Lab Grown Diamonds: The Complete Guide to Buying With Confidence
Lab grown diamonds are transforming the way couples and collectors buy fine jewelry. Chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds, lab created diamonds offer the same brilliance at a fraction of the cost — with a smaller environmental footprint. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, upgrading your jewelry collection, or simply curious about the science, this guide covers everything you need to know before you buy.
At AJ’s Jewelry in Ridgewood, Queens, our GIA Diamond Grading Graduate has helped hundreds of NYC couples navigate this decision since 1988. Below, we share the same expert knowledge we give our in-store customers — for free.
Table of Contents
- What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
- How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made? CVD vs HPHT
- Lab Grown vs Mined Diamonds: Key Differences
- Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
- The 4Cs of Lab Grown Diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat
- IGI vs GIA Certification for Lab Diamonds
- Lab Grown Diamond Cost: How Much Can You Save?
- Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings: A Buying Guide
- Care and Durability: Do Lab Diamonds Last Forever?
- Why Buy Lab Grown Diamonds at AJ’s Jewelry
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds — also called lab created diamonds, engineered diamonds, or cultured diamonds — are real diamonds produced in controlled laboratory environments rather than extracted from the earth. They share the exact same crystal structure (pure carbon arranged in an isometric cubic system), hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), refractive index, and thermal conductivity as mined diamonds.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officially recognizes lab grown diamonds as real diamonds. The only difference is origin: one forms over billions of years deep in the earth’s mantle; the other forms in weeks inside advanced machinery. A jeweler cannot tell them apart without specialized detection equipment.
Lab Grown Diamonds by the Numbers (2025–2026)
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Global lab grown diamond market (2025) | $12.8 billion |
| Share of U.S. engagement ring sales | 31% (up from 8% in 2020) |
| Share of 1-carat engagement ring market | 56.8% |
| Projected share by 2030 | 50%+ of all diamond jewelry |
| Annual growth rate (CAGR) | 13–14% |
2. How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made? CVD vs HPHT
There are two primary methods used to create lab grown diamonds. Both produce genuine diamonds — the difference is in the process, not the result.
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
HPHT replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds form deep within the earth. A small diamond seed is placed in a chamber with a carbon source (typically graphite) and exposed to temperatures above 1,400°C and pressures exceeding 5 GPa — roughly 725,000 pounds per square inch. Over days to weeks, carbon atoms dissolve and recrystallize around the seed, forming a rough diamond.
- Best for: Producing colorless and near-colorless diamonds; also used to enhance color in fancy yellow and blue diamonds
- Crystal shape: Cuboctahedral growth pattern
- Common inclusions: Metallic flux inclusions (from the catalyst metals used)
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
CVD grows diamonds from a hydrocarbon gas mixture (usually methane and hydrogen) inside a vacuum chamber. A thin diamond seed is heated to around 800°C, and microwave energy breaks the gas molecules apart, allowing carbon atoms to deposit onto the seed layer by layer. The process takes 2–4 weeks for a gem-quality stone.
- Best for: Producing large, high-clarity stones; most common method for engagement-ring-quality diamonds
- Crystal shape: Flat, tabular growth
- Common inclusions: Dark graphite spots or cloud-like inclusions (non-metallic)
CVD vs HPHT: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CVD | HPHT |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | ~800°C | 1,400°C+ |
| Pressure | Low (vacuum) | Extreme (5+ GPa) |
| Growth time | 2–4 weeks | Days to weeks |
| Typical clarity | VS1–VVS2 common | VS2–SI1 common |
| Color tendency | Near-colorless (may have brown tint pre-treatment) | Near-colorless to fancy yellow |
| Inclusion type | Non-metallic (graphite) | Metallic flux |
| Market share | ~70% of gem-quality production | ~30% |
Bottom line: Neither method is “better” — both produce real diamonds. Most engagement-ring-quality lab diamonds on the market today are CVD-grown, but an expertly cut HPHT diamond is equally beautiful. What matters is the final stone’s cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — not the method used to grow it.
3. Lab Grown vs Mined Diamonds: Key Differences
The lab vs mined diamond debate is one of the most common questions we hear at our Ridgewood showroom. Here is an honest, fact-based comparison.
| Factor | Lab Grown Diamond | Mined Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Pure carbon (C) | Pure carbon (C) |
| Hardness | 10 (Mohs scale) | 10 (Mohs scale) |
| Brilliance & fire | Identical refractive index (2.42) | Identical refractive index (2.42) |
| Certification | IGI, GIA, GCAL | GIA, AGS, IGI |
| Price (1-ct, G, VS2) | ~$800–$1,800 | ~$4,500–$7,500 |
| Resale value | Lower-None (emerging secondary market) | Higher (established resale market) |
| Environmental impact | Lower carbon footprint per carat | Significant land disruption and energy use |
| Supply chain transparency | Full traceability to lab of origin | Varies — Kimberley Process addresses conflict diamonds |
| Time to form | 2–6 weeks | 1–3 billion years |
Our take: Both are real diamonds. The right choice depends on your priorities. If maximizing size and brilliance per dollar is important, lab grown diamonds deliver exceptional value. If long-term resale value or the romance of a billion-year-old stone matters more, a mined diamond may be the better fit. Our GIA-trained team can walk you through both options side by side.
4. Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds in every measurable way. They are not cubic zirconia, moissanite, or crystal — those are diamond simulants with different chemical compositions. A lab grown diamond is a genuine diamond with the same atomic structure, hardness, thermal conductivity, and optical properties as any diamond pulled from the earth.
Key facts:
- The FTC removed the word “natural” from its definition of “diamond” in 2018, recognizing that lab grown diamonds meet the definition
- GIA also grades Lab Grown Diamonds too - however, starting in 2026, they will use a more simplified grading system instead of grading them on all 4C's
- Lab grown diamonds test as “diamond” on standard thermal testers
- Only advanced spectroscopic equipment can distinguish lab from mined — and even then, it identifies growth method, not quality
5. The 4Cs of Lab Grown Diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat
Lab grown diamonds are graded using the exact same 4C system as mined diamonds. Here is what to prioritize when shopping.
Cut — The Most Important C
Cut determines how much light a diamond returns to your eye. It is the single biggest factor in how brilliant and fiery a diamond appears. Always prioritize Excellent or Ideal cut grades — a well-cut 0.9-carat diamond will outshine a poorly cut 1.2-carat stone every time.
Color — Don't Be Afraid to Ask for the Best
Lab diamonds are graded on the same D (colorless) to Z (light yellow) scale. While you can get lab grown diamonds in the G-I range, we usually advise our client's to go for D-F. That color range is considered almost standard for lab grown diamonds, with a minimal price difference.
Clarity — Eye-Clean Matters More Than the Grade
Clarity grades range from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). For lab grown diamonds, VS1–VS2 offers the best balance — inclusions are invisible without 10x magnification. Many SI1 lab diamonds are also eye-clean, especially in smaller stones and round brilliant cuts where the facet pattern hides small inclusions effectively.
Carat — Where Lab Grown Shines
Because lab grown diamonds cost 60–85% less than mined diamonds of equivalent quality, you can afford a significantly larger stone. A couple budgeting $5,000 for a mined diamond might get a 0.8-carat G VS2. The same budget buys a 1.5–2.0-carat lab grown diamond of equal or better quality.
The 4Cs Priority Ranking for Lab Grown Diamonds
- Cut — Never compromise. Excellent/Ideal only.
- Carat — Take advantage of the lab grown price advantage.
- Color — G-H minimum, but don't shy away from asking for D-F
- Clarity — VS1/VS2 minimum, but VVS is widely asked for, with a minimal difference in price.
6. IGI vs GIA Certification for Lab Diamonds
Two grading laboratories dominate the lab grown diamond market: IGI (International Gemological Institute) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America).
| Factor | IGI | GIA |
|---|---|---|
| Market share (lab grown) | ~75–80% of lab diamonds | Growing — began full grading in 2020 |
| Grading consistency | Good — occasionally 1 grade lenient on color/clarity vs GIA | Considered the gold standard for consistency |
| Report detail | Full 4C report with plot diagram | Full 4C report with plot diagram (starting in 2026, a more simplified report will be provided that does not highlight the 4C's) |
| Cost to retailer | Lower grading fees | Higher grading fees (ultimately reflected in stone price) |
| Consumer trust | Well-recognized, especially online | Highest brand recognition among consumers |
Our recommendation: Both are reputable. If you want the most conservative, consistent grading, look for a GIA report. If you are buying online and want a well-documented lab diamond at a competitive price, IGI-certified stones are an excellent choice. At AJ’s Jewelry, our GIA Diamond Grading Graduate reviews every stone regardless of which lab issued the report.
7. Lab Grown Diamond Cost: How Much Can You Save?
Lab grown diamonds typically cost 60–85% less than mined diamonds of equivalent quality. Here is what that looks like in real dollars.
Price Comparison: Lab Grown vs Mined (2025–2026 Market Prices)
| Stone Specs | Lab Grown Price | Mined Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.75 ct, G, VS2, Excellent cut | $500–$900 | $2,800–$4,000 | ~75% |
| 1.00 ct, G, VS2, Excellent cut | $800–$1,800 | $4,500–$7,500 | ~75% |
| 1.50 ct, G, VS2, Excellent cut | $1,200–$2,800 | $8,000–$14,000 | ~80% |
| 2.00 ct, G, VS2, Excellent cut | $1,800–$4,000 | $15,000–$28,000 | ~85% |
The average U.S. engagement ring costs $5,800. With lab grown diamonds, that same budget can deliver a dramatically larger, higher-quality center stone — or allow a couple to invest the savings in the wedding, honeymoon, or a first home.
Do Lab Grown Diamonds Hold Their Value?
Transparency matters here. Lab grown diamonds currently have a limited to no resale market compared to mined diamonds. As production scales up and prices continue to decline, a lab diamond purchased today may be available for less in the future. That said, mined diamonds also lose 30–50% of their retail value the moment you walk out of the store. If you are buying a diamond to wear and enjoy — not as a financial investment — lab grown diamonds offer unmatched value.
8. Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings: A Buying Guide
Lab grown diamond engagement rings now account for 31% of U.S. engagement ring sales, and that number is climbing fast — among 1-carat rings, lab grown holds a 56.8% market share.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy a Lab Grown Engagement Ring
- Set your budget. A good rule of thumb: spend what feels comfortable, not what marketing tells you. Lab grown diamonds give you more flexibility.
- Choose the shape. Round brilliant is the most popular and shows the most sparkle. Oval, cushion, and emerald cuts are trending in 2025–2026.
- Prioritize cut quality. Excellent or Ideal cut only. This is non-negotiable for maximum brilliance.
- Select your carat weight. Take advantage of lab grown pricing to go bigger and cleaner than you thought possible.
- Pick color and clarity. D-F color and at least a VS2 clarity deliver the best bang for your buck.
- Verify certification. Insist on an IGI or GIA grading report. No report = do not buy.
- Choose your setting. Custom settings let you create something truly unique. AJ’s offers in-house custom design with our ring builder tool.
- Buy from a trusted jeweler. A GIA-trained expert can evaluate any stone in person — something online-only retailers cannot offer.
Popular Lab Grown Engagement Ring Styles (2025–2026)
- Solitaire — Timeless, lets the diamond speak for itself
- Halo — A ring of smaller diamonds adds perceived size and sparkle
- Three-stone — Represents past, present, and future
- Two-stone (toi et moi) — Trending; two stones representing two people
- Oval solitaire — The fastest-growing shape preference in 2025
At AJ’s Jewelry, engagement rings start at $69 (sterling silver CZ) with certified lab grown diamond rings in the $500–$6,622+ range. Browse our collection or visit us in Ridgewood for a complimentary consultation.
9. Care and Durability: Do Lab Diamonds Last Forever?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are forever — literally. They score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the highest possible rating. They will not cloud, fade, or degrade over time. A lab diamond purchased today will look identical in 100 years.
Care Tips for Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry
- Clean regularly: Warm water and mild dish soap. Soak for 20–30 minutes, gently scrub, rinse, and pat dry.
- Professional cleaning: Bring it to a jeweler for ultrasonic cleaning every 6–12 months. AJ’s offers complimentary cleaning for our customers.
- Check prongs annually: Loose prongs are the #1 cause of lost diamonds. Our jewelry restoration and general jewelry repair is quick and affordable.
- Store separately: Diamonds can scratch other jewelry. Keep diamond pieces in individual soft pouches or compartments.
- Remove during heavy work: While diamonds are nearly indestructible, settings and bands can bend or warp under heavy impact.
10. Why Buy Lab Grown Diamonds at AJ’s Jewelry
Not all diamond shopping experiences are equal. Here is what sets AJ’s Jewelry apart for lab grown diamond buyers in Queens, Brooklyn, and greater NYC:
- GIA Diamond Grading Graduate on-site — Your stone is evaluated by a credentialed expert, not just a salesperson. We verify every grading report.
- 38+ years in Ridgewood — We have served this community since 1988. Our reputation is built on trust, not transactions.
- Custom design capability — Do not settle for generic. Our in-house design team and online ring builder let you create the exact ring you envision. For more complex designs, feel free to stop in for a complimentary consultation or contact us.
- Side-by-side comparisons — See lab grown and mined diamonds together in person. No pressure, just education.
- Full-service jeweler — Sizing, prong retipping, engraving, and lifetime repair — all under one roof.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee on all service and repair work.
- Transparent pricing — We show you exactly what you are paying for. No hidden fees, no high-pressure tactics.
Ready to see lab grown diamonds in person? Visit AJ’s Jewelry at 57-44 Myrtle Ave, Ridgewood, Queens, NY 11385 or call (718) 628-4499 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds have the same chemical composition (pure carbon), crystal structure, hardness, and optical properties as mined diamonds. The FTC and GIA both recognize them as real diamonds. The only difference is that they are created in a laboratory rather than extracted from the earth.
Do lab grown diamonds sparkle less than natural diamonds?
No. Sparkle (brilliance and fire) is determined by cut quality, not origin. A well-cut lab grown diamond will sparkle identically to a well-cut mined diamond of the same grade. Always prioritize an Excellent or Ideal cut grade for maximum sparkle.
How long do lab grown diamonds last?
Lab grown diamonds last forever. They are a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale and will not cloud, fade, scratch, or degrade over time. They are as durable as any mined diamond.
Are lab grown diamonds worth it?
For most buyers, yes. Lab grown diamonds offer the same beauty and durability as mined diamonds at 60–85% lower cost. They are an especially strong value for engagement rings, where the savings can fund a larger center stone or be redirected to other life priorities.
Do lab grown diamonds hold value?
Lab grown diamonds currently have a limited to no resale market, and prices have been declining as production scales. However, mined diamonds also lose 30–50% of retail value upon resale. If you are buying to wear and enjoy rather than as a financial asset, lab grown diamonds offer exceptional value.
Can a jeweler tell the difference between lab and mined?
Not with the naked eye or standard tools. Lab grown and mined diamonds are visually identical. Only advanced spectroscopic equipment (like those used by GIA and IGI labs) can detect growth-method differences. All reputable lab diamonds come with a grading report clearly identifying them as laboratory-grown.
What is the average cost of a 1-carat lab grown diamond engagement ring?
A 1-carat lab grown diamond in the G color, VS2 clarity, Excellent cut range typically costs $800–$1,800 for the loose stone. With a quality setting, expect a total ring price of $1,500–$3,500 — compared to $6,000–$10,000+ for an equivalent mined diamond ring.
Should I choose CVD or HPHT?
Both methods produce genuine, high-quality diamonds. CVD diamonds dominate the engagement ring market (~70% market share) and tend to achieve higher clarity grades. HPHT diamonds can be excellent values, especially in near-colorless grades. Focus on the 4Cs and certification rather than production method.