Lab Diamonds 101: Modern Sparkle with Meaning
At Elaine B Jewelry, we believe in creating meaningful designs that reflect not only your personal style but also your values. When it comes to choosing the right stone, especially for an engagement ring or a custom design, there are more options than ever before. One of the most exciting and evolving choices? Lab-grown diamonds.
We thought it’d be fun to answer all of your questions on what lab diamonds are, how they’re made, and why so many of our clients are choosing them for their jewelry designs.
xo Elaine
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
To those who have never heard of lab diamonds, we often get asked if they’re “actually real” diamonds. Yes! Lab-grown diamonds are very much real diamonds. They’re chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds - the only difference is how they’re formed. While natural diamonds take billions of years to develop deep within the Earth, lab diamonds are created in controlled environments using advanced technology that mimics natural processes.
There are two main methods of growing diamonds in a lab:
1. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): The HPHT method mimics the Earth’s natural diamond-forming environment. A small diamond seed is placed into carbon and exposed to extremely high pressure (around 1.5 million pounds per square inch) and temperatures over 2,000°F - conditions similar to those found deep in the Earth’s mantle. This intense environment causes the carbon to melt and crystallize around the seed, forming a new diamond. HPHT is often used to grow larger diamonds and to improve the color of some lab-grown stones.
2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): CVD is a more modern and energy-efficient method. In this process, a thin slice of diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber and exposed to a carbon-rich gas (like methane). The chamber is heated to around 1,500°F, which causes the gas to break down and release carbon atoms. These atoms slowly accumulate on the seed, building up the diamond layer by layer. CVD-grown diamonds typically start as high-quality and can be fine-tuned for exceptional clarity and color.
Both methods result in stunning, certified diamonds that are indistinguishable from mined ones - even to trained gemologists.
Lab Diamond Engagement Rings by Elaine B Jewelry.
Ethically Considered, Beautifully Crafted
As part of our materials and ethos, we’re deeply committed to responsible sourcing and transparency. That’s why we offer lab-grown diamonds as an alternative to traditional mined stones. Lab diamonds are a more affordable and often more sustainable option that align with many of our clients’ values around reducing environmental impact and avoiding murky supply chains.
In our ongoing efforts toward thoughtful stone sourcing, we choose to work only with suppliers that prioritize ethical labor practices, sustainability, and traceability - including when it comes to lab diamonds.
Why Choose a Lab Diamond?
There are many reasons someone might choose a lab-grown diamond over a mined one. Here are just a few:
-Ethical Sourcing: No mining means less environmental disruption and better transparency around labor and environmental practices.
-Value for Size: Lab diamonds generally cost significantly less than their mined counterparts, allowing you to choose a larger or higher-quality stone for your budget.
-Environmental Footprint: Lab diamonds require significantly less land and water than mined diamonds. Although growing diamonds in a lab requires significant energy, particularly for high-temperature and high-pressure methods, there has been progress towards transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce their carbon footprint.
-Modern Appeal: Many clients are drawn to the innovation and intention behind lab-grown stones. It’s a choice that feels personal, progressive, and powerful.
Alternative Engagement Rings by Elaine B Jewelry.
What About Recycled Diamonds?
In addition to lab-grown options, Elaine B Jewelry also offers recycled diamonds - stones that have been previously set in vintage or heirloom jewelry and reintroduced into new designs. These diamonds are removed, cleaned, and graded, allowing them to shine again in a fresh context. Recycled diamonds are a beautiful way to reduce demand for new mining while honoring the longevity of this timeless material. Just like lab diamonds, they align with our commitment to thoughtful sourcing and sustainability. These are our favorite and arguably the most ethically conscious of any diamond.
Yes, Lab Diamonds Follow the 4 C’s
Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are evaluated using the traditional 4 C’s:
Cut - Determines how the diamond reflects light and sparkles.
Color - Grades the lack of color in a diamond, from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
Clarity - Measures the presence of internal or external imperfections.
Carat Weight - Indicates the size of the diamond.
Lab diamonds come with certifications (such as those from IGI or GIA) and grading reports, so you can make an informed choice with all the same benchmarks used for natural stones. For more on the 4 C’s, check out our “What’s What of Diamonds” blog.
Selecting Stones at EBJ
We love helping clients explore all their options when designing something special - whether it’s a custom project, a classic engagement ring, a meaningful necklace, or a just-because treat. At Elaine B Jewelry, lab diamonds offer the flexibility to dream big and sparkle sustainably.
From classic round brilliants to more unusual step cuts, lab-grown diamonds open up a world of design possibilities. And because we work closely with trusted suppliers, we can source a stone that fits your vision - ethically and beautifully.
Selecting rings at Elaine B Jewelry offers a variety of ethically sourced stones - including Lab Diamonds.
Let’s Design Something That Reflects You
If you’re curious about lab diamonds or want to explore options for a custom piece, reach out to us or stop by our shop. We’d love to help you find a stone and a setting that feels just right.
View Custom Gallery here.
View Wedding and Engagement here.