Lab-Grown Diamonds

What is a lab-grown diamond?

Lab-grown diamonds, also referred to as man-made diamonds, engineered diamonds, lab-created diamonds or synthetic diamonds, are artificially produced in a factory. Their chemical properties, pure carbon crystal structure, brilliance and hardness are almost identical to those of a natural diamond. Unlike natural diamonds, formed in the Earth’s crust billions of years ago, man-made diamonds are not considered rare because they can be produced in limitless quantities in a matter of weeks. Since their quantities are not finite as with natural diamonds, it is uncertain in what way their value will remain over time. 

If you’d like to learn more about the differences between lab-created diamonds and natural diamonds, our diamond experts would be happy to discuss with you.  Please email us at info@daysjewelers.com.

We offer a selection of loose lab-created diamonds for sale in our stores.  Lab-created diamonds are not eligible for Day’s Trade-Up Plan that is offered with the purchase of a natural diamond.

History of lab-grown diamonds.

Man made diamonds were first created by General Electric in 1953. Up until recent years, man made diamonds could not be created in a quality suitable for jewelry. They were primarily used as abrasives or in industrial tools such as saws and drill bits because of a diamond’s superior hardness. During the past few years, refinements in the diamond manufacturing process have produced increasingly finer quality stones, suitable for use in jewelry.

How will I know if I am buying a lab-grown diamond?

Man made diamonds are now being produced in larger quantities and are more readily available in different colors and shapes. Prices of man made diamonds range from 30-60 percent below natural diamonds. Those who sell these diamonds must clearly disclose to the consumer that they are not natural diamonds by labeling them as synthetic, laboratory grown, man made or created.

Day's Jewelers employs modern, sophisticated technology to screen loose diamonds and diamonds mounted in jewelry to verify they are natural versus lab-grown.  This process is accomplished by highly skilled Inventory Control Specialists in our corporate headquarters.

Should I purchase a lab-grown diamond?

To the human eye, laboratory grown diamonds look identical to a natural diamond. Only specialized instruments are able to identify man-made diamonds. The question as to whether to purchase a synthetic diamond versus a natural diamond is a personal choice. To some, it might be important to own a diamond that was formed naturally billions of years ago and has stood the test of time. Others may wish to enjoy the beauty and brilliance of a man-made diamond at a reduced cost.

Another factor to consider is that, throughout history, natural diamonds have appreciated in value and this is expected to continue as they become scarcer. Man-made diamonds are expected to decline in value over time as the manufacturing process is refined.

Still curious about lab-grown diamonds?

Check out our blog on lab-grown diamonds
for answers to your man-made diamond questions.