Lab-Grown Diamonds
Everything You Should Know Before Buying a Lab-Grown Diamond
Choosing between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond is one of the biggest decisions many couples make today. Neither is the right choice for everyone. Our job is to help you understand the differences so you can make a decision you'll feel good about for years to come.
At Redmond Diamond Center, we believe the best decision is an informed one. Our goal isn't to convince you to buy a lab-grown diamond or a natural diamond. Our goal is to help you understand the differences, answer your questions honestly, and give you the confidence to choose the diamond that's right for you.
What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond.

It has the same chemical composition, crystal structure, hardness, brilliance, and fire as a natural diamond. The only difference is how it was formed.
Natural diamonds develop deep within the Earth over billions of years under intense heat and pressure. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technology that recreates the natural diamond-growing process in just a few weeks.
Once the diamond has grown, it is cut, polished, and graded just like a natural diamond.
Lab-grown diamonds are not cubic zirconia, moissanite, or other diamond simulants. They are genuine diamonds with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.
Without specialized gemological equipment, even experienced jewelers cannot reliably identify whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown simply by looking at it.
💎 Noam's Tip
Don't focus only on whether a diamond is natural or lab grown. Focus on finding a diamond you truly love. A beautiful diamond is still chosen one stone at a time, regardless of how it was created.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Created?
Lab-grown diamonds are created using one of two advanced growing methods: HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). Both produce real diamonds, and both are capable of creating beautiful, high-quality stones.
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
HPHT recreates the natural conditions found deep within the Earth by applying extremely high pressure and high temperature to a small diamond seed. Over time, the diamond crystal grows in much the same way a natural diamond forms beneath the Earth's surface.
This method has been used for many years and continues to produce exceptional lab-grown diamonds.
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
CVD uses a different approach. A thin diamond seed is placed inside a specialized chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. As the gases are heated, carbon atoms gradually bond to the seed, allowing the diamond crystal to grow layer by layer.

Today, many high-quality lab-grown diamonds are created using the CVD process.
Is One Better Than the Other?
Not necessarily. Both HPHT and CVD can produce outstanding diamonds. The growing method alone doesn't determine whether a diamond is more beautiful or higher quality.
Just like natural diamonds, every lab-grown diamond should be evaluated individually. Factors such as cut quality, transparency, proportions, and overall light performance have a much greater impact on a diamond's beauty than the method used to grow it.
Whenever possible, we recommend comparing diamonds in person rather than choosing one based solely on how it was created.
💎 Noam's Tip
Don't assume one growing method is automatically better than the other. A beautifully cut diamond with excellent light performance will almost always be more impressive than a poorly cut diamond, regardless of whether it was grown using HPHT or CVD.
Why Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Every client has different priorities, and that's why there isn't one right choice for everyone.

Many of our clients choose a lab-grown diamond because it allows them to own the diamond they truly want while spending much less than they originally expected. Others appreciate the opportunity to choose a larger diamond or a higher color and clarity while staying within a comfortable budget.
Lab-grown diamonds have given today's buyers more choices than ever before.
The right choice isn't about spending more or less. It's about understanding your options and selecting the diamond that best fits your priorities, your budget, and your story.
💎 Noam's Perspective
"One of the questions I hear almost every day is, 'Which would you choose?'
My answer isn't about what I would choose.
It's about how you'll feel about your decision years from now.
Every person values something different, and that's why there isn't one right answer for everyone."
Understanding Long-Term Value
One of the conversations I have with many clients is about long-term expectations.

I don't believe people should buy a diamond or a piece of jewelry as a financial investment. I believe you invest in something you'll enjoy wearing, celebrating, and creating memories with for many years.
Like most fine jewelry, diamonds are not purchased with the expectation of making money in the future. If there ever comes a time when you need to sell your jewelry because life changes or an unexpected situation arises, it's important to understand the market before you buy.
Lab-grown diamonds have become more affordable as production has increased, and today there is very little to no established second-hand market for them.
That doesn't mean a lab-grown diamond isn't the right choice. For many people, it absolutely is. It simply means you should make your decision with a clear understanding of both the advantages and the limitations.
💎 Noam's Perspective
"One of the questions I hear almost every day is, 'Which would you choose?'
My answer isn't about what I would choose.
It's about how you'll feel about your decision years from now.
Every person values something different, and that's why there isn't one right answer for everyone."
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Graded?
Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same four basic quality characteristics, often referred to as the 4Cs:
- Cut
- Color
- Clarity
- Carat Weight

These grading factors help describe a diamond's quality and appearance, regardless of how it was created.
At Redmond Diamond Center, we typically recommend lab-grown diamonds with grading reports from GIA or IGI. An independent grading report provides valuable information and helps you better understand the diamond you're considering.
While a grading report is an important part of the buying process, it shouldn't be the only factor in your decision. The goal is to find a diamond that matches your priorities, your budget, and the look you love.
💎 Noam's Tip
A grading report is an excellent guide, but it's only one part of the decision. The most important thing is choosing a diamond you'll enjoy wearing for many years to come.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, hardness, brilliance, and durability. The biggest difference is how they were formed.

For many people, the decision isn't about which diamond is better it's about which one best matches their priorities.
Natural Diamonds
- Formed naturally over billions of years beneath the Earth's surface.
- Each diamond is naturally rare and unique.
- Generally, cost more because of their rarity and limited supply.
- Historically have stronger recognition in the secondary market, although they should not be purchased as investments.
- Often chosen for their rarity, natural origin, and long history.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
- Created in a laboratory using advanced technology in just a few weeks.
- Produced using advanced growing methods, making them more readily available.
- Often allow buyers to purchase a larger or higher-quality diamond within the same budget.
- There is currently very little to no established second-hand market.
- Often chosen for their value, flexibility, and ability to maximize a budget.
Neither choice is right for everyone.

Some people value the rarity and natural history of a diamond that was formed billions of years ago. Others appreciate the opportunity to own a larger diamond or a higher color and clarity while spending less than they originally expected.
The best choice is the one that reflects your priorities, your budget, and how you'll feel about your decision for years to come.
💎 Noam's Tip
I never try to convince a client to choose a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond. My job is to explain the differences honestly, answer every question, and help you choose the diamond that's right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes.
They are real diamonds with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.
Can you tell the difference just by looking?
No.
Without specialized testing equipment, you cannot reliably identify whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown simply by looking at it.
Which grading report do you recommend?
For lab-grown diamonds, we typically recommend IGI or GIA grading reports.
Can I compare natural and lab-grown diamonds during my appointment?
Absolutely.
Many of our clients compare both before making their final decision.
Which one do you recommend?
There isn't one answer for everyone.
We believe the right choice is the one that matches your priorities, your budget, and how you'll feel about your decision in the years ahead.
How We Help You Choose
Choosing a diamond should never feel confusing or rushed.
During your private appointment, we'll take the time to understand what's most important to you, answer your questions honestly, and explain the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds in a clear, straightforward way.
You'll have the opportunity to compare different options, learn what affects a diamond's beauty and value, and choose the one that best fits your priorities and budget.
Our goal isn't to convince you to buy one type of diamond over another.

Our goal is to help you make a decision you'll feel confident about for years to come.
💎 Noam's Tip
The best appointments are never about selling. They're about helping you understand your options so you can make the decision that's right for you.
Schedule Your Private Consultation
Whether you're considering a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond, we're here to help you make an informed decision.
Visit our private Carlsbad showroom to compare diamonds side by side, ask questions, and receive honest, one-on-one guidance in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.
You'll never be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Our goal is to help you choose the diamond that feels right for you and that you'll enjoy for many years to come.