SHOP LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS

100% REAL. 100% BEAUTIFUL.

Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Earth Mined Diamonds

Natural Diamond

Chemical composition: Carbon
Hardness: 10 on Mohs scale
Refractive index: 2.417-2.419
Exists naturally

Lab Grown Diamonds are grown by recreating the conditions underneath the Earth that result in diamond growth: pressure, heat, and carbon. The process to grow a diamond in a laboratory is very similar to the geological growth process. The same types of inclusions and imperfections present in mined diamonds can also occur in lab diamonds. Lab diamonds are graded by the exact same independent gemological laboratories that also grade mined diamonds.

Because the process is similar to natural diamond growth, there are still variations in color and clarity of lab grown diamonds. In other words, not all lab grown diamonds are colorless and flawless. Unlike diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia and moissanite, lab diamonds have the same scintillation, flash, fire, brilliance, and hardness as mined diamonds. Lab diamonds do not fade or change color over time.

A Lab Grown diamond is a real diamond. Even the most sophisticated gem laboratories certify it as “diamond”. The only difference is the origin of these diamonds, instead of being mined from the earth they are grown in a lab.

Certification and Grading of Lab Grown Diamonds

Like mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds come with a grading report. Common reports come from Gemological Institute of America (GIA), International Gemological Institute (IGI) and Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL), although there are many other graders out there. These reports include a grade for each of the 4Cs as well as verification that it was grown in a lab. A diamond engagement ring is a big financial decision, which is why these grading reports give you peace of mind that you’re getting the diamond quality that you expect.

Matthew’s Jewelers sells only certified Lab Grown Diamonds.