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Jewelry experts weigh in what to know before buying a lab-grown diamond.

ByJacqueline Laurean Yates
December 3, 2024, 4:39 PM

Throughout the last few years, lab-grown diamonds have continued to grow in popularity, not only for their authentic look but also for their accessibility.

These uniquely crafted gems are man-made in laboratories using technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process -- which consists of a tetrahedral arrangement of carbon atoms tightly bonded together.

The result of this lab-grown entity are diamonds that have the same optical, physical and chemical make as those grown beneath the Earth’s surface.

How are lab-grown diamonds different from natural diamonds?

While there isn't an immense structural difference between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds, one of the biggest differences comes down to origin. "Natural diamonds are extremely old," Gemological Institute of America (GIA) manager of diamond research Ulrika F.S. D'Haenens-Johansson told ABC. "They formed up to 3.5 billion years ago, deep within the Earth, under extreme pressure and temperature conditions and were brought up to the surface through ancient volcanic eruptions."

Another major contrast is price. Jean Dousset, a lab-grown diamond designer and founder of his own namesake jewelry brand explained to ABC that lab diamonds remove the tension that mined diamonds present with the financial commitment and quality compromises many will end up making when considering a purchase.

“Lab diamonds break down that barrier which makes them truly an irresistible option," he said.

Are lab-grown diamonds real?

Lab-grown diamonds have been graded by GIA for over a decade and in 2019, GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Reports and identification reports began no longer using the term "synthetic" as a descriptor for the gems.

“Gem-quality laboratory-grown diamonds are produced by either the high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods,” said D'Haenens-Johansson. “Each process requires a diamond seed to act as the crystal template, with growth generally taking weeks to months depending on the quality and size."

When looking to evaluate lab-grown diamond's authenticity or quality, D'Haenens-Johansson advises that consumers make informed decisions by asking questions about the source of the laboratory-grown diamond to ensure it aligns with their objectives -- whether it’s the country that it was produced in or the energy source.

"Just like natural diamonds, it's important to remind everyone that not all lab-grown diamonds are created equal," said Dousset. "There is a wide range of growth processes that yield a very different quality diamond, and lab-grown takes as much care and consideration as mined diamonds in terms of the artistry of cutting. The main advantage to diamond cutters is a more predictable amount of rough to cut, whereas mined diamonds come in all different sizes and shapes, which limits the number of diamonds you can cut each time and therefore drives up the price since there is less freedom in what you can create from it."

Why are lab-grown diamonds so popular?

While lab-grown diamonds have been appearing in the jewelry market since the 1980s, the gems have more recently grown in popularity amongst shoppers and retailers, specifically amongst millennials as well as Gen-Z.

Experts agree the sudden surge in interest in the past decade has a lot to do with these jewels becoming more consistently available in popular sizes and color ranges. "Their increased availability, combined with transparency, and retailer and consumer education have now largely dispelled the notion that they are a 'fake' product that is not a real' diamond,” said D'Haenens-Johansson.

Dousset also added that lab-grown diamonds seem to align more with younger and future generations' eco-friendly mindsets and values. "Buyers are now able to own diamonds created by these standards," he said.

With everything from engagements to Mother’s Day on the horizon, there are a wide variety of options to consider shopping just in time for all the special occasions underway.

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave ABCNews.com. These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than ABC. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Prices may change from the date of publication.

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Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings

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Lab-Grown Diamond Necklaces

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Lab-Grown Diamond Bracelets

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