Frequently Asked Questions

A lab grown diamond is a real diamond. Same carbon crystal structure, same hardness, same brilliance as a mined diamond. The only difference is origin: one forms over billions of years underground; the other grows in weeks or months in a controlled environment using technology that replicates that same process. The result is physically, chemically, and optically identical. Learn more about what lab grown diamonds are.

Yes, lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds with the same sparkle, hardness, and durability as mined diamonds. Diamonds, whether mined or lab grown, are simply carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure, then cut and polished into their brilliant shape. Lab grown diamonds are graded by the same gemological laboratories, including GIA and IGI, using the same standards applied to mined diamonds. They're not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They are diamonds. Read More: Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?

Lab grown diamonds are created using two methods:

• HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature): Simulates the extreme heat and pressure found deep underground. 
  A diamond seed is placed in a chamber and exposed to over 1600°C and intense pressure, causing carbon atoms to bond and grow into a diamond crystal.
• CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): Grows diamonds layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas.
  A diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. With high heat and ionized gases, carbon atoms slowly layer onto the seed, growing the diamond crystal over time.

Both methods produce real, gem-quality diamonds that are indistinguishable from mined diamonds without specialized testing equipment. Read More: A deeper look at how lab grown diamonds are made.

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds test as real diamonds because they are real diamonds—same chemical composition, same physical properties. Standard diamond testers that measure thermal and electrical conductivity will detect them as diamonds, because there is nothing to distinguish.

Visually, no—even by trained jewelers. Lab grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds to the naked eye and even under magnification. While standard diamond testers that measure thermal conductivity cannot distinguish between the two, advanced gemological tools that measure spectroscopy and photoluminescence can identify characteristics that suggest it may be lab-grown. 

The most reliable method to tell the difference is a grading report from a trusted gemological institute, which uses advanced techniques to determine a diamond's origin. Grading reports will clearly indicate whether the diamond is man-made. Graded diamonds will also have a laser-inscribed serial number on the girdle that is visible under magnification. Lab grown diamonds will have the term "Laboratory-Grown" or the letters "LG" preceding the report number.

Yes. All of our loose lab grown diamonds and most lab grown diamond jewelry with diamonds measuring 2 carats and above are certified by leading gemological laboratories such as IGI, GCAL, or GIA, just like mined diamonds, to ensure quality, authenticity, and transparency.

One note worth knowing: as of October 2025, GIA changed how it grades lab grown diamonds, issuing "Premium" or "Standard" quality tiers rather than individual color and clarity grades. IGI and GCAL continue to apply full 4Cs grading (D-to-Z color, individual clarity grades) to lab grown diamonds. If precise grades matter when you're comparing stones, look for IGI-certified or GCAL-graded diamonds.

Yes. Lab grown diamonds cost significantly less than comparable mined diamonds, and the gap widens considerably at larger carat weights. The reason isn't lower quality. It's what's been removed from the price: the overhead of traditional mining and distribution, tightly controlled supply, and over a century of marketing investment built into every mined diamond sold. The diamond itself — the carbon, the cut, the certification, the brilliance — is identical. 

To put it in real numbers: a 1-carat lab grown diamond of comparable quality runs roughly $750–$1,200 versus $5,000–$7,000 for mined. At 2 carats, that gap reaches $10,000 or more. At 3 carats, a top-quality mined diamond can cost $50,000–$100,000+; a comparable lab grown stone runs $2,500–$5,000. 

Lab grown diamonds require fewer natural resources than mined diamonds, have a lower environmental footprint, and sidestep the social and ethical concerns associated with traditional mining. They're created in a controlled environment using technology rather than large-scale extraction. If those factors matter to your decision, lab grown diamonds offer a meaningful distinction.

Lab grown diamonds, like mined diamonds, lose significant value on the secondary market relative to what you paid at retail, typically far more than most buyers expect. Neither type of diamond is a reliable store of value. What lab grown diamonds offer is meaningfully less financial exposure from the start. A stone that costs $1,500 losing 70% of its value is a very different outcome than a $15,000 stone doing the same. Buy a diamond to wear it, not to sell it.

We'll be honest: no diamond is a good investment.

Neither lab grown nor mined diamonds perform reliably as financial assets. Mined diamonds do have a more active secondary market, but actual resale outcomes tend to disappoint. Most buyers recover a fraction of what they paid at retail. Lab grown diamonds cost substantially less to begin with, which means less financial exposure regardless of resale performance.

Fine jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed, not purchased as a financial strategy. The ring has the same meaning whether it costs $3,000 or $30,000. What you do with the difference — your home, your future, your next adventure — is up to you.

Lab grown diamonds are just as durable as mined diamonds (10 on the Mohs scale). You can clean them with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush, or with professional jewelry cleaning solutions. Make sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly. 

To maintain your lab grown diamond jewelry, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and high-impact activities, and remove jewelry before applying products like lotions and sunscreen. 

We specialize in premium lab grown diamonds and fine jewelry held to uncompromising quality standards. Every piece is custom-made with attention to detail. Not mass-produced, not built with lightweight mountings, and backed by transparent guidance so you know exactly what you're buying and why it's worth it. From first question to final delivery, our goal is to make the experience seamless, personal, and honest.

Most items are made-to-order and ship after approximately 4-5 weeks. Some jewelry such as stud earrings may be available more quickly and can often ship within 5-7 business days.

Please Contact Us if you would like to confirm the availability or lead time for a specific item.

You can view our full shipping policies here: Shipping Policy

Shipping is free for all U.S. orders. Free 2-Day shipping is provided for all orders, and Overnight shipping is free for orders over $2,500. 

Once your order is ready to ship, it will ship via UPS or FedEx and you will receive an email confirmation with the tracking number. All packages are insured and sent by Express 1 or 2-day delivery, with an adult signature required.

Yes, an adult signature is required upon delivery. Please ensure someone is available at the delivery address to sign for the package. We may contact you before shipping to confirm.

No. We can only ship to a physical home or business address. We do not ship to PO Box addresses or freight forwarders. At this time, we’re unable to ship internationally.

If you have special delivery instructions, need an item by a specific date, or have questions regarding shipping, you can contact us at hello@labgrowndiamonds.com.

We offer free returns within 30 days of delivery for eligible items, provided they’re in original, unworn condition with tags/labels and original documentation.

You can view our full return policy here: Return & Refund Policy

Contact us at hello@labgrowndiamonds.com within 30 days of delivery to initiate a return. We will provide a prepaid return label and instructions for insured shipping.

We provide a prepaid label for insured shipping when you initiate a proper return. However, if you drop off incorrectly, use the wrong carrier, or alter the label, you may void eligibility for the return.

Yes — if the diamond paperwork or packaging is missing, there’s a $75 restocking fee. Also, items that have been resized, exchanged, customized, or previously altered are considered final sale and are not eligible for return.

After we receive and inspect the returned item, we’ll process your refund within 5-7 business days to your original payment method. For credit cards, allow up to one billing cycle for the credit to appear.

Yes — if you ordered an engagement ring or wedding band and it doesn’t fit, we’ll resize for free within one year of purchase and within 1.5 sizes up or down. Eternity‐style bands cannot be resized.

Items that have been worn, are outside the return window, or have been exchanged/resized/customized must be handled as an exchange on a case-by-case basis — please contact hello@labgrowndiamonds.com for assistance.

All of our jewelry is covered by our 180-day warranty, which protects against manufacturing defects and workmanship issues.

You can review the full warranty details here: Warranty