Types of Lab Grown Diamonds: A Comprehensive Guide

For jewelry lovers looking for an ethical and budget-efficient alternative to mined diamonds, lab grown diamond has grown to be a preferred choice. By learning the different Types of Lab Grown Diamonds, you can make a wise decision. In this guide, we will take a look at the types, the features, and the advantages it offers over natural diamonds and other gemstones.

What are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds, which are often called synthetic, created, or cultured diamonds, are made in controlled environments that mimic natural diamond-forming conditions. The process guarantees lab grown and mined diamonds have the exact same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as any other diamond (same brilliance, hardness, etc. — reduced or no ethical or environmental issues of mining.) These gems are commonly produced using techniques such as CVD and HPHT (described below).

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Types of Lab Grown Diamonds Based on Production Method

There are two main types of lab grown diamonds based on the method used to produce them: High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Now, let’s take a deeper dive and go into what makes each of these types so unique.

High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) Diamonds

HPHT diamonds are created by replicating the extreme pressures and temperatures of the Earth’s mantle. Over the years, this technology has improved to create diamonds faster but without losing the quality of the gem. A closer look into HPHT diamonds.

• Process: HPHT diamonds are produced in enormous presses that can produce pressure as high as 5-6 GPa and different temperature levels of over 1,300°C, similar to the GIA’s research on exactly how these treatments duplicate problems that happen in nature to cause the formation of diamonds.
• Strength: HPHT diamonds are very hard and durable, outdoing the hardness of natural diamonds, making them suitable for everyday use.
• Color & Clarity: The majority of HPHT diamonds are inclusion-free, as some elements that cause growth inhibition can often be eliminated in HPHT production. This means they tend to get higher clarity grades as well. HPHT diamonds are typically found in colorless and near-colorless grades, making them desirable for buyers interested in a more classic look.
• Price: HPHT diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds but may be more expensive than CVD diamonds because of the difficulty involved in creating them.

For an in-depth guide on how to differentiate HPHT and natural diamonds, read our post Moissanite vs Diamonds: What’s the Difference?.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Diamonds

CVD is a newer technology that deposits carbon-rich gases in a vacuum chamber to create diamonds, where carbon atoms stack on top of each other on a diamond seed to build upon the crystal structure. With the advantage of being able to control the size and quality of the diamond, CVD is ideal for commercial production.

• Method: During CVD, gases such as methane are decomposed at elevated temperatures, releasing carbon atoms that attach to a diamond seed layer and deposit and build up unit by unit. This meticulous process enables consistent quality and frequently yields diamonds with few inclusions.
• Durability: Like HPHT diamonds, CVD diamonds are dense and hard; therefore, they hold structural integrity and are perfect for rings, necklaces, and bracelets worn often.
• Color And Clarity: In rare cases, CVD diamonds may display a slight brown color; however, this can be remedied using color treatments to produce a colorless or near-colorless appearance. James Allen offers great prices if you’re looking for budget diamonds without sacrificing quality.
• Cost: CVD jewels are generally cheaper than HPHT diamonds because the manufacturing process is faster and less energy-consuming.

Want more affordable diamond alternatives? Read: Eco-Friendly Moissanite Engagement Rings Alternatives to Diamonds

Types of Lab Grown Diamonds Based on Appearance

Lab diamond appearance can be of any clarity, color, and with or without a tint. From the way they look, here are the primary varieties.

Colorless Lab Grown Diamonds

Topping the popularity list are colorless diamonds, which can be rated anywhere from D (colorless) to Z (lightly colored). These diamonds are made to closely resemble natural diamonds, which makes them perfect if you’re looking for a classic, timeless look.

• What Are They Good For: The absence of color in these stones can provide them with unmatched sparkle, making them the perfect choice for engagement rings as well as earrings and necklaces.
• Availability: Blue Nile, Amazon, and James Allen offer colorless lab grown diamonds in various shapes and carat sizes. The diamonds at Blue Nile are certified, assuring the buyer.
• Clarity Factors: If you know where to shop, such as James Allen, which allows users to view diamonds at 10x magnification, high-clarity, virtually inclusion-free colorless diamonds can often be found at competitive prices.

Colored Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab created colored diamonds have become very popular recently and offer a fresh option to the standard clear diamond. Depending on trace constituents added during the growth process and/or through post-growth treatments, these diamonds can be produced in colors such as pink, blue, yellow, and green.

• Special Charm: These stones are appreciated for their craft and uniqueness, often used as custom-made jewelry. They are great for statement rings, pendants, and even unique engagement rings.
• Availability: Colored lab grown diamonds are available in various colors on Amazon, which offers colored diamonds in pink, blue, and yellow at price levels that are very approachable versus natural colored diamonds.
• Common Colors and Applications: Pink and yellow diamonds are some of the most popular engagement ring options for those looking for a unique jewelry piece that is still timeless.

If you want to learn more about the various options in gemstones, check out our posts on Real Gem Necklaces and Moonstone Engagement Rings featuring natural and lab created stones.

Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds

There are many advantages over natural diamonds that drive eco-conscious consumers and value-seekers to truly consider a lab grown diamond.

• Environmentally Sustainable: Lab created diamonds have a smaller environmental footprint than mined diamonds since they need less land use and emit fewer carbon emissions. Lab grown diamonds are also, by nature, more sustainable than their mined counterparts, according to the Diamond Producers Association.
• Affordability: Lab grown diamonds are usually cheaper than natural diamonds—around 20-40% less. If you want to save while still getting a stunning looking diamond, the best choice is lab diamonds.
• Ethical Option: Lab grown diamonds are made in pure laboratory conditions; hence they do not involve mining and the controversies surrounding “blood diamond issues.” With many consumers choosing lab diamonds to prevent conflict regions.

If you seek more Eco-Friendly Jewelry, check out our Eco-Friendly Moissanite Engagement Rings.

Picking the Right Type of Lab Grown Diamond

When it comes to choosing the ideal lab created diamond, it is a balance between brilliance, carat weight, price range, and tint.

Clarity and Carat Weight

In order for a diamond to sparkle, it also requires clarity. Typically, lab grown diamonds with a higher clarity grade, such as VVS or VS, are more visually appealing. Carat weight influences the diamond’s size and is a major factor in price.

• Shopping High Clarity: On sites like James Allen, diamonds can be viewed up close to inspect clarity, so you can find the right balance of clarity and size for your budget.
• Getting More For Your Money: You can find larger diamonds at better prices on Amazon, with various carat weights at competitive rates.

Budget and Purpose

Because lab grown diamonds are offered across a range of prices, they make an excellent option for engagement rings and pieces suited for more casual or custom wear. Identifying your purpose and budget can help narrow down your options.

Blue Nile’s options are affordable within any budget. Lab grown diamonds offer better quality while still saving money.

If you’re open to alternative stones, see our Guide on Low-Cost Alternatives: Consider Moissanite vs Diamonds.

Quick Comparison of HPHT vs. CVD Diamonds

Conclusion

Lab created diamonds are a more sustainable, budget-friendly choice than mined diamonds and come in a variety of styles for every taste. Each type, whether HPHT or CVD, colorless or colored, has its own beauty and benefits.

For more insights, explore our posts on 2 Carat Lab Grown Diamonds and Simulated Diamond vs Moissanite if you are still deciding which diamond suits you.

This guide is meant to arm you with the knowledge needed to make an informed, data-based decision to help you find the diamond that best matches your style, budget, and values.

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BLUE NILE

Blue Nile is one of the biggest and most recognized online jewelry retailers, offering an extensive and exclusive inventory. Their high-resolution images are improving and getting closer to the quality offered by James Allen, while their prices remain highly competitive. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 30% savings on jewelry during a limited-time sale.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THEM:

• 30-day no-questions-asked return policy, with a prepaid shipping label provided by Blue Nile.
• Lifetime warranty on all purchases.
• Free shipping on every order.
• Complimentary services every six months, including prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating, and cleaning.
• Insurance appraisal included with your purchase.
• One free resizing within the first year.
• High-quality images available for roughly half of their diamond selection.
• 24/7 customer service support.
• Full credit toward future upgrades, as long as the new item is at least double the value.
• Best-in-class order fulfillment process.

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JAMES ALLEN

James Allen is a top leader in online diamond sales, offering cutting-edge imaging technology that lets you inspect diamonds as if you were using a jeweler's loupe. With the largest exclusive selection of loose diamonds available online and excellent pricing, they also boast one of the finest collections of lab-created diamonds on the market. They currently run a 25% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THEM:

• 30-day no-questions-asked return policy, with a prepaid shipping label provided by James Allen.
• Lifetime warranty on all purchases.
• Free international shipping.
• Complimentary prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating, and cleaning every six months.
• Insurance appraisals included with purchases.
• One free resizing within 60 days of purchase.
• Free ring inscriptions available.
• Best-in-class high-quality imagery for every diamond in stock.
• 24/7 customer support.
• Premium, best-in-class packaging.

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