The time has come! You are engagement ring shopping and the question arises, “Would you like an earth-mined diamond or a lab-grown diamond?” You might be thinking what is the difference between an earth-mined diamond and a lab-grown diamond? Are lab-grown diamonds “fake” stones? Will I be able to tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond and an earth-mined diamond? Our immediate answers are no and no! But we understand it all feels a little overwhelming right now, don’t fear! We are here to break down all of their differences — how they’re made, how they are grown, and more. We think you can’t go wrong with either, but we hope that this guide will help you understand our love and appreciation for allll the diamonds.
WHAT IS A LAB-GROWN DIAMOND? WHAT IS AN EARTH-MINED DIAMOND?
Both are diamonds with the same carbon arrangement and molecular composition, but the process in forming the diamonds is where the difference lies. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory. For most sizes this process takes about one month. Earth-mined diamonds are formed naturally in the earth over millions of years.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EARTH-MINED AND LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS?
Price! Earth-mined diamonds are more rare and the price reflects that. If your budget and dream ring aren’t quite lining up, a lab-grown diamond can be a great way to bridge the gap.
ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS CONSIDERED "REAL" DIAMONDS?
Absolutely! And Consider is not alone in recognizing their beauty. Emma Watson, Reese Witherspoon, Meghan Markle, Drake, and Kacey Musgraves have all been spotted on the red carpet donning lab-grown diamonds.
HOW ARE THE DIAMONDS GROWN IN THE LAB?
Mimicking Mother Nature's process, the lab starts with a thin slab of diamond and uses carbon and a plasma reactor that emits over 10,000 degrees of heat. Voila! With this high pressure and high-temperature technique the molecules begin to grow. A unique and rough diamond emerges that is anatomically identical to an Earth-mined diamond.
ARE THERE ANY DRAWBACKS TO LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS?
Due to being relatively new to the market, lab-grown diamonds' long-term financial value is hard to predict. If you are buying an engagement ring that you plan to love and wear for forever, this might not be a big consideration for you.
HOW ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS EVALUATED?
Like any other diamond! Optically they are exactly the same - both graded on the same Four C’s scale: Clarity, cut, color, and carat. In short, unless someone asks you: “Is that a lab-grown or Earth-mined diamond?” the difference is indistinguishable. ;)
WHAT SHAPES OF LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS DO YOU OFFER?
Almost any shape you can dream up. Custom cut, marquise, pear, round, emerald, oval - the sparkly options are endless.
ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS AVAILABLE IN ALL COLORS?
Currently, lab-grown diamonds are grown in the white color scale. Our most popular color offerings are D to J, but we are happy to offer any color of your choosing. When it comes to clarity, we are typically working with SI (slightly included) and better.
How will your diamond tell your love story? We guarantee that no matter what you choose, your beautiful stone will be curated and handcrafted into an heirloom-worthy piece to be enjoyed and worn for a lifetime and beyond.
If you have any other questions about lab-grown vs. Earth-mined diamonds DM us on Instagram. We love hearing from you.
Source: GIA linked here