Diamonds have always been a symbol of beauty and durability, cherished through the ages for their sparkle and strength. This timeless appeal ensures that diamonds will continue to play a central role in jewelry design for U.S. consumers. However, the source of these precious stones is beginning to shift.
Rather than mining natural diamonds from deep within the Earth, diamonds are now being cultivated in the lab, opening new doors to innovation and design. Lab grown diamonds, created with sophisticated technology, represent the future of jewelry, with a focus on ethical luxury.
Learn more about the eternal and ethical appeal of a man-made stone and tips for finding the ideal lab grown diamond engagement ring, necklace or bracelet for yourself or a loved one.
How Lab Grown Diamonds are Made
Lab grown diamonds are created using cutting-edge technology that mimics the natural process but in a lab-controlled environment rather than deep within the Earth. This is done using scientific processes like High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
HPHT mimics the intense pressure and heat that form natural diamonds. During CVD, carbon-rich molecules are broken down into carbon atoms, which build up on a substrate (base layer), gradually forming a diamond.
After creation, these lab created diamonds are the same as their natural counterparts. Artisans choose the best stones and cut and polish them to enhance their natural sparkle and brilliance. This final touch brings out the diamond’s true beauty, making each stone ready to be set into a stunning piece of jewelry.
The Appeal of Lab Grown Diamonds in Modern Jewelry Design
There is growing appeal for lab grown diamonds in modern pieces like necklaces, rings and bracelets. Both the public and craftspeople are drawn to these stones for their versatility, ethical sourcing and the beauty they lend to high-quality pieces.
For instance, with lab grown diamond rings, consumers get the elegance of real diamonds without the ethical concerns associated with mining. These gems match the shine and durability of natural stones but come at a lower price point, sometimes as much as 10% of the cost of a mined diamond.
The affordability and accessibility of synthetic diamonds allow jewelry designers to push the boundaries of creativity. They’re not just crafting consumer jewelry; they’re creating wearable art that resonates with a growing number of people who desire beauty, quality and responsibility in their adornments.
Buying Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry
Buying jewelry embellished with lab created diamonds can be a rewarding experience when you know what to look for. To ensure you find lab grown diamond bracelets, rings and fashion jewelry with high-quality stones you can proudly add to your collection, take the following steps:
Look for certification. A certified lab grown diamond has been evaluated by a reputable organization for its quality, ensuring you get what you pay for. For instance, some jewelry brands only use diamonds certified by the IGI (International Gemological Institute) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America).
Research the brand. A reputable diamond company will have transparent practices and positive reviews from previous customers, indicating reliability and trustworthiness. Luxury brands should also offer customer-friendly return policies and warranties.
Understand the 4Cs. Like natural diamonds, the quality of lab grown diamonds is assessed based on cut, color, clarity and carat. Higher ratings in these categories mean a better-quality diamond. For example, when buying lab grown diamond rings, look for a diamond with a near-colorless hue, VS2+ or above clarity rating and Excellent cut grade.
Take advantage of customization. Diamonds created in a lab setting allow for more personalization for consumers. For instance, if you’re buying a lab grown diamond tennis bracelet, you can customize the metal to yellow, white or rose gold. You can also pick a diamond size based on your budget and style preference.
The Future of Diamonds in Fashion and Luxury
Only in the 1990s, when the lab grown diamond market opened to consumers, were these stones readily available in everyday jewelry pieces. However, new technologies have made growing diamonds easier and more cost-effective and closed the gap between the characteristics of natural and lab grown stones.
A 2021 industry survey found that ethical sourcing was a factor for 85% of ring buyers, showing that the use of lab created diamonds likely won’t stop anytime soon. You may see the following trends in luxury jewelry due to the possibilities afforded by these stones:
Mix and match jewelry sets. The affordability of lab grown diamonds has given rise to customizable jewelry sets like stackable rings that can be mixed and matched for a personalized look.
Colored diamond accessories. Lab technology has made it easier to produce high-quality colored diamonds, leading to a trend in vibrant, colored lab grown diamond jewelry for a bold fashion statement.
Vintage-inspired pieces. Designers are using lab grown diamonds to recreate timeless, vintage designs, appealing to those who love old-world charm with a modern twist.
Minimalist designs. There’s a growing trend for minimalist jewelry that features a single lab grown diamond to make a subtle yet impactful statement.
