water and soap. Read our post with full instructions on How to Clean Your Engagement or Wedding Ring.
If none of these methods are doing the trick, you can take your ring to a local jeweler to have it cleaned, or send it back to us so we can professionally repolish and clean it in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner (just send us an email at help@hiholden.com). It will come back sparkling clean!
The Future of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are more than a trend—they’re the future of fine jewelry. The demand for sustainable and ethical jewelry is skyrocketing, and advances in technology are making them even more environmentally friendly, with new innovations reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
At Holden, we’re committed to responsibly sourced materials, sustainable craftsmanship, and carbon neutrality because your tomorrows begin with our planet’s tomorrows. So for us, lab-grown diamonds are the obvious choice.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Are the Future — Are You On Board?
Lab-grown diamonds offer identical beauty and a friendlier price tag without the potential ethical compromise. Whether you're looking for an engagement ring, wedding band, or fine jewelry, lab-grown diamonds are the clear winner.
Ready to make the switch? Browse our lab-grown diamond rings today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes! They have the same chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds.
2. Do lab-grown diamonds lose their sparkle over time?
No, lab-grown diamonds retain their brilliance forever, just like mined diamonds.
3. Can you tell the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds?
No, even jewelers need specialized equipment to distinguish them.
Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.
