Lab Grown Diamond FAQs

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as mined diamonds. They are composed of pure crystallized carbon arranged in a diamond's characteristic cubic crystal structure.

The only difference is their origin: mined diamonds formed in the Earth over billions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created in laboratories over weeks using processes that replicate natural diamond formation conditions.

There are two primary methods: High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

HPHT: Replicates the extreme pressure and heat found deep in the Earth's mantle. A diamond seed is placed in carbon and subjected to approximately 1.5 million pounds per square inch of pressure and temperatures around 1,500°C.

CVD: Uses a carbon-rich gas mixture in a vacuum chamber. Microwave energy breaks down the gas, and carbon atoms deposit onto a diamond seed, building layer by layer.

No. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically different from cubic zirconia and moissanite.

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds (pure carbon). Cubic zirconia is zirconium dioxide—a completely different material often used as a diamond simulant. Moissanite is silicon carbide—also a different gemstone with distinct optical properties.

Lab-grown diamonds share all the properties of mined diamonds because they ARE diamonds. CZ and moissanite are different gemstones entirely.

Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same 4Cs standards as mined diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. Independent gemological laboratories like IGI (International Gemological Institute) evaluate and certify lab-grown diamonds.

Each certified diamond comes with a grading report documenting its specifications. Many lab-grown diamonds also have a laser-inscribed identification number on their girdle.

Yes. Like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can have inclusions and blemishes. These characteristics form during the growth process and are evaluated as part of the clarity grading.

Lab-grown diamonds span the full range of clarity grades, from Flawless to Included. Each stone is unique with its own individual characteristics.

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are available in a range of colors, from colorless (D-F on the GIA scale) to near-colorless (G-J) and beyond. Fancy colored lab-grown diamonds—including blue, pink, yellow, and other hues—can also be created by introducing specific trace elements during the growth process.

To the naked eye and most standard gemological tests, lab-grown and mined diamonds are indistinguishable. They share the same hardness, brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

Specialized laboratory equipment can detect subtle differences in growth patterns and trace element concentrations that indicate a diamond's origin. These differences do not affect the diamond's appearance or durability.

Standard thermal conductivity diamond testers will identify lab-grown diamonds as real diamonds because they have the same thermal properties as mined diamonds. These testers are designed to distinguish diamonds from simulants (like cubic zirconia), not to differentiate between lab-grown and mined diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds have the same durability as mined diamonds. They score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale—the highest possible rating—making them the hardest natural substance and exceptionally resistant to scratching.

They are suitable for everyday wear, including engagement rings, and will maintain their beauty over time with proper care.

Care for lab-grown diamond jewelry the same way you would care for mined diamond jewelry:

• Clean regularly with mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush
• Store separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching
• Remove before swimming in chlorinated water or using harsh chemicals
• Have settings inspected periodically to ensure prongs are secure

No. Lab-grown diamonds will not fade, cloud, or change color over time. They have the same stable crystal structure as mined diamonds, which means they maintain their appearance indefinitely.

The brilliance and fire you see in a lab-grown diamond will remain constant for generations with proper care.

Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 40-60% less than equivalent mined diamonds. A 1-carat lab-grown diamond ranges from approximately $800 to $2,000 depending on cut, color, and clarity grades, compared to $3,000-$8,000 for a mined diamond of similar quality.

Prices vary based on the 4Cs — cut quality and carat weight have the biggest impact.

The lower price reflects the more efficient production process, not lower quality. Mining requires massive infrastructure, land, labor, and a long supply chain with multiple intermediaries. Lab growing is more direct, and brands like Beyond Carat use a direct-to-consumer model that eliminates additional retail markups.

The diamonds themselves are identical in quality and composition.

Diamonds — both lab-grown and mined — are primarily personal purchases rather than financial investments. Mined diamond resale historically returns 20-40% of retail price.

Lab-grown diamonds offer superior upfront value, allowing you to purchase a larger or higher-quality stone for your budget. Think of it as an investment in the moment, not the market.

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds can be insured through all major jewelry insurance providers, including Jewelers Mutual and personal property riders on homeowner's policies.

Your IGI or GIA certificate provides the documentation needed for appraisal and insurance coverage. We recommend insuring any piece valued over $1,000.

Like all products driven by technology, lab-grown diamond prices have decreased as production methods have improved. This benefits consumers with better value.

The key advantage is that at current prices, you get significantly more diamond for your budget compared to mined alternatives.

Focus on the 4Cs: prioritize cut quality (Excellent or Very Good), then choose your preferred carat weight. G-H color and VS2 clarity offer the best value — they appear identical to higher grades without magnification.

Always insist on independent certification (IGI or GIA) and buy from a reputable jeweler with transparent sourcing.

Look for certification from recognized independent laboratories: IGI (International Gemological Institute) is the most common for lab-grown diamonds, while GIA (Gemological Institute of America) also grades lab-grown stones.

Each certificate documents the 4Cs and confirms the diamond's lab-grown origin.

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are available in all the same shapes, sizes, and qualities as mined diamonds. At Beyond Carat, we offer a range of settings and styles that can be paired with your choice of lab-grown diamond.

Contact our jewelry experts for help designing your perfect piece.

Yes. Every Beyond Carat order ships free via UPS 2nd Day Air with full insurance and signature requirement. We offer hassle-free 30-day returns with free prepaid shipping labels.

Your purchase is also backed by our lifetime manufacturing warranty.