Lab Grown Diamonds

Around the world, lab grown diamonds are becoming a more and more popular choice for engagement rings and bridal sets. Instead of sourcing diamonds from mines around the world, diamonds are formed under high heat and pressure in labs, creating stones that are larger and more flawless than most that occur naturally.

Lab grown diamonds, also known as man-made or synthetic diamonds, are created within labs using advanced procedures which mimic the conditions in which diamonds naturally form deep within the Earth. These diamonds are made of carbon atoms arranged in the same crystalline structure as natural diamonds, meaning they are chemically identical! Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, being indistinguishable from natural diamonds except by highly trained gemologists using advanced equipment. Lab grown diamonds use the same rating system as natural diamonds, and should be cared for in the same way.

Lab grown diamonds are different from natural diamonds simply by the fact that they are artificially created instead of mined from the Earth’s crust. Chemically and physically, they are identical, and show the same fire and sparkle as natural diamonds. Though there are some slight differences on the microscopic level, they are indistinguishable to the naked eye, and can be hard to catch, even to an expert gemologist. Additionally, due to the relative ease of production and high supply, lab grown diamonds sell for a fraction of the price, making them an incredibly affordable alternative when you want a large, high clarity stone. Fancy colored diamonds can be artificially created with ease as well, by introducing traces of other elements in the diamond growing process. While colored diamonds are rare in nature, and often fetch exorbitant prices, lab-grown colored diamonds are far more affordable, giving you every last bit of the beauty with a much lower investment.

Ultimately this depends on what you want the diamond for. If appearance is the most important factor for you, lab grown is by far the best choice. In terms of bang for your buck, lab grown will get you a significantly larger and clearer diamond for the same amount. Ultimately, nobody will be able to tell the difference between the two with the naked eye, and most jewelers will not be able to tell without having it tested in a lab. If, however, you’re primarily concerned about the value of the diamond for investment, the market for lab grown diamonds is still largely in a state of flux, and they are unlikely to hold a significant amount of resale value.

Houston Jewelry is proud to say we now carry a wide range of lab grown diamonds in a variety of cuts and colors. Our expert jewelers would be thrilled to help you design a custom bridal set or other custom jewelry featuring one or more beautiful lab-grown diamonds.