Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real? Experts Weigh in on the Jewelry Debate

Can lab-grown diamonds earn the same status as natural diamonds? Many say yes, while others argue its origin lacks prestige. With the economic surge of lab-grown gemstones, many buyers are shifting their perception of this stone category to maximize their earnings.

Walmart reported a 600% year-over-year increase in lab-grown diamond sales. Another major retailer leveraging its luxury category is Sam's Club, with expanded in-club offerings for members in its lab-grown diamond group. Now, they sell lab-created diamonds at all their locations.

But does origin matter when it comes to diamonds? Some argue it's not as important, especially when it's hard to distinguish between lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds. Chemically, physically and optically, they look the same, with the only way to examine their birthplace is through different tests done by a professional jeweler, such as UV light, a magnifying glass and others.

"The beauty of natural diamonds is that they are unique and not alike. With lab-grown diamonds, you can get a larger diamond for significantly less," says chief executive officer for Tacori, Paul Tacorian.

In the end, price does matter, at least for one recently wed Shop TODAY editor, Kamari Stewart-Jackson. "Aesthetically, they’re exactly the same as natural diamonds but at a fraction of the price. I’d rather save the money that would’ve been spent on a natural diamond to be used on a long-term investment like saving for a house or, even better, a honeymoon!"

However, can lab-grown and real diamonds co-exist in this world? Tacorian thinks so. Creating lab-grown diamonds "is cost-effective, and opens the floodgate doors for creating bigger pieces with real diamonds in the jewelry industry," he adds.

Whether you're looking for a gift or shopping for an engagement ring, we spoke to a group of experts to break down the jewelry debate.

Lab-grown vs. natural diamonds. Which one should I choose?

Is it taboo to wear an engagement ring made of lab-grown diamonds? Experts argue their differences, with one expert jeweler saying it's all about your perception and what's valuable to you. "And often they outshine natural diamonds, since with technology, you can make lab-grown diamonds super high clarity and super brilliant," says jewelry designer and founder of Liloveve Gallery Caroline Gleman.

However, some traditional jewelers are opposed to the synthetic version and hesitant to value lab-grown diamonds the same way as natural ones. "The value will always hold in a natural diamond compared to a lab-grown, and it just kind of dilutes what is special about diamonds to me," shares the owner of Sydney Evan and jewelry expert Rosanne Karmes.

And it's true, natural diamonds hold their value compared to lab-grown diamonds. “When it comes to their rarity, they are not the same as natural diamonds, as lab-grown diamonds are in abundance," shares the founder of La Joya Jewelry, Nishit Mehta. One key factor to note is the resale value. Natural diamonds can be resold, and you can get about 50% of what they are appraised for. On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds don't hold resale value.

So, it all comes down to the price point, your budget and what you want to save now rather than invest later. "Over two-thirds of Americans getting engaged today are opting for diamonds created by men," says founder and CEO of ALTR & J’Evar Amish Shah.

Courtesy Olivia Michaels / Sunim Choi

How are lab-grown diamonds made?

There are two primary methods for creating lab-grown diamonds. "One is the CVD or the chemical vapor deposition, and the other is HPHT, which stands for high-pressure high-temperature," shares Mehta.

"Basically, what they do is they take a small diamond seed, a sliver of a diamond, put it in a container, and subject it to tremendous pressure. And over time, they try to mimic how a carbon would be under the surface of the earth, it grows into a diamond, and then the diamond is polished," adds Mehta.

The biggest difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds is “the traces of nitrogen that are found in natural diamonds. But we expect, as technology becomes superior, that scientists will be able to add nitrogen in highly-specialized labs,” says co-founder of Angara, Aditi Daga.

Do lab-grown diamonds have a grading report?

Still, IGI (the International Gemological Institute) grades lab-grown diamonds the same way natural diamonds are graded. However, other labs are banning certification for lab-grown diamonds to have a clear distinction between them.

Courtesy Miranda Mader

As the diamond industry grapples with these reports, GIA stands strong in its beliefs and reported that it will stop grading lab-grown diamonds with the universal 4Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat weight). In a recent statement, GIA said it will laser-etch the term "laboratory-grown" on the diamond with the GIA quality assessment number. They will be classified either as premium or standard based on the minimum criteria each diamond meets.

Below, you'll find our editor-approved lab-grown diamonds from different retailers, along with some favorites from our own personal perspective.

Lab-grown diamonds, selected by our editors

Gorjana Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire Flat Back Single Stud

$185.00
Gorjana

What to know

Editor Vivien Moon owns a few of Gorjana's pieces and loves them. "I have a few of their products. I have an anklet that I wear, and it's good, along with a stack of rings that are gorgeous," shares Moon. Plus, the flat back post makes it ideal for those with sensitive ears and makes it easy to sleep in.

Pandora Infinite 14k White Gold Lab-grown Diamond Ring

$300.99
$430.00
Pandora

Now 30% off

What to know

Make a sophisticated statement wearing this geometric ring from Pandora. This brand is also a favorite of mine when it comes to modern jewelry for their feminine designs. This one comes in multiple carat weights and can be personalized with three metal choices. It's also treated with a post-growth color enhancement.

Sam's Club Lab Created Diamond Necklace in 14K Gold

$899.00
Sam's Club

What to know

Sam's Club is now offering more lab-grown diamonds in all its retailers. This necklace features an array of small, rounded diamonds in a delicate chain that is adjustable. It glitters and can be layered with other pieces for a delicate sparkle.

Plum Diamonds Mixed Drops J Hoops

$1,240.00
Plum Diamonds

What to know

I’ve been wearing these tiny hoops for two weeks and love how comfortable they feel on my earlobes. The diamonds are brilliantly sparkly and never irritate my skin. While petite in size, they deliver a stunning, eye-catching finish that elevates any look. Plus, this pair goes well with my newly acquired Alexandra Beth Diamond Ear Cuff.

How to clean your diamonds

“Don’t wear your diamonds to the gym, swimming or during strenuous activities,” advises Tacori. For a quick clean at home, you can place your diamond in a metal strainer and boil it in water to remove buildup. There are also specialized cleaning solutions available on the market that can help keep your diamonds sparkling. Also, the experts recommend mixing a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water, soaking your diamond for 15 to 20 minutes, then gently scrubbing with a soft toothbrush. Do not use abrasive chemicals to clean your diamond, and keep it in a soft pouch or compartment.

Tools to clean lab-grown diamonds

Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik

$9.48
Amazon

What to know

I own a similar gel pen meant for cleaning diamonds and rings, and it works perfectly. It's portable and easy to carry in your bag for a quick touch-up. Consumers say this is easy to use and there's no rinsing or soaking involved, which makes it perfect for on-the-go.

Alexandra Beth Foaming Jewelry Cleaner

$20.00
Alexandra Beth

What to know

Keep your diamonds safe and sparkling with this foaming solution from Alexandra Beth. It comes with a small brush designed to reach tight spaces and remove debris, ensuring your jewelry stays clean and brilliant.

Diamond Drunk The Starter Collection

$75.00
Diamond Drunk


$75.00
Amazon

What to know

I own this product and the first time I used it, I inserted many rings, necklaces and some dainty earrings inside the vessel. I left it overnight, and when I took my jewelry out, I could see all the gunk left behind. It comes with a cleaning solution that you mix with water, along with a cleaning brush to remove dirt in unreachable corners. Moon also loves this cleaning solution for how easy it is to use and that it makes a great gift for the jewelry lover in your life.