What is a lab grown diamond?

Lab created diamonds are real diamonds grown in highly controlled laboratory conditions that attempt to reproduce the Earth’s natural growing environment: high pressure and high temperature. These man-made diamonds have the same chemical composition and physical properties as those found in nature and look the same to the naked eye.

How can you tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?

If it's a lab grown diamond, using magnification, you'll find the initials of the lab or agency that certified the stone along with the report number that's unique to the stone.

Inclusions in lab grown diamonds vs. natural diamonds.

Nearly all organic and lab diamonds have inclusions that affect their clarity. A clarity grade tells us how large and noticeable a diamond’s inclusions are — though the scale used to grade clarity in lab grown vs organic diamonds is a bit different. Only the rarest diamonds emerge in perfect condition, with no inclusions.

How long does it take to “grow” a lab grown diamond?

Lab grown diamonds take approximately 6 to 10 weeks to develop in a laboratory.
Diamonds close enough to earth’s surface to be mined today were formed in nature between 1 billion to 3.3 billion years ago.

How large are lab grown diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds top out around 20 carats, while some of the largest pieces of rough organic diamond are upwards of 400 carats.

Colors of organic diamonds vs lab grown diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are grown in white, yellow, blue, pink, and green and are typically found with color grades ranging from D to K grades.

Organic diamonds occur in every imaginable color with an infinite number of hues. The most common diamonds are in the classic “white” category, and rarer types include yellow, pink, and vivid blue.

Are lab grown diamonds a better value?

Many retailers claim that lab diamonds cost about 30% less than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality.

What is the resale value of lab grown diamonds?

One of the most important differences between lab-grown and organic diamonds is their resale value. Depending on demand and market supply, lab-created diamonds have little or questionable resale value. Organic diamonds, on the other hand, typically retain value and can be sold years later.

Can lab grown diamonds be upgraded?

Walters & Hogsett Jewelers only offer trade-ins on our natural diamonds.