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Lab-grown diamonds are a more affordable and sustainable way to . Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, anniversary gift, promotion present, or just because, choosing jewelry crafted with lab-grown diamonds means purchasing a piece that is—in many cases—40 to 50 percent less in price than natural diamonds. Not to mention: They are just as dazzling with an origin that is impossible to detect.
Up ahead, we break down the details on lab-grown diamonds and share the best places to buy excellent lab-grown diamonds, according to jewelers and gemologists.
The Best Places to Buy Excellent Lab-Grown Diamonds at a Glance
The Difference Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds
“There is no way to truly distinguish a , even under a microscope,” says Sacha Jarmon, gemologist and co-founder of . The main (and only) difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds is how they are created and sourced—either naturally in the earth and mined or in a lab. The end result is the same, and unless you have specialized equipment, you can’t tell which diamonds are naturally grown and which ones are lab-grown.
Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are virtually the same, but there are some distinct reasons why you might choose a lab-grown diamond over an earth-mined diamond. The main selling point—and the reason why many people choose lab-grown diamonds over natural diamonds—is that lab-grown diamonds are significantly more affordable. Since this process cuts out the mining process and is handled by fewer people throughout their creation, they are ultimately a lot more cost-effective.
Additionally, Jarmon notes that lab-grown diamonds are a more sustainable and ethical choice. Mining is a dangerous process that disrupts the environment and comes with a larger ecological footprint. Growing diamonds in a lab cuts out the dangerous mining process and is a smaller-scale operation that is more eco-friendly.
Despite being cheaper and having a different origin story, lab-grown diamonds are comparable to natural diamonds in terms of quality. “These days, most [lab-grown diamonds] from reputable jewelers or companies should come with a GIA certification when they reach 0.15 carat or larger,” Jarmon notes.
What is the Highest Grade of Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Since there isn’t a difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds, lab-grown stones are graded using the same criteria as earth-mined diamonds, says , a celebrity jeweler and the official jeweler for the Los Angeles Kings. This includes the 4 Cs, aka cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. “The highest grade for lab-grown diamonds would typically involve diamonds that exhibit exceptional qualities in each of these categories,” he explains.
Although the highest grade can vary depending on individual preferences, Kristy Cullinane, the co-founder of , says the highest grade of lab-grown diamonds is D color, FL clarity, and excellent or ideal cut. “This would be a colorless, flawless diamond,” she remarks.
What Is the Best Type of Lab-Grown Diamond?
Yadan says the best type of lab-grown diamond will depend on personal preference and priorities. “In general, high-quality lab-grown diamonds are those that exhibit excellent clarity, color, and cut,” he explains. “Diamonds with minimal inclusions and blemishes, a color grade of D to H (colorless to near-colorless), and a well-proportioned cut that maximizes brilliance and sparkle are typically considered desirable.”
It’s also worth considering diamonds certified by reputable gemology laboratories, such as the (GIA) or the (IGI). Yadan says these labs provide assurance of quality and authenticity.
In addition to ensuring diamonds are grown and cut properly, Cullinane says to ensure the sources are vetted for ethics and sustainability. “This will be the most stunning visually and the best option for the planet.”
If you’re shopping for lab-grown diamonds and not sure where to start, consider these top picks for the best places to buy excellent lab-cut diamonds, according to jewelry and gemstone experts.
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Best Place to Buy Engagement Rings: Brilliant Earth
Image Credit: Brilliant Earth Brilliant Earth is one of the best places to buy lab-grown diamond engagement rings, thanks to its user-friendly shopping experience. Under the on its site, the breaks down the shopping process based on categories such as the diamond itself, setting, shape, and overall style. If you’re only interested in lab-grown diamonds, you can narrow your search down based on the stone’s origin, too.
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Best Place to Buy Everyday Jewelry Pieces: Charles & Colvard
Image Credit: Charles & Colvard If you’re shopping for some classic everyday jewelry and want to splurge on a dainty diamond piece, is another one of the best places to buy excellent lab-grown diamonds. The retailer features a fine jewelry collection with both modern and timeless pieces, including several more customizable options (like ). For added sustainability, Charles & Colvard also uses recycled metals in its fine jewelry designs.
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Best Place to Buy Jewelry Gifts: Plum Diamonds
Image Credit: Plum Diamonds Plum Diamonds is a fantastic option for those shopping for jewelry gifts. From anniversaries to Mother’s Day, the jeweler offers a variety of designs featuring lab-grown diamonds. We love some of the more classic pieces — such as the , which costs under $1,000 — but you can also find several more modern and unique designs, including the or the .
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Best Place to Buy Wedding Bands: Jean Dousset
Image Credit: Jean Dousset Jean Dousset features a collection of gorgeous in a variety of styles. Whether you want something simple to match your minimalistic engagement ring or are looking to frame your vintage engagement ring with a detailed diamond band, there are plenty of options choose from.
In addition to using lab-grown and conflict-free diamonds, the online jewelry store also features handcrafted pieces made from 100 percent recycled gold, plus more conscious packaging, too, making it one of the more eco-friendly options.
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Best Place to Buy Diamond Pendant Necklaces: Blue Nile
Image Credit: Blue Nile There’s nothing more classic than a timeless diamond pendant necklace — and has one of the best collections. The online retailer carries dozens of designs featuring stunning and simple details for everyday wear. And, if you don’t find a pre-made piece you’re obsessed with, you can create your own custom piece online using the initiative. On a lower budget? Blue Nile has pieces for as low as $380, like this Mini Horseshoe Diamond Necklace.
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Best Online Jewelry Shopping Experience: Grown Brilliance
Image Credit: Grown Brilliance If you’re shopping with a certain criteria in mind, is worth a browse. The online retailer breaks down the shopping experience by shape, style, setting, design, and more. So, even if you don’t have any jewelry shopping experience, you can feel confident in your purchase decision. Additionally, it’s a one-stop shop for all things lab-grown jewelry, with everything from and to and even some .
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Best Place to Buy Tennis Bracelets: Clean Origin
Image Credit: Clean Origin Tennis bracelets reign as one of the most popular jewelry trends of the moment. And, with so many diamonds sprinkled across your wrist, they can rack up quite the price tag, too. If you want a better deal on a diamond tennis bracelet, consider of lab-grown diamond designs. The online jeweler features everything from minimalist and classic (like for under $1,100) to modern and bold.
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