The Ultimate Lab Diamond Guide
Lab diamonds have become an increasingly popular choice for modern couples seeking an ethical, stunning, and affordable alternative to traditional diamonds. These brilliant gemstones deliver all the beauty and timeless elegance of mined diamonds while aligning with today’s values of sustainability and transparency. Like their mined counterparts, lab diamonds are graded by the 4Cs—clarity, cut, color, and carat weight—ensuring the same standards of quality and brilliance.
At Keyzar, we know how important it is to choose the perfect diamond for your jewelry. This guide simplifies the decision-making process by helping you understand the benefits of lab diamonds, the significance of the 4Cs, and how to select the ideal piece for your style. Known for exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtfully curated designs, Keyzar is here to help you bring your dream jewelry to life.
What Are Lab Diamonds?
Lab diamonds are real diamonds grown in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technology that mimics the natural diamond-growing process. They are gaining significant popularity among Millennials and Gen Z, primarily due to their affordability and perceived sustainability. In the U.S., lab-grown diamond sales increased by 16% in 2023 compared to 2022, according to industry analyst Edahn Golan.
This surge is driven by younger consumers who value ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility, aligning with their preference for products that reflect their values. For example, lab diamonds require approximately 85% less water during production and generate 60% fewer carbon emissions, making them a more eco-friendly choice. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds avoid the large-scale land disruption and ecological damage caused by traditional diamond mining, aligning with the sustainability values of today’s conscientious consumers. These factors contribute to their growing popularity among those who prioritize ethical and environmentally responsible purchasing decisions.
How Are Lab Diamonds Made?
The two main methods used to create them are High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). HPHT involves placing a diamond seed into a press with extreme pressure and heat. Carbon is added, melting under these conditions and crystallizing around the seed to form a new diamond. CVD uses carbon-rich gases in a sealed chamber. Heated gases release carbon atoms, which settle on a diamond seed and crystallize layer by layer, forming a diamond identical to those mined.
High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) involves placing a small diamond seed into a press and exposing it to extreme pressure and high temperatures. A carbon source is added to the press, and under these intense conditions, the carbon melts and begins to crystallize around the diamond seed. Over time, these carbon atoms form a new diamond layer by layer, resulting in a gemstone that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) uses carbon-rich gases to grow diamonds in a controlled environment. The process begins with a diamond seed placed inside a sealed chamber. The chamber is filled with a gas mixture, which is then heated to extremely high temperatures using microwaves or other energy sources. This heat causes the gases to break apart, allowing carbon atoms to separate and settle onto the diamond seed. Over time, these carbon atoms crystallize layer by layer, forming a diamond.
How Do Lab Diamonds Compare to Mined Diamonds?
Lab diamonds and mined diamonds share the same breathtaking brilliance, making them virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye. Both types of diamonds undergo the same grading process, ensuring consistent standards of quality and beauty. However, there are important distinctions to consider when comparing their origins, impact, and value.
Is the Quality the Same?
Lab diamonds are held to the same rigorous grading standards as mined diamonds. Each diamond is assessed based on the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The cut determines the diamond's proportions and symmetry, enhancing its brilliance, while color is graded on a scale from colorless to faint yellow, with near-colorless diamonds being especially popular. Clarity measures the presence of inclusions or blemishes while carat weight determines the size of the diamond. These consistent standards ensure that lab diamonds match the exceptional quality associated with mined diamonds, providing a stunning and durable gemstone.
How Do Lab Diamonds Compare With Cost?
One of the most appealing advantages of lab diamonds is their affordability. Lab diamonds are typically 30%-60% less expensive than mined diamonds of comparable size and quality. This cost difference allows couples to select larger or higher-quality stones without exceeding their budget. Whether you want a show-stopping center stone or intricate accent diamonds, lab diamonds make it easier to achieve your dream look at a more accessible price.
Do Lab Diamonds Look Like Natural Diamonds?
One of the most remarkable aspects of lab diamonds is their visual similarity to mined diamonds. Both are chemically, physically, and optically identical, meaning no one—not even a professional jeweler—can tell the difference without specialized equipment. Lab diamonds exhibit the same fire, sparkle, and brilliance that make mined diamonds so coveted. Their indistinguishable appearance ensures that you get all the beauty of a traditional diamond while choosing a more modern and sustainable option.
What About Certifications?
Always ensure your diamond comes with a certification from a reputable organization such as the GIA or IGI. A certified diamond is thoroughly evaluated by experts who verify its cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, ensuring it meets the highest industry standards. Certification adds transparency to your purchase, offering peace of mind and confidence that your diamond is as exceptional as promised.
How to Choose the Perfect Lab Diamond
Selecting the perfect lab diamond is an exciting step in creating a piece that’s uniquely yours. With so many options available, understanding what makes each diamond special can help you find the one that matches your style, budget, and values. From choosing a shape that reflects your personality to picking the perfect setting, each detail plays a role in creating a piece of diamond jewelry that’s truly unforgettable.
Pear
The pear diamond cut is a unique and elegant shape that blends the soft curves of a round cut with the pointed tip of a marquise. Often referred to as a teardrop shape, this design offers exceptional brilliance and a graceful, elongated silhouette. Pear diamonds are known for their versatility, offering a look that can be both modern and timeless. Whether worn as a centerpiece in a ring or as part of a pendant, the pear cut creates a striking and eye-catching appearance that feels effortlessly sophisticated.
The Riley pendant is a stunning match for a pear-cut diamond. The clean, modern design of the pendant allows the unique teardrop silhouette of the diamond to take center stage while the classic petal prong setting maximizes light reflection for unparalleled brilliance. The simplicity of The Riley enhances the diamond’s elegance without distraction, making it a perfect gift for someone who appreciates understated sophistication with a timeless touch of tradition.
Round
The round brilliant diamond cut is the most popular and iconic diamond shape. Designed with 58 expertly placed facets, this cut maximizes light reflection, creating extraordinary brilliance and fire. Its symmetrical design enhances its versatility, making it a perfect choice for a wide range of settings and styles. Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance or modern sophistication, the round brilliant cut is a stunning option that never goes out of style.
If you like round cut diamonds, you’ll love how it sparkles on The Kamellie engagement ring. Its clean, timeless silhouette perfectly complements the brilliance of a round diamond while the hidden halo adds an extra layer of light without overpowering the simplicity of the ring. This thoughtful balance of elegance and flair allows the round brilliant diamond to truly shine, making the Kamellie an ideal choice for those who appreciate understated sophistication with a touch of contemporary charm.
Oval
The oval diamond cut is a graceful and elongated shape that combines the brilliance of a round cut with a unique silhouette. Its 58 facets maximize sparkle, while its elongated form creates a flattering and elegant appearance on the hand. As oval diamonds appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight, they offer both brilliance and presence.
The Hidden Halo Penelope engagement ring compliments the elegance of an oval diamond, making it a breathtaking choice for those who love intricate details. The micro pave hidden halo wraps the center stone in multidimensional sparkle while diamond accents along the band amplify the ring’s radiance. Combined with an oval diamond, this design exudes elegance and sophistication.
Emerald
The emerald diamond cut is defined by its rectangular silhouette and step-cut facets. Unlike other cuts that prioritize sparkle, the emerald cut emphasizes clarity and a mirror-like effect, offering a captivating play of light and shadow. This cut’s elongated shape and clean lines create a sleek and elegant look, making it a favorite for those who appreciate refined simplicity and vintage-inspired charm. The emerald cut’s understated brilliance and striking geometry exude luxury and grace.
The Amelia pendant is an ideal setting for highlighting the clean lines and distinctive brilliance of an emerald-cut diamond. The sleek bezel setting frames the stone beautifully, protecting its edges while drawing attention to its elegant geometry. Whether worn to elevate your everyday look or add a touch of elegance to an evening outfit, The Amelia lets the emerald-cut diamond shine with effortless luxury.
Keyzar’s Commitment to Quality and Design
At Keyzar, we believe that every piece of jewelry should be as unique as the person who wears it. Our curated collection of lab diamonds includes a variety of shapes, such as classic round, elegant oval, and distinctive cushion cuts, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your style.
We prioritize exceptional craftsmanship and quality, ensuring each piece exceeds your expectations. Our customers enjoy benefits such as free shipping, easy returns, and a seamless shopping experience. One of them, Jeff, enthused, “Keyzar made it very easy to select and customize the perfect ring for my fiance. If you’re hesitant to shop for a ring online, don’t be! I couldn’t be happier.”
Conclusion
At Keyzar, we embrace lab diamonds as a modern and sustainable choice for couples who value beauty, ethical responsibility, and exceptional craftsmanship—without investing all your money! By offering these stunning gemstones, we provide an option that aligns with contemporary values while maintaining the timeless elegance associated with fine jewelry. Lab diamonds allow you to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments without sacrificing quality, style, integrity, or your budget.
With Keyzar’s exclusive collection of lab diamond jewelry, you can find a piece that reflects your style and your story, perfectly set in a design as unique as you are. Start designing your perfect piece now, and let us help you create moments that shine forever. Let Keyzar be part of your celebration, turning your most meaningful occasions into memories that last a lifetime.
