What is a Diamond?

A diamond is more than just a beautiful gem—it’s a marvel of nature. Made entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a super-strong crystal structure, diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring material on Earth. In their purest form, they’re completely colorless, but small traces of other elements, like nitrogen or boron, can create stunning colors ranging from soft yellows to deep blues.

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, under intense heat and pressure, over the course of millions—or even billions—of years. It’s this process of nature that gives each diamond its one-of-a-kind character.

The diamond’s characteristic brilliance and fire, which gives them their sparkle and ability to reflect and refract light, is unmatched in nature. Based on precise mathematics developed by Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919, the modern round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond cut due to its superior sparkle and brilliance. That diamonds can also be cut in endless variations such as emerald cut, cushion cut, and even fantasy cuts, makes them the most versatile gemstone for creating stunning jewelry pieces.

Beyond their physical qualities, diamonds have carried powerful symbolism for centuries, representing love, wealth, and timeless beauty. That’s part of why they remain the top choice for engagement rings and other meaningful jewelry pieces.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds (also called synthetic or man-made diamonds) are real diamonds—but instead of forming underground, they’re grown from diamond “seeds” in high-tech labs that mimic the same conditions.

Here’s what’s important to know: lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and visually the same as earth mined diamonds. You won’t be able to tell the difference just by looking, and neither can anyone else.

To distinguish lab-grown from earth mined diamonds, gemologists use specialized tools to check for a combination of non-visible distinctions like laser inscriptions, subtle growth patterns, and the absence of certain inclusions.

Benefits Of Lab-Grown Diamonds

There are real perks to buying a lab-grown diamond:

• More Affordable – Lab-grown diamonds cost significantly less than mined diamonds of the same size and quality. That means you can get a bigger or higher-quality diamond for less.
• Ethically Sourced – Since there’s no mining involved, you avoid any issues tied to conflict diamonds or unsafe labor practices.
• Environmentally Friendly – While growing diamonds does use energy, it avoids the large-scale environmental disruption that comes with mining. Many labs now use renewable energy as well.
• High Quality – Controlled lab conditions allow for consistently high clarity and color with fewer “flaws” or inclusions.
• They are real diamonds – These aren’t imitations like cubic zirconia or moissanite. Lab-grown diamonds have the same sparkle, hardness, and beauty as earth mined diamonds.
• You can buy rare colors that are otherwise out of reach – although mined diamonds can appear in lovely colors from pink to blue to green, many colors are exceedingly rare and therefore very expensive, putting them beyond many budgets. Laboratories can grow diamonds in vivid colors that are affordable! Now you can own that peachy-pink colored diamond you love without breaking the bank.

Benefits Of Earth Mined Diamonds

• Rarity & Long-Term Value: Earth mined diamonds tend to hold some value over time due to their relative rarity and market demand. They are often viewed as heirloom pieces to be passed down to future generations.
• Traditional Prestige: For many, owning an earth mined diamond gives a sense of tradition and authenticity that can’t be replicated in a lab.
• Ethical Improvements: With growing awareness, most earth mined diamonds today are ethically sourced. Programs like the Kimberley Process aim to eliminate conflict diamonds, and mining companies are taking steps to improve environmental and social responsibility.