Lab‑grown diamonds are diamonds that have been grown in a controlled laboratory setting. They are physically and optically the same as mined diamonds, made of the same chemical composition, and feature the same properties, including their brilliant appearance, hardness and durability. Lab‑grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from mined diamonds.

Just like mined diamonds, lab‑grown diamonds are made of carbon atoms in a specific arrangement that results in the formation of a diamond crystal, which is ultimately fashioned into a very hard and brilliant gem.

Lab‑grown diamonds begin with a very thin lab-grown diamond plate (a seed diamond), which is placed in a chamber with carbon material. From there, one method of making lab‑grown diamonds uses intense heat and pressure, which allows the carbon material to bond and grow, layer by layer.

Another method uses a plasma reactor chamber to turn carbon-rich gases into plasma, which then bonds to the diamond plate layer by layer.

In short, lab‑grown diamonds can give you a higher quality diamond (think color and clarity) at a lower price. This is possible because lab‑grown diamonds are manufactured via a high‑tech process that is highly controlled compared to how the Earth produces diamonds (that's the higher quality) and they can be made in larger quantities than can be found in nature (that's the lower cost).

For more than 70 years, Ross‑Simons has remained the trusted expert in jewelry. Our world‑class buyers and industry specialists continue to closely monitor the latest technology and trends to bring you fabulous, high‑quality jewelry at the best value. Through innovative process improvements, we’ve seen incredible advancements in the development of lab-grown diamonds, and are thrilled to now offer this exciting, high-quality diamond option, made more affordable by science.

Since mined diamonds were formed in the earth millions of years ago, they are considered rare, with finite quantities available—a contributing factor to their expensive price. Through the use of technology, lab‑grown diamonds are much more accessible and easier to produce, making them a fantastic alternative that offers all the same brilliance and durability for a fraction of the cost.

Because lab‑grown diamonds and mined diamonds have the same optical, physical, and chemical properties, they are typically indistinguishable from mined diamonds to the untrained eye. A diamond expert may be able to tell the difference between the two based on whether inclusions are present; advanced gemological labs can use specialized equipment to identify lab‑grown diamonds from mined diamonds.

Select larger carat weight lab-grown diamond jewelry includes a report from the International Gemological Institute (IGI) to verify color, clarity and carat weight. IGI pioneered the full grading of lab-grown diamonds in 2005 and is recognized as the worldwide leader in lab-grown diamond grading.