Lab-Grown
Diamonds

Exclusive Diamond Technology

Lab-Grown Diamonds

In recent years, laboratory-grown diamonds have become more common, more advanced, and harder to detect. At Dianna Rae, our diamond experts are here to help you learn about the characteristics that determine a diamond’s quality. You’ll discover what each characteristic means, how to look at them individually, and how they work together to determine the diamond’s value. Whether you’re choosing a natural or lab-grown diamond for the one you love or for yourself, you should leave knowing that you made the best decision. Learn more about lab-grown diamonds below.

What’s different about the Dianna Rae Diamond Experience? Learn about our unique technological approach, then schedule a free design appointment to get started on your search for the perfect diamond.

LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS
VS. MOISSANITE

Moissanite is the name given to a naturally occurring and lab-grown mineral made up of silicon carbide. Its occurrence in nature is extremely rare. Because of its rarity, moissanite is lab-grown with minimal environmental impact. Moissanite and other diamond simulants, like cubic zirconia or white sapphire, look similar to diamonds but have major distinctions between the two. Simulated diamonds are not the same as lab-grown diamonds. Diamond simulants do not have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties and therefore are not true carbon crystals. Although both materials are produced in a laboratory, lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.

LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS
VS. NATURAL DIAMONDS

Often, there’s no difference to the naked eye between natural and laboratory-grown diamonds. You need special equipment and advanced gemological knowledge before making an authoritative determination if a diamond is natural or synthetic. The inclusions seen in laboratory-grown diamonds are different than those found in natural diamonds. For example, metallic inclusions may provide a clue that the diamond is lab-grown.

Sources: American Gem Society® and Gemological Institute of America®

Lab-Grown FAQ's

Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are created in a laboratory, either using high pressure and heat to synthesize carbon into a diamond by mimicking the Earth’s natural processes, or laboratory-grown diamonds can also be manufactured using hydrocarbon gas in a process known as chemical vapor deposition. Lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical composition, crystal structure, optical and physical properties of diamonds found in nature. They are just as hard, and they are available in a range of colors and qualities. Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds undergo the same rigorous grading process using the Four Cs.

Sources: American Gem Society® and Gemological Institute of America®

Having an understanding of the Four Cs is important as a buyer, but don’t just stop there! The connection between a diamond’s grading report and its value is answered in how the diamond appears to the naked eye. Comparing diamonds in person will help you make an informed decision so that you’re choosing qualities that are most important to you and to your budget.

With current technology, lab-grown diamonds do offer excellent value and are more affordable than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality. At Dianna Rae Jewelry, lab-grown diamonds average 50 percent less when compared to their natural diamond equivalent.

Laboratory-grown diamonds are created in a factory setting using fossil fuels to produce high levels of electricity to synthesize carbon into diamond, using high heat and high temperatures. The Jewelers Vigilance Council, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group, has called upon laboratory-grown diamond producers to substantiate “eco friendly” claims, but no evidence has been produced.

According to the Diamond Producers Association, the natural diamond industry supports jobs for more than ten million people across the globe and contributes billions of dollars each year to local economies, investing in public healthcare, education, roads, electricity, sanitation, and other public goods. These efforts have virtually eradicated conflict diamonds, ensuring that 99.8 percent of all diamonds on the market come from conflict-free sources.

The laboratory-grown diamond industry currently has limited regulation and oversight, where natural diamonds are often traced from mine-to-market with processes such as blockchain, the Kimberly Process, and assurances including the WDC System of Warranties, or audit programs from RJC.

Source: American Gem Society®