16 Best Lab-Grown Diamonds 2025: Fine Jewelry to Engagement Rings#

A Girl’s (New) Best Friend: 16 of the Best Lab-Grown Diamond Labels to Know#

September 26, 2025

Photo: Courtesy of Dorsey/Ashley Barrett

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

“Lab-grown diamonds are the great equalizer,” says Jean Dousset, the great-grandson of Louis Cartier who pivoted his namesake label to exclusively lab-grown stones in 2023. “People don’t have to compromise anymore to own something exceptional.” Once considered the understudy to mined diamonds, these stones (and therefor, the best ​lab-grown diamond brands), have officially taken center stage—and they’re not just performing, they’re dazzling. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Not simulants, not stand-ins. We’re talking pure carbon, identical in chemical, physical, and optical makeup to what’s been pulled from the earth for centuries—just made in a lab, not dug up from a mine.

So why the lingering hesitation? Stigma, mostly. The kind passed down like an heirloom from an era when “real” luxury was defined by scarcity and secrecy. But times—and tastes—have changed. “I started working with lab-grown diamonds because it was a smarter, more conscious choice,” says Jennifer Fisher, who now incorporates them across her fine jewelry designs. “They offer the same brilliance and clarity—but they align with how I want to shop and design today.” In an article that ran earlier this year, Jessica Sailer, former Vogue editor and founder of the new lab-grown line Pietro offered this: “Imagine if Hermès introduced an AI technology that could produce a perfect Birkin bag using the same materials in the same atelier, but in a fraction of the time. The craftsmanship would be identical. Would you want one?” Why, yes; yes, of course!

Vogue’s Guide to Leading Lab-Grown Diamonds:#

Featured in this article#

The Stacking Ring

Brilliant Earth Amara dome ring

Jump to review

The Day-to-Night Earring

Rare Carat Ligne drop earrings

Jump to review

The Tennis Rivière

Mejuri tennis necklace

Jump to review

That sentiment is echoed by a growing number of designers (and their clients) who love that you can go bigger, bolder, and cleaner—ethically and aesthetically—without inflating the price tag.

Of course, the Four Cs still matter—color, cut, clarity, and carat—but so do the other Cs: conscience, customization, and carbon footprint. Whether you're buying a diamond ring for a fiancée, a friend, or yourself (because yes, self-gifting is a love language), lab-grown diamonds offer a compelling—and undeniably glamorous—case for the future of fine jewelry. Ahead, discover the 16 best places to shop for lab-grown diamond jewelry, from dainty necklaces to diamond earrings to show-stopping statement pieces.

In This Article#

• A Brief History of Lab-Grown Diamonds
• What is a lab-grown diamond? Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
• How are lab-grown diamonds made?
• How can you tell the difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds?
• What is the highest grade of lab-grown diamonds?
• Do the 4 Cs apply to lab-grown diamonds?
• Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value?
• Are lab-grown diamonds more ethical?
• Meet the Experts

Mejuri#

​With a devoted celebrity following that includes Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, and Selena Gomez, Mejuri has firmly established itself as a go-to jewelry label for crafting irresistible, everyday pieces. Vogue’s Jewelry Director, Daisy Shaw-Ellis, encapsulates its appeal: “Its pieces are egalitarian and versatile—two things we value greatly.”​

Building on its commitment to accessible luxury, Mejuri expanded into lab-grown diamonds in 2023, aiming to make high-quality diamonds more attainable without compromising sustainability. Co-founder Nour Sakkijha explains, “Our expansion into lab-grown diamonds is a way to make high-quality diamonds (especially the larger sized stones) more accessible to our customers, without compromising our sustainability efforts.” ​

The collection features timeless classics reimagined with lab-grown diamonds, including tennis bracelets, pavé rings, and simple pendant necklaces—ideal gifts for a loved one or oneself. Each piece is meticulously crafted in 14k solid gold, ensuring both elegance and durability. ​Mejuri's lab-grown diamonds are SCS Global certified, recognized as the top benchmark for sustainability, reflecting the brand's dedication to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.

• Styles offered: everyday fine jewelry, engagement rings, wedding bands in yellow gold and white
• Price range: Pieces start at $498
• Special services: 1:1 styling services in-store or virtually, free shipping on orders $75+, returns offered within 30 days

Mejuri

tennis necklace

Mejuri

open ring

Mejuri

Charlotte stacker ring

Mejuri

bezel huggies

Dorsey#

Dorsey, the cult-favorite jewelry label founded by Meg Strachan in 2019, has redefined heirloom jewelry for the modern era. Inspired by her grandmother’s trove of vintage gems, Strachan launched the direct-to-consumer brand with a mission to craft archival-inspired designs using lab-grown stones—no markups, no mining, no compromises. “I wanted to create jewelry that felt storied and meaningful but didn’t require an inheritance to acquire,” Strachan told Vogue. “There’s something incredibly empowering about being able to buy your own diamonds.”

Now, Strachan is expanding the vision. In 2025, Dorsey introduced its first-ever moissanite collection—a dazzling new chapter that speaks to the brand’s continued innovation. While moissanite isn’t lab-grown diamond, its fire, brilliance, and durability make it a compelling choice for customers seeking a gemstone alternative with major impact. Dorsey’s moissanites come in unexpected novelty colors—viridian green, slate blue, and classic white—and appear across updated versions of fan-favorite styles like the Theodora bracelet, Porter drop earrings, and James necklace.

“Our customer has been asking for a stone like this for a long time,” Strachan tells Vogue. “Moissanite is such a beautiful stone, and we’ve been able to source it in these novelty colors—which just fits so perfectly with who our customer is.” She envisions them layered with collarless coats and crisp button-downs for fall—statement pieces meant to stand out, not blend in.

Taylor Swift famously wore Dorsey earrings during her All Too Well short film, giving the brand a front-row seat to pop culture history. Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski are also regulars, layering Dorsey’s bezel-set white sapphires and lab-grown diamonds with enviable ease. In March 2025, Dorsey launched its Paracord Capsule, blending the rugged texture of parachute cord with its signature lab-grown sparkle. These are the kinds of pieces that look equally at home at a gala or on a coffee run—chunky, polished, and intentionally nostalgic.

Styles offered: Fine and fashion jewelry
Price range: $115 - $5,000
Special services: Free two-day shipping, returns up to 30 days, limited-edition capsule drops

Dorsey

double pear-cut huggie earring

Dorsey

Lucien latchback earrings

Dorsey

Moss rivière necklace

Dorsey

Maxwell earrings

James Allen#

James Allen may not be a designer’s atelier, but it has arguably done more to democratize diamond shopping than nearly any modern jeweler. Founded in 2006 by Oded Edelman, James Schultz, Michele Sigler, and Dean Lederman, the brand set out to make buying an engagement ring online not just possible, but pleasurable. Their secret? Technology. Specifically, 360° HD Diamond Display Technology that lets shoppers inspect their potential diamond from every angle—what the brand calls “the world’s diamond supply, photographed for your laptop.”

Offering both mined and lab-grown diamonds, James Allen leans into accessibility. Think simple, classic solitaire rings, customizable wedding bands, and tennis bracelets designed for milestone moments. While its lab-grown offerings weren’t the brand’s starting point, today, they’re central to its mission: making high-quality diamonds—real diamonds, lab-created or mined—available to a broader audience.

Customization is a cornerstone: choose your diamond, your setting, and your metal with just a few clicks. And if you’re worried about shopping online? James Allen offers 30-day returns and round-the-clock customer support.

Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding bands, tennis bracelets, earrings, and personalized fine jewelry
Price range: Pieces start around $300
Special services: 360° HD Diamond Display Technology, 24/7 customer service, fully customizable settings, lab-grown and natural diamonds offered side-by-side

James Allen

double row climber huggie earrings

James Allen

triple row climber huggie earrings

James Allen

tennis bracelet

James Allen

bezel pendant

Brilliant Earth#

Brilliant Earth has long been at the forefront of ethical fine jewelry, and in the world of lab-grown diamonds, it’s a pioneer. The brand first introduced lab-created stones in 2012—well before most retailers caught on—and has continued to push the category forward with collections that prioritize both innovation and sustainability. “We started Brilliant Earth to raise the ethical standards of the diamond industry and to create a new way to buy beautiful fine jewelry,” said co-founder and CEO Beth Gerstein in 2024. And they’ve made good on that promise.

In recent years, the brand has introduced collections like the Capture Collection, which features diamonds grown using CO₂ captured before it can be released into the atmosphere, and the Renewable Collection, made using wind and solar energy at every stage of the process. In a meaningful partnership with Dr. Jane Goodall, Brilliant Earth also launched a limited-edition line benefiting conservation efforts—with proceeds supporting her namesake institute.

All of this complements the brand’s original mission: to offer beautiful, traceable stones with transparency built into every step. Brilliant Earth was one of the first retailers to offer Sustainably Rated lab-grown diamonds, independently certified for climate neutrality and clean technology investment. And by 2025, Brilliant Earth aims to have 100% of its gold and silver repurposed or Fairmined, with a longer-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions across its operations and supply chain by 2050. It’s proof that lab-grown luxury doesn’t just sparkle—it leads.

• Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding jewelry, everyday fine jewelry, fancy-colored stones, custom designs
• Price range: Pieces start at $225
• Special services: Free shipping, free 30-day returns, independent certification and grading reports, lifetime warranty, lifetime diamond upgrade program, flexible payment options, loose diamonds, custom designs

Brilliant Earth

Taylor marquise huggie earrings

Brilliant Earth

medallion necklace

Brilliant Earth

Amara dome ring

Brilliant Earth

Bubble necklace

Vrai#

Vrai is one of the few fine jewelry brands that can claim a zero-emission sparkle. Every one of its lab-grown diamonds is cultivated in the Pacific Northwest using hydropower from the Columbia River, making it one of the only carbon-neutral producers of diamonds in the world. The brand’s partner in this feat of science-meets-sustainability? The Diamond Foundry, a tech-forward company backed by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio, who has long championed alternatives to traditional mining.

Exclusively working with lab-grown stones, Vrai has carved out a niche for itself at the intersection of innovation and luxury. Their direct-to-consumer model means you’re not paying the usual markup for quality; what you see is what you get—and what you get is excellent. Each diamond is cut and polished by master artisans (some trained in Belgium’s famed cutting houses) and comes with a certificate of authenticity that guarantees both quality and sustainability credentials.

The aesthetic? Minimal, sculptural, and quietly impactful—perfect for those who want their jewelry to say something without shouting. In addition to ready-to-wear earrings, rings, and necklaces, Vrai offers a robust custom engagement ring program, complete with concierge-style support and endlessly chic settings.

• Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding jewelry, everyday fine jewelry, custom designs
• Price range: Pieces start at $145
• Special services: Free insured shipping, free returns within 30 days of delivery, loose diamonds eligible for a free return within 14 days of delivery, lifetime warranty, custom designs

Vrai

Floating station bracelet

Vrai

The Statement signet engagement ring

Vrai

tennis bracelet

Vrai

collar

Grown Brilliance#

For the diamond maximalist looking to dabble in lab-grown, Grown Brilliance is for you. The brand works exclusively with lab-grown diamonds—no mined options, no compromises—and it shows in the scale, sparkle, and scope of its offering. Whether you’re designing your dream engagement ring from scratch or shopping one of the label’s ready-to-ship bestsellers (hello, bezel-set pendant necklaces and brilliant-cut studs), the emphasis here is on choice—and certified quality.

All loose stones from Grown Brilliance’s Design Your Ring program come with grading reports from top-tier labs like IGI and GIA, and pieces with center stones over half a carat also arrive with full certification. The ethics are in check, too: every gem is created in a controlled environment with strict labor standards and sustainability commitments—and the brand backs its craftsmanship with a lifetime warranty.

It’s a modern approach to fine jewelry: design-forward, accessible, and free from the baggage of traditional sourcing. If you believe diamonds should shine without casting a shadow, Grown Brilliance makes an undeniably strong case.

• Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding jewelry, everyday fine jewelry, custom designs
• Price range: Pieces start at $125
• Special services: Free shipping and returns, lifetime warranty, certification cards, loose diamonds, Design Your Ring program

Grown Brilliance

huggie hoop earrings

Grown Brilliance

tennis necklace

Grown Brilliance

flat eternity band

Grown Brilliance

pave drop necklace

Kinn#

In the realm of fine jewelry, Kinn stands out as a purveyor of modern heirlooms designed to transcend fleeting trends. Founded in 2017 by Jennie Yoon, Kinn was born from a deeply personal mission: to recreate and reimagine her family’s stolen antique jewelry. This intimate origin story infuses each piece with a sense of continuity and timelessness, aiming to be cherished across generations.​

Kinn's collection seamlessly blends classic elegance with contemporary minimalism. From meticulously crafted engagement rings and wedding bands to everyday essentials like the Solis ring—a bestseller featuring an elegant ribbed design inspired by Yoon’s mother’s vintage pleated ring—each piece embodies a narrative of heritage and modernity. Crafted in Los Angeles, Kinn is committed to responsible manufacturing, utilizing recycled 14k gold and ethically sourced gemstones. The brand offers both lab-grown and natural diamonds, ensuring adherence to the Kimberley Process for conflict-free sourcing.​

• Styles offered: Everyday fine jewelry, engagement rings, wedding bands, personalized and custom jewelry
• Price range: $160
• Special services: Personalized and custom designs, custom resizing, repairs, free shipping on orders $200+, returns offered within 10 days on domestic orders

Kinn

Delanie baroque pearl earrings

Kinn

Mira sculptural cigar band

Kinn

Serena baguette tennis link bracelet

Kinn

Porter cigar band ring

Jean Dousset#

Jean Dousset may be the great-grandson of Louis Cartier, but his career has never been about resting on pedigree. With early training at Chaumet in Paris and an apprenticeship under Alain Boucheron, he quickly established himself as a force in high jewelry, culminating in a role overseeing international exhibitions at Van Cleef & Arpels. But it was in 2010—when he opened his own showroom in Los Angeles—that Dousset began rewriting the rules on his own terms.

In April 2023, he made perhaps his boldest move yet: transitioning his entire brand to lab-grown diamonds. The pivot wasn’t just about ethics—it was about creative freedom. “Lab-grown diamonds have freed us from the constraints of rarity and price,” he told Vogue. “They allow designers to be more creative than ever before.” That creative license is on full display in Dousset’s recent work, including the bespoke engagement ring he designed for Paris Jackson: a five-carat vintage-inspired piece with distinctive metalwork and sculptural accents. “Jean brought a truly innovative approach,” Jackson told Vogue. “He collaborated with me to design a piece that beautifully integrated unique metalwork, silhouettes, and accents.”

Today, every Dousset diamond is lab-grown, GIA-certified, and set in designs that reflect both his Place Vendôme roots and a thoroughly modern sensibility. It’s jewelry that honors tradition—while giving it a long-overdue update.

• Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding jewelry, everyday fine jewelry, custom designs
• Price range: Pieces start at $1,200
• Special services: GIA-certified stones, custom designs, complimentary consultations, free shipping, 14-day returns

Jean Dousset

Olivia band

Jean Dousset

Chelsea emerald studs

Jean Dousset

Olivia ear climbers

Jean Dousset

Elle pear pendant

Blue Nile#

Blue Nile practically invented the modern online diamond-buying experience. Founded in 1999 with a then-radical idea—that transparency and education could actually elevate jewelry shopping—it quickly became the go-to destination for diamonds you could click to buy without stepping foot into a velvet-draped showroom. And in 2022, Blue Nile made another major move: it introduced lab-grown diamonds into its mix, proving that the future of fine jewelry is not just digital, but decidedly sustainable.

The brand’s lab-grown offerings are expansive, running the gamut from just-under-a-carat solitaires to over-four-carat showstoppers, all available at the click of a very well-manicured finger. And while many retailers have embraced lab-created stones, Blue Nile stands apart by offering GIA grading reports with every purchase—a move that brings mined-diamond-level rigor to the lab-grown space.

Custom engagement rings are still a major focus here, but the brand has also expanded into everyday wear: think classic tennis bracelets, diamond studs, and sleek stacking bands that feel elevated without tipping into OTT.

• Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding jewelry, everyday fine jewelry, custom designs
• Price range: Pieces start at $350
• Special services: Free secure shipping, free returns, diamond education, customizable Design Your Own Ring option, jewelry insurance, diamond price guarantee, professional appraisals, diamond buy-back option, product warranty, engraving services, ring sizing

Blue Nile

Illusion Smile necklace

Blue Nile

half tennis bracelet

Blue Nile

crossover ring

Blue Nile

two stone ring

Pandora#

Not your mother’s Pandora. Once known primarily for its charm bracelets and giftable price points, the Danish jewelry giant has undergone a chic reinvention. In 2022, it entered the lab-grown diamond space with a clear message: sustainability is the new status symbol. The stones are cut and polished using 100% renewable energy, set in recycled gold and silver, and IGI-certified at 0.50 carats and above.

To mark the shift, the brand launched its “Diamonds for All” campaign featuring Pamela Anderson, Grace Coddington, Precious Lee, and Amita Suman—an eclectic, intergenerational cast that reflects Pandora’s new direction: inclusive, ethical, and refreshingly stylish. The lab-grown collection includes sleek asymmetric rings, polished bangles, and minimalist studs—all with the sort of effortless cool that feels right on time (and right for Gen Z).

• Styles offered: Everyday fine jewelry
• Price range: Pieces start at $290
• Special services: Free next-day shipping, two-year warranty, prepaid shipping label for returns, IGI certification and grading reports, recyclable gift-ready packaging, interest-free payment options, financing options, online orders can be picked up in-store within two hours

Pandora

Era single stone ring

Pandora

Era bezel stud earrings

Pandora

Era pavé bar necklace

Pandora

station hoop earrings

Stone and Strand#

Founded by Nadine McCarthy Kahane in 2013, Stone and Strand has always set out to make fine jewelry feel cooler, more conscious, and far less intimidating. Based in New York City, the brand strikes a balance between downtown edge and Fifth Avenue craftsmanship—producing its pieces in the same workshops as some of the industry’s biggest names.

That philosophy is especially clear in its Rathe collection, a line of lab-grown diamond pieces crafted with recycled gold and serious style. The designs range from playful (heart-cut studs, asymmetric silhouettes) to timeless (eternity bands, delicate pendants), all with a distinct minimalist-glam sensibility. It's fine jewelry that’s ethically made, editorially polished, and designed to mix, match, and wear on repeat.

With a SoHo storefront offering in-person styling and services, Stone and Strand invites you to shop sustainably—without sacrificing sparkle.

• Styles offered: Everyday fine jewelry
• Price range: Pieces start at $175
• Special services: Free shipping, 100-day product warranty, 100-day return window, gift wrapping

Stone & Strand

La Scala ring

Stone and Strand

diamond buoy huggies

Stone and Strand

diamond droplets necklace

Stone & Strand

Carnival bracelet

Idyl#

Idyl, founded in Antwerp in 2020, is turning the fine jewelry model on its head—with lab-grown diamonds and a modular design approach that’s equal parts elegant and ingenious. The concept? Minimalist base pieces (think dainty studs and delicate chains) that transform with interchangeable add-ons, taking you from desk to dinner with ease.

Every piece is crafted in Antwerp using traceable, conflict-free gold and rigorously vetted lab-grown diamonds—because sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With fans like Eva Longoria, Mila Kunis, and Kaia Gerber, Idyl’s vibe is quiet luxury meets low-effort versatility. These are the jewels you reach for daily—and layer forever.

• Styles offered: Everyday fine jewelry and high jewelry
• Price range: Pieces start at $275
• Special services: Free worldwide shipping and insurance, returns offered within 30 days

Idyl

Esme earring

Idyl

Joan earring

Idyl

Initial duo

Idyl

Hope bracelet

Kendra Scott#

Think you know Kendra Scott? Think again. The designer best known for her kaleidoscopic gemstones and bold silhouettes has recently taken a chic detour into the world of lab-grown diamonds—and the result is gorgeously minimalist. Her debut fine jewelry line, launched in 2024, is a noticeable shift: refined bands, delicate drop earrings, and whisper-thin pendants crafted with ethically made diamonds and pared-back elegance.

Each diamond is graded at or above H color and VS clarity, with stones 0.5 carat and above certified by the International Gemological Institute.

It’s a collection that still speaks to the Kendra Scott customer—approachable, warm, and sparkle-loving—but with a sleeker edge. For those used to her signature drusy stones and vibrant hues, the diamond edit offers something subtler: a timeless, everyday kind of luxury that doesn’t need to shout.

Styles offered: Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and watches
Price range: Pieces start at $25, with fine jewelry options reaching up to $8,995
Special services: Customizable jewelry through the Color Bar experience; lab-grown diamonds graded at or above H color and VS clarity, with stones 0.5 carat or higher certified by the International Gemological Institute.

Kendra Scott

pearl drop earrings

Kendra Scott

Elisa pendant necklace

Kendra Scott

Elisa statement ring

Kendra Scott

Elisa stud earrings

Jennifer Fisher#

Jennifer Fisher has always approached jewelry as deeply personal—and deeply powerful. The designer, known for redefining modern essentials with her signature hoops and dog tags, entered the lab-grown diamond space not to jump on a trend, but to offer something meaningful. “I have a mine-cut stone that is of significant size,” she told Vogue, “and I don’t know who, if anyone, was harmed mining it. That doesn’t feel great.”

Her lab-grown collection, launched in early 2023, is a sharp departure from the micro pavé-drenched engagement offerings flooding the market. Think pinky rings with major emerald cuts, simplified martini-set studs, and substantial tennis necklaces made to sit perfectly whether your hair is up or down. "I stopped wearing my engagement ring on my wedding finger three years ago,” Fisher explains. “Now I wear it on my pinky—and people literally stop me on the street."

Designed in 18k gold, her pieces favor substantial, single-stone silhouettes over sparkle overload. “The market is already saturated with pavé,” she says. “People want one visually extraordinary stone—not a bunch of tiny ones shoved into a setting.”

Though she doesn't plan to expand into traditional engagement rings, Fisher has found that women—particularly those buying for themselves—are gravitating toward her lab-grown pieces as milestone markers: for anniversaries, divorces, or just the joy of wearing a serious rock on any finger they please. “They’re not buying them to be subtle,” she says. “They’re buying them because they want a stone that feels bold, modern, and truly theirs.”

Styles offered: Rings, tennis necklaces, diamond studs
Price range: Pieces start around $3,000
Special services: Simple, signature settings; lab diamonds set in 18k gold; direct-to-consumer model with personal consultation

Jennifer Fisher

thread hoops

Jennifer Fisher

tennis necklace

Jennifer Fisher

Anniversary ring

Jennifer Fisher

tennis bracelet

Noémie#

​Founded in 2016 by designer Yuvi Alpert, Noémie is a New York-based fine jewelry brand that's redefining luxury with a direct-to-consumer model. Noémie's collection features solid 18-karat gold and diamonds of VS clarity and F-G color, ensuring each piece meets high standards of quality and brilliance. The brand offers a range of designs, from timeless classics to modern styles, catering to diverse tastes. For those seeking personalized creations, Noémie provides custom design services, collaborating with clients to bring unique visions to life without additional design fees. ​

By overseeing the entire production process—from design to sourcing and manufacturing—Noémie delivers exceptional craftsmanship directly to consumers. This approach not only ensures quality but also offers fine jewelry at more accessible prices, making luxury attainable without compromise.

• Styles offered: Everyday fine jewelry, engagement rings, and custom designs
• Price range: Pieces start at $190
• Special services: Free insured shipping, free returns, custom designs, diamond price match guarantee

Noémie

cushion studs

Noémie

leaf vine bracelet

Noémie

Sunburst necklace

Noémie

circle earrings

Rare Carat#

Think of Rare Carat as your diamond-savvy best friend—only armed with AI, GIA gemologists, and access to over a million diamonds. Launched in 2016 as a search engine for comparing diamond prices (“Kayak for diamonds,” as it was dubbed early on), the platform has since evolved into one of the most trusted managed marketplaces in the lab-grown diamond space.

The brand’s lab-grown offerings lean into value and transparency without sacrificing quality. Their expansive inventory includes diamonds of every cut, carat, and clarity imaginable—many available with 360° HD imaging and grading reports from trusted labs like IGI and GIA. Every customer is paired with expert concierge support (yes, even via text), making it easy for first-time shoppers to navigate the process with confidence.

What sets Rare Carat apart? Its tech-forward model. “We’re using AI to analyze diamonds, predict value, and detect overpricing,” says founder Ajay Anand. Whether you’re shopping for a classic solitaire or a custom engagement ring with a personal twist, Rare Carat offers a data-driven path to diamonds—no jargon, no pressure.

Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding bands, loose diamonds
Price range: Lab-grown diamonds start around $500
Special services: AI-powered diamond value scoring, 360° HD imaging, free gemologist checks, 30-day returns, custom ring builder

Rare Carat

round solitaire bezel necklace

Rare Carat

classic tennis necklace

Rare Carat

Ligne drop earrings

Rare Carat

five-row flex cuff bracelet

To help guide your shopping journey, we tapped four jewelry experts to answer the most frequently asked questions about lab-grown diamonds. From the science behind the sparkle to their ethical implications, consider this your lab-grown cheat sheet.

A Brief History of Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds aren’t new, per se. The technology has been around for decades—General Electric produced the first batch in 1954—but early versions were largely industrial-grade, used for cutting tools, not rings. Only in the last decade has quality and accessibility caught up with demand. “The technology around lab-grown diamonds had been going on for a long time,” says Jean Dousset, “but had not reached the quality that it did a few years back.”

By the time the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) began grading lab-grown diamonds using the same scale as natural diamonds, Dousset knew the tide was turning: “That was a big breakthrough. The foremost authority in diamond grading acknowledging that these are two diamonds that are the same—with a different origin—meant the product was viable.”

What is a lab-grown diamond? Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

“Lab-grown diamonds are molecularly exactly the same as mined diamonds. In 2018, the FTC updated their definition of what a diamond is, reflecting that lab-grown diamonds are indeed ‘real’ diamonds,” says Strachan. “The only difference between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond is the setting in which it’s created—under heat and pressure in a controlled lab setting versus under heat and pressure in the earth.”

How are lab-grown diamonds made?

Lab-grown diamonds undergo the same formation process, just at warp speed in a lab. There are two primary methods to forming lab-created diamonds:

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): Mimics Earth’s natural diamond formation process using a small diamond seed, subjected to over 1.5 million pounds per square inch of pressure and temperatures above 2,000°F.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): Places a diamond seed into a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. The gas is heated until the carbon atoms crystallize on the seed, layer by layer.

"The ability to create diamonds in the lab means growers can control for the desired color, cut, clarity, and size,” says Strachan.

However, it’s worth noting that the process requires significant energy input. According to the Natural Diamond Council, CVD methods can consume 250–750 kWh of electricity per carat—comparable to running an average U.S. household for a month. The energy footprint varies widely depending on the lab’s source (renewable vs. fossil fuel).

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

With the naked eye, “it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between mined and lab-grown diamonds,” says Strachan. “Only a gemologist with the most trained eye is able to tell the difference, and even this is currently under scrutiny,” she adds. “I hear from many Dorsey customers that they layer a Dorsey lab-grown necklace next to a mined diamond necklace, and no one can tell the difference.”

What is the highest grade of lab-grown diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds can reach the highest grades of Flawless (FL) or Internally Flawless (IF) clarity, D color, and Super Ideal Cut. However, achieving these top grades remains rare.

“Although lab diamond technology has advanced tremendously, the highest color and clarity grades, such as D/FL and D/IF, are still difficult to achieve,” says Annie Chen, Brilliant Earth’s senior vice president of merchandising.

Do the 4 Cs apply to lab-grown diamonds?

The 4 C’s—color, clarity, cut, and carat weight—apply to lab-grown diamonds like to mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are evaluated by independent grading labs such as GIA, IGI, and GCal using identical standards. “Lab-grown diamonds are made of the same material as natural diamonds and have the same optical and chemical properties,” says Chen. “The higher the color and clarity, the rarer the diamond.”

Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value?

There’s no simple answer here. “Value,” as Fisher puts it, “isn’t always about resale.” The jewelry market still treats mined diamonds as rarer, and thus more valuable, but as Dousset points out, “Just because something costs less doesn’t mean it’s cheap. It’s about access—being able to buy the ring you actually want.”

Are lab-grown diamonds more ethical?

“Symbolically, the fact that we’re not digging into the ground to unearth diamonds resonates,” says Dousset. While lab diamonds still require significant energy, some labs—like Vrai’s—operate entirely on renewable power and produce zero emissions.

The better question may be: what’s the overall impact of a company’s operations? “It comes down to traceability,” says Chen. “That’s where the ethics lie.”

Meet the Experts

• Meg Strachan, founder and CEO, Dorsey
• Annie Chen, senior vice president of merchandising, Brilliant Earth
• Jean Dousset, founder of Jean Dousset
• Jennifer Fisher, founder and designer, Jennifer Fisher Jewelry