Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real? A Simple Guide
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are made of the same material as mined diamonds (pure carbon in a diamond crystal structure), with the same hardness, sparkle and fire. The only difference is where they were formed: in a laboratory instead of deep underground.
How lab-grown diamonds are made
Lab-grown diamonds are created with one of two methods. HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) recreates the heat and pressure that form diamonds in the earth. CVD (chemical vapor deposition) grows a diamond layer by layer from carbon. Both produce real diamonds, not imitations.
Lab-grown diamonds vs. simulants
Cubic zirconia and moissanite look like diamonds but are different materials. A lab-grown diamond is a diamond. Under U.S. Federal Trade Commission guidelines, lab-grown diamonds must be clearly disclosed as lab-grown, laboratory-created or laboratory-grown, which is why every lab-grown piece at Jewelexcess is labeled "Lab-Grown" in its name.
How lab-grown diamonds are graded: IGI
Lab-grown diamonds are graded the same way as mined diamonds, on the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. We use IGI (International Gemological Institute), the most widely used independent grading lab for lab-grown diamonds. An IGI report documents a diamond's 4Cs and confirms that it is laboratory-grown.
Why choose lab-grown
- Real diamonds with the same look and durability as mined diamonds
- More carat weight for your budget
- Clearly disclosed origin
Shop lab-grown diamonds
Browse all lab-grown diamond jewelry, or shop rings, earrings, pendants and necklaces and bracelets in 14K gold and sterling silver.