New to Lab-Grown Diamonds? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

What “athleisure” means, why you’ll want to look into it, and what some of the best picks are this year!

September 18, 2022

When searching for a new jewelry piece to add to your wardrobe, you’ve probably looked into diamond jewelry at some point. Maybe you’re in the market for a new pair of sparkling diamond earrings, or perhaps you’re ready to propose to your significant other and are looking for the perfect diamond engagement ring to make sure they say “yes.” When looking for new diamond jewelry, you’ll not only want to think about the shape and setting of the diamond you want, but you’ll also want to consider their source. 

While many jewelers used diamonds that have been mined, there are also jewelry retailers who make beautiful jewelry with lab-grown diamonds. If you’ve never heard of these diamonds, you might be wondering how they compare to traditionally mined diamonds. Read on to learn more about lab-grown diamonds and the amazing jewelry pieces they can be incorporated into. 

Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Mined Diamonds

While developed in a different way, lab-grown diamonds are actually quite similar to mined diamonds and are a wonderful choice for any jewelry piece. Both are created when carbon atoms are put under high pressure and heat until a crystal lattice structure is created. Once fully formed, both types of diamonds are cut and shaped to achieve maximum brilliance, which is how much a diamond sparkles. Since 2018, the Federal Trade Commission has acknowledged lab-grown diamonds to be just as real as mined diamonds, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the best quality jewelry with lab-grown diamonds. 

How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made? 

Unlike diamonds that are derived from mining, lab-grown diamonds are created within a laboratory. There are two different methods by which these diamonds can be created: 

The CVD Method

CVD stands for Chemical Vapor Deposition and is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to create diamonds. The CVD process is done by using a small shaved piece of diamond as a base that carbon atoms stack on top of when placed in a plasma reactor to achieve the high heat and pressure needed to form a diamond. The foundational piece of diamond used to create a lab-grown diamond can be cut off when the diamond is fully formed and reused multiple times to create more diamonds. 

It typically takes one month to grow a single lab-grown diamond. Fully-formed CVD diamonds resemble a cube before being cut into their desired shape. The CVD method produces far less fossil fuels than the mining process, making them a more sustainable choice for your diamond jewelry. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are created in an environment that’s far safer for workers than traditional diamond mining. 

The HPHT Method

Lab-grown diamonds can also be made via the HPHT method, which stands for high pressure, high temperature. To create a diamond via the HPHT method, a diamond seed is placed directly in carbon and exposed to extremely high pressure and heat. Fully-formed HPHT diamonds resemble a complex cuboctahedron before being cut into their desired shape. While lab-grown diamonds made via the HPHT method impact workers and their environments far less than the diamond mining process, the HPHT method is more expensive and requires more energy than the CVD method. 

The Best Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry

Lab-grown diamonds are utilized in a variety of different forms of jewelry, including: 

Engagement Rings

These diamonds are a perfect choice for engagement rings. The diamonds can be cut and fit to a number of popular engagement ring styles, including: 

  • Solitaire - An engagement ring with a single diamond held by metal prongs.
  • Bezel - An engagement ring with a single diamond held by a metal rim. 
  • Three-Stone - An engagement ring with three diamonds that has one larger center stone flanked on the right and left by two smaller stones. 
  • Cathedral - An engagement ring with a single diamond held up from the ring band by metal arches. 
  • Halo - An engagement ring with a single diamond outlined by smaller stones. 
  • Hidden Halo - An engagement ring with a single diamond with a circle of smaller stones beneath it. 

Diamond Earrings

Lab-grown diamonds are also a favorite for diamond earrings. You can get them in a number of styles, including: 

  • Studs: Earrings with a single diamond on each ear. 
  • Hoops: Earrings in a hoop shape lined with diamonds. 
  • Drop and Dangle: Earrings featuring diamonds that dangle from the base of the ear. 
  • Statement: Earrings featuring a number of diamonds put together in a bold, geometric style. 

Tennis Necklaces and Bracelets

Tennis necklaces and bracelets are yet another way to rock these diamonds. They feature a circular string of small diamonds for a dainty, yet sparkly look. 

In Conclusion

Lab-grown diamonds are a popular form of diamond used in jewelry like engagement rings, earrings, and tennis necklaces and bracelets. These diamonds take far less of a toll on the environment than mined diamonds do, making them a more ethical and sustainable option for all your jewelry purchases. 

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