What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Full stop. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to diamonds that form deep beneath the earth's surface — the only difference is where they begin their journey.
Instead of being mined from the ground over billions of years, lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology that replicates the exact conditions under which natural diamonds form. The result is a gemstone with the same crystal structure, the same hardness (a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale), the same brilliance, and the same fire.
When a gemologist examines a lab-grown diamond under magnification, they see the same characteristics they would in a mined stone. That's because it is the same stone — just with a different origin story.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
There are two primary methods used to create lab-grown diamonds, and both produce stunning results.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
CVD is the most common method used today. A thin "seed" of diamond is placed inside a sealed chamber, which is then filled with carbon-rich gas (usually methane) and heated to extreme temperatures. The gas breaks down, and carbon atoms deposit layer by layer onto the seed, gradually building a full diamond crystal. The process typically takes two to four weeks.
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
HPHT mimics the natural conditions found deep within the earth. A diamond seed is placed inside a press and subjected to temperatures above 2,700°F and pressures exceeding 1.5 million pounds per square inch. Under these intense conditions, carbon dissolves and crystallizes around the seed, forming a diamond. This method has been used since the 1950s and produces exceptional quality stones.
Both methods create diamonds that are indistinguishable from mined diamonds without specialized laboratory equipment designed specifically to detect the difference in growth patterns.
Lab-Grown vs. Mined: What's the Difference?
The honest answer? When it comes to the diamond itself — nothing you can see, feel, or measure in everyday life.
Composition: Identical. Both are pure crystallized carbon.
Hardness: Identical. Both score 10 on the Mohs scale — the hardest natural substance on earth.
Brilliance and fire: Identical. Both refract and reflect light the same way.
Durability: Identical. Both will last generations without degrading.
The differences lie in origin, environmental impact, and price:
- Origin: One forms over billions of years deep underground. The other forms over weeks in a laboratory.
- Environmental impact: Lab-grown diamonds require significantly less land disruption, water usage, and energy per carat than traditional mining operations.
- Price: Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 30–50% less than mined diamonds of comparable quality, because the supply chain is shorter and more efficient.
Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Are the Ethical Choice
Choosing a lab-grown diamond means choosing transparency. You know exactly where your stone came from, how it was made, and that its creation didn't contribute to land displacement, unsafe labor conditions, or environmental damage associated with large-scale mining operations.
At Shine & Bond, we don't offer lab-grown diamonds as an alternative — they're our standard. We believe that modern jewelry should reflect modern values: beauty without compromise, brilliance without harm, and luxury that feels good in every sense.
The Shine & Bond Lab Diamond Collection
Every piece in our collection is handcrafted in 14K solid gold — not plated, not filled, but solid gold built to last a lifetime. Seventy-five percent of our pieces feature lab-grown diamonds as the centerpiece.
Explore by category:
- Necklaces — From the beloved Cathy's Heart Lab Diamond Necklace at $950 to our stunning Lab Diamond Drop Necklace at $3,800
- Rings — Our Classic Lab Diamond Eternity Band with full pavé sparkle starts at $980, with styles up to $3,300
- Bracelets — The iconic Tennis Lab Diamond Bracelet collection ranges from $2,000 to $4,000
- Earrings — Our most giftable category, with lab diamond huggies and hoops from $680 to $800
Every order ships free in our signature packaging — and for pieces over $1,000, Afterpay lets you split your purchase into four interest-free payments.
Caring for Your Lab Diamond Jewelry
Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable as mined diamonds and require the same simple care:
- Clean regularly with warm water, a drop of mild soap, and a soft cloth
- Store separately to prevent scratching against other jewelry
- Remove before applying lotions, perfumes, or cleaning products
- Avoid wearing during heavy exercise or manual labor
With proper care, your lab-grown diamond jewelry will sparkle for generations.
The Bottom Line
Lab-grown diamonds aren't a trend or a compromise — they're the future of fine jewelry. They offer the same breathtaking beauty as mined diamonds, with a clearer conscience and a more accessible price point.
At Shine & Bond, we craft every piece with intention. Our lab-grown diamonds are ethically created, brilliantly real, and set in 14K solid gold that's designed to be your everyday companion — not a locked-away luxury.
Ready to find your forever piece? Shop the full collection or visit us at one of our pop-up events across Southern California.