Learn More About Lab-Grown Diamonds
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds possess chemical, optical, and physical characteristics that mirror those of diamonds mined from the earth. These diamonds offer a more ethical, stunning, and cost-effective alternative compared to their naturally sourced counterparts. By recreating the natural process of diamond formation in a contemporary laboratory setting, we produce brilliant diamonds without the environmental or humanitarian concerns associated with traditional mining. Additionally, these lab-grown diamonds are priced up to 40% lower, making them a compelling choice for conscientious consumers.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
Absolutely! Lab-grown diamonds are, without a doubt, genuine diamonds, sharing indistinguishable characteristics from earth-mined diamonds, except for the price. It's crucial not to confuse them with alternatives like cubic zirconia or moissanite, as lab-grown diamonds consist of 100% pure crystallized carbon. This is akin to making ice in a modern freezer versus obtaining it from a glacier; both are ultimately frozen H2O, regardless of their origin.
The process involves crystallizing carbon to produce stunning rough diamonds, which are subsequently cut, polished, and graded just like their earth-mined counterparts. Lab-created diamonds exhibit identical optical, physical, and chemical properties, boasting the same refractive index, dispersion, and hardness. Moreover, they undergo grading according to rigorous standards set by leading independent gemological institutes such as the IGI, GIA, and GCAL.
Shop our Lab-Grown BellaStar Collection
How Much Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Cost?
On average, lab-grown diamonds are priced 20-40% lower than their equivalent quality earth-mined counterparts. However, as with mined diamonds, prices can vary based on the diamond’s 4Cs – cut, clarity, color, and carat.
The significant difference in price is attributed to our streamlined supply chain. Unlike earth-mined diamonds, which may traverse five countries and pass through 20 hands before reaching the end consumer, lab-grown diamonds undergo a much shorter journey.
As an illustration of this pricing contrast, consider a 1.0ct Round Cut Laboratory Grown Diamond, H/VS1, priced at approximately $1,800, compared to an equivalent mined diamond valued at around $4,800 or more. Opting for Lab-Grown Diamonds allows you to embark on your engagement, cover wedding expenses, and enjoy a honeymoon without starting your life together burdened by debt. It’s a more financially sensible way to begin this important chapter of your life!
Lab-grown VS Diamond Vs MOISSANITE
Lab-Grown
Diamond
Moissanite
Durability gemstones are measured on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, which assesses a gem’s ability to withstand surface scratching.
Lab-grown diamonds also have the same famous Mohs hardness of 10. They're just as durable as natural diamonds, but they're a bit easier on your pocketbook.
Diamonds are the hardest known mineral and receive a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Because of this exceptional score, diamonds are very durable and ideal for daily wear. This contributes to their popularity as center gemstones in engagement rings.
On the Mohs scale, Moissanite gemstones are a 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, so they are suitable for daily wear.
Brilliance Refers to the appearance of light reflected from the interior of the gem.
Brilliance refers to the captivating play of light within lab-created diamonds, creating both white light reflection (brilliance) and a spectrum of colors (dispersion). Surface sparkle, known as scintillation, completes the trio, defining the radiant allure that distinguishes lab-created diamonds.
A different type of brilliance is what makes it possible to distinguish a moissanite from a diamond. Diamonds reflect light in three different ways. the white light reflected back is referred to as brilliance, while the rainbow of colors refracted through the diamond is referred to as dispersion. The surface sparkle of a diamond, known as scintillation, is a third type of diamond light return. the combination of these three gives diamonds their famous sparkle.
Moissanites exhibit a different kind of brilliance than diamonds do, as their faceting pattern is different. the fiery, rainbow flashes emitted by moissanites are beloved by some, but others feel that moissanites heightened brilliance can create a “disco ball” effect, especially in sunlight. The bigger the moissanite, the more likely it is that the difference will be noticeable. Moissanite has a refractive index from 2.65 – 2.69, which is higher than a natural diamond.
Color is the natural color or lack of color visible within a gemstone.
These diamonds are created in a lab setting in traditional white color. They are also more eco-friendly and often more affordable than natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds can indeed have color, just like natural diamonds.
A colorless diamond, whether natural or lab created, has a natural body color that contains no traces of yellow, brown, or grey, resulting in a dazzling, bright white appearance.
While moissanites are labeled as “colorless”, the gems can still project a yellow or grayish hue in certain lights. Here again, the larger the moissanite, the more noticeable the color.
Price
Lab-grown diamonds have surged in popularity recently, offering a more affordable alternative to natural diamonds.
Natural diamonds prices vary based on shape, carat, cut, color, and clarity.
For the same size from the top view, moissanites are dramatically lower in pricing than diamonds of that size. Moissanite gems typically vary in price only based on size and whether the stone is Premium or Super Premium.
Sourcing
Created in controlled environments, lab-grown diamonds offer a sustainable alternative to traditional mining, with identical properties to natural diamonds.
Mined from the Earth's mantle, natural diamonds undergo ethical sourcing practices, ensuring the well-being of communities and ecosystems.
Known for its brilliance, moissanite is either found in trace amounts naturally or synthesized in labs, providing an eco-friendly choice for stunning jewelry.
| Lab-Grown | Diamond | Moissanite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability gemstones are measured on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, which assesses a gem’s ability to withstand surface scratching. | Lab-grown diamonds also have the same famous Mohs hardness of 10. They're just as durable as natural diamonds, but they're a bit easier on your pocketbook. | Diamonds are the hardest known mineral and receive a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Because of this exceptional score, diamonds are very durable and ideal for daily wear. This contributes to their popularity as center gemstones in engagement rings. | On the Mohs scale, Moissanite gemstones are a 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, so they are suitable for daily wear. |
| Brilliance Refers to the appearance of light reflected from the interior of the gem. | Brilliance refers to the captivating play of light within lab-created diamonds, creating both white light reflection (brilliance) and a spectrum of colors (dispersion). Surface sparkle, known as scintillation, completes the trio, defining the radiant allure that distinguishes lab-created diamonds. | A different type of brilliance is what makes it possible to distinguish a moissanite from a diamond. Diamonds reflect light in three different ways. the white light reflected back is referred to as brilliance, while the rainbow of colors refracted through the diamond is referred to as dispersion. The surface sparkle of a diamond, known as scintillation, is a third type of diamond light return. the combination of these three gives diamonds their famous sparkle. | Moissanites exhibit a different kind of brilliance than diamonds do, as their faceting pattern is different. the fiery, rainbow flashes emitted by moissanites are beloved by some, but others feel that moissanites heightened brilliance can create a “disco ball” effect, especially in sunlight. The bigger the moissanite, the more likely it is that the difference will be noticeable. Moissanite has a refractive index from 2.65 – 2.69, which is higher than a natural diamond. |
| Color is the natural color or lack of color visible within a gemstone. | These diamonds are created in a lab setting in traditional white color. They are also more eco-friendly and often more affordable than natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds can indeed have color, just like natural diamonds. | A colorless diamond, whether natural or lab created, has a natural body color that contains no traces of yellow, brown, or grey, resulting in a dazzling, bright white appearance. | While moissanites are labeled as “colorless”, the gems can still project a yellow or grayish hue in certain lights. Here again, the larger the moissanite, the more noticeable the color. |
| Price | Lab-grown diamonds have surged in popularity recently, offering a more affordable alternative to natural diamonds. | Natural diamonds prices vary based on shape, carat, cut, color, and clarity. | For the same size from the top view, moissanites are dramatically lower in pricing than diamonds of that size. Moissanite gems typically vary in price only based on size and whether the stone is Premium or Super Premium. |
| Sourcing | Created in controlled environments, lab-grown diamonds offer a sustainable alternative to traditional mining, with identical properties to natural diamonds. | Mined from the Earth's mantle, natural diamonds undergo ethical sourcing practices, ensuring the well-being of communities and ecosystems. | Known for its brilliance, moissanite is either found in trace amounts naturally or synthesized in labs, providing an eco-friendly choice for stunning jewelry. |
Lab Grown Diamond Care
Regular Care For Lab–Grown Diamonds
A quick daily cleaning of your ring with just warm water and a soft toothbrush can keep your
ring sparkling for day to day wear and help reduce the need for longer soaks.
A special polishing cloth can be used to clean the lab-made diamonds, which are usually used to clean glass objects.
Finally, lab-grown diamonds can also be cleaned by soaking them in a white vinegar solution. Let the diamond stay in the solution for about 15 minutes, gently scrub with a clean, soft toothbrush, and then rinse with water. the final step is to dry the lab-grown diamond with a clean cloth.
Cleaning lab-grown diamonds at home isn’t a permanent substitute for professional cleaning. when not wearing your ring, it's best to make sure that it's protected from anything that could cause damage. We recommend storing your ring in a ring box or the ring slot of a jewelry box, making sure it's not jumbled around with other pieces of jewelry that could scratch the precious metal or knock stones loose. When traveling, a travel case or pouch will help protect the ring if you no longer have the original ring box.
Be conscious of the fact that engagement rings are not indestructible! Even though diamonds are the hardest substance on Earth, the precious metals that form the majority of your ring, are not. Metals can bend or break under pressure, so be aware of how you use your hands while wearing your ring. Consider removing it for any times that there will be large amounts of pressure on your hands or your hands will be submerged or covered in any type of product that may affect the appearance of the ring.
