Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab-Grown diamonds (also called Lab Created Daiamonds or Man Made Diamonds) are “grown” inside a lab using cutting-edge technology that replicates the earth's natural diamond growing process. The result is a man-made diamond that has the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of an earth-mined diamond. Lab-Grown Diamonds are chemically and physically identical to Natural Earth-Mined Diamonds, and are just as hard. Diamonds that are found in nature take billions of years to form, while Lab-Grown Diamonds can be formed in just a few weeks.

Lab-Grown Diamonds usually cost about 30% less than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality and they are available in in all the same shapes including Round, Princess, Cushion, Radiant, Asscher, Emerald, Oval, Cushion, Pear, Marquise, and Trillion.

Lab-Grown Diamonds, Cultured Diamonds & Lab-Created Diamonds

Lab-Grown Diamonds sometimes are also referred to as Cultured Diamonds or Lab-Created Diamonds. Regardless of the term used, you’re likely getting a diamond that’s been grown in a lab. Lab-Grown Diamonds are made by two different processes - High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). These processes create an environment of extremely high pressure and temperature conducive to diamond growth. Typically, Lab-Grown Diamonds start with a tiny seed of carbon. The seeds are placed in a chamber called a plasma reactor (in the case of CVD synthesis) or a large mechanical press (if manufactured by HPHT). Then, depending on the technology used, some combination of heat, pressure and gasses are used to make the crystals grow, layer by layer.

Once the raw diamond is grown, expert diamond cutters must cut, facet and polish the stone before it can be graded. The diamond grading process is roughly the same as the one used for earth-mined diamonds. Each one is graded independently by gemologists at the lab. The individual grades are compiled and analyzed to determine the final grade.

The most popular diamond certification labs are: 

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
International Gemological Institute (IGI)

In addition to white, Lab-Grown Diamonds can also be grown in different colors. This is achieved by making changes in the gas mix added to the CVD and these treatments are usually applied at the end of the synthesis process.

How to Tell if a Diamond is Natural or Lab-Grown

It is nearly impossible for a consumer to tell the difference between Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds. In fact, even some jewelers can’t tell the difference without advanced testing. Specialized testing utilizing high caliber equipment is needed to identified how pure is the carbon that makes up the diamond. A radiation test done by Gemological Labs can measure and record specific patterns of light absorbance across the visible and ultraviolet regions of the spectrum of light. Both HP/HT and CVD diamonds show specific patterns. Fluorescent colors and patterns can also indicate the difference between Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds.

Because Lab-Grown Diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from Natural Diamonds, some buyers might be concerned that they will be sold a Lab-Grown Diamond that is labeled as a Natural Diamond, but this is almost never the case. Lab-Grown Diamonds are responsibly disclosed as such, and some even feature laser inscriptions on the diamond’s girdle (the outermost edge of the Diamond), that label them as Lab-Grown. Most Diamonds from reputable jewelers are evaluated by the International Gemological Institute (IGI) or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and other independent gemological laboratories, and include a report to confirm whether they are Natural or Lab-Grown.

Choosing the perfect Diamond for you or your loved one is very personal. Due to significant technological advances in the last few decades, today buyers can find Lab-Grown Diamonds that rival their natural counterparts at a lower price point. When deciding whether you should buy an Earth-Mined Diamond or a Lab-Grown Diamond, consider your own needs and preferences.

We never compromise on quality. We believe in giving the best value to our customers. From our pool of wholesale resources, we sell straight to you, so that you get maximum savings and value of every dollar spent. The Diamonds bought from our site give you significant savings with prices up to 35% less than full retail.

If you would like to customize any of our models, we can help you change the Stone Color, as well as choose either Lab-Grown Diamonds or Natural Diamonds. With over 60 years of experience, our Master Jewelers can bring your dreams to reality.

Please Call us at 1.800.861.5144 or Email us at customdesigns@agapediamonds.com

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