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Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are identical to their natural counterparts and can be a more affordable option. We are committed to going beyond industry standards to offer lab grown diamonds that are ethical and sustainable.
Lab diamonds are a responsible choice since they are grown with precise technology that involves no mining.
Beauty & Quality
Lab grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.
Value
Lab grown diamonds offer excellent value — so you can maximize your budget.
The Brilliant Earth Difference
In 2012, we were one of the first to sell lab diamonds as a mining free alternative to natural diamonds — and we’ve continued to innovate the industry ever since.
92% of our lab diamond suppliers are audited for safe and healthy working conditions. By the end of 2023, we’ll hit 100%.
We feature lab diamonds crafted from renewable energy sources in our Truly BrilliantTM Collection. By 2025, 50% of our lab diamonds will come from certified sustainable sources.
This year, a new era has arrived. We’re introducing the world’s largest collection of planet first lab diamonds.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
In 2012, we were one of the first to sell lab diamonds as a mining free alternative to natural diamonds — and we’ve continued to innovate the industry ever since.
92% of our lab diamond suppliers are audited for safe and healthy working conditions. By the end of 2023, we’ll hit 100%.
We feature lab diamonds crafted from renewable energy sources in our Truly BrilliantTM Collection. By 2025, 50% of our lab diamonds will come from certified sustainable sources.
This year, a new era has arrived. We’re introducing the world’s largest collection of planet first lab diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds
Without specialized equipment, you won't be able to tell the difference between a lab grown or a natural diamond — they appear the same. The only noticeable difference between them is their origin: one was formed deep within the Earth, the other was grown in a lab.
Our lab grown diamonds display the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds, and exhibit the same fire, scintillation, and sparkle. Lab created diamonds may exhibit different trace elements than natural diamonds that do not affect the appearance of the diamond. Lab created diamonds can be distinguished from natural diamonds only with tests using specialized equipment.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Moissanites vs. Cubic Zirconia
It is important to note the major distinction between lab grown diamonds and diamond simulants. Lab diamonds are created from carbon, just like real diamonds. Diamond simulants look similar to diamonds but are not created with true carbon crystals.
Two of the most common diamond simulants are moissanite and cubic zirconia.
Moissanite: While natural moissanite does occur, it is very rare. That is because it is not from Earth – it comes from space in meteorites. Thus, moissanite that you can purchase is also lab created. Though they can look very similar to a diamond, they often feature more of a rainbow glint than the bright sparkle of a traditional diamond.
Cubic Zirconia: Cubic zirconia (CZ) is another example of a synthetic crystal that is sometimes used in the place of diamonds. But while it has a reasonable amount of durability and sparkle, it does not match the brilliance of diamonds and will show some wear and tear over time. It is sometimes used as a placeholder in jewelry until a stronger stone can be added.
So cubic zirconia and moissanite aren’t diamonds of any kind, though they can look very similar.
Simulants do not have the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds and therefore sell at much lower prices than lab created diamonds. Simulants can be distinguished from natural or lab created diamonds using only the naked eye.
Natural and lab created diamonds have thermal conductivity properties that differentiate them from cubic zirconia with a handheld diamond tester. Some lab created diamonds, along with some natural colored diamonds, may be mistakenly identified as moissanites when using certain diamond testers due to similarity in their electrical conductivity. However, gemologists can typically distinguish between diamond and moissanite due to their differing refractive properties, with moissanites being double refractive and diamonds being single refractive. Learn more about moissanite vs. diamond.
To enhance our mining free offerings, we offer many of our engagement ring settings with lab grown diamond accents when set with a lab grown center diamond. For most styles, we match the type of accent diamonds with the type of selected center diamond. If you select a lab grown center diamond, then the accent diamonds on your setting may also be lab grown, as indicated in the product details.
Keep Your Lab Grown Diamonds Sparkling: A Quick Guide
Lab grown diamonds, with their captivating beauty and ethical sourcing, have emerged as a compelling choice for discerning individuals seeking a sustainable and conflict-free alternative to natural diamonds. However, like their natural counterparts, lab grown diamonds require proper care and maintenance to retain their brilliance and sparkle. This guide will provide you with essential tips and techniques to ensure your lab grown diamonds continue to shine for years to come.
Understanding the Two: Similarities and Differences
Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds share the same chemical composition and crystalline structure, resulting in their identical optical and physical properties. They are indistinguishable to the naked eye and possess the same exceptional hardness, brilliance, and fire.Furthermore, lab grown diamonds offer a more transparent and conflict-free supply chain, ensuring ethical sourcing and responsible practices throughout the entire production process. This is a major advantage over natural diamonds, which have been linked to human rights abuses and environmental damage in some parts of the world.
The Journey of Creation: Nature vs. Laboratory
Natural diamonds are formed over millions of years deep within the Earth’s mantle, while lab grown diamonds replicate this process in a controlled laboratory setting using a technique called chemical vapor deposition (CVD).This controlled environment allows for greater consistency in color, clarity, and size, making lab grown diamonds a viable option for those seeking specific characteristics. Additionally, the CVD process consumes considerably less energy and resources compared to mining natural diamonds, offering a more sustainable alternative for environmentally conscious consumers. Ultimately, the choice between natural and lab grown diamonds comes down to individual preferences and priorities, balancing the allure of nature’s creation with the promise of ethical and sustainable practices.
Lab grown diamonds offer a sustainable and ethically sourced alternative to natural diamonds, eliminating the need for extensive mining operations and associated environmental and social concerns.
The choice between lab grown and natural diamonds comes down to personal preference and priorities. Lab grown diamonds appeal to those seeking sustainability, affordability, and ethical sourcing, while natural diamonds are preferred for their rarity, historical significance, and potential investment value.
Lab grown diamonds generally offer a more affordable option compared to natural diamonds of similar size and quality, due to reduced production costs. However, natural diamonds with exceptional rarity and characteristics can command significantly higher prices.
While both natural and lab grown diamonds share the same fundamental chemical composition and optical properties, subtle differences exist at the atomic level. Lab grown diamonds may exhibit unique optical phenomena like fluorescence, while natural diamonds may possess unique internal inclusions that contribute to their individuality and mystique. Additionally, the perception of the origin and history of a diamond can influence its value and appeal to certain consumers, further shaping the decision-making process.