What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

A laboratory-grown diamond is a diamond that is grown in a facility. “Instead of taking millions or billions of years to grow under the earth’s surface, advanced technology is used to grow diamonds over days or weeks,” Azar explains. Though their origin stories are vastly different, “laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as diamonds that form in the earth,” she adds.

How Do You Choose Necklaces for Your Wedding Day?

Unless your style is bold and defined by eschewing tradition, you’re better off with a timeless necklace for your wedding day. Unlike other formal events where a statement necklace might make sense, for walking down the aisle and taking photographs that will last a lifetime, you can’t go wrong with a delicate chain necklace featuring a dainty diamond pendant.

Can You Wear a Necklace with a Strapless Wedding Dress?

Of course! While some brides might opt for only earrings with a strapless dress, a necklace can pair quite nicely so long as the chain is thin and delicate. Another option is to do a lightweight lariat necklace that drapes down the back rather than the front.

The 10 Best Lab Grown Diamond Pendants of 2022

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On the big day, your gown will be the star-style attraction, there’s no doubt about that. But as important as a beautiful white dress may be, the finishing touches are equally paramount—especially jewelry. Walking down the aisle, a glistening pair of earrings or delicate necklace can punctuate the romance of your wedding moment. In particular, a lab-grown diamond pendant is an elegant bauble which to polish off your look.

“When it comes to pendants, there are so many different styles to choose from and laboratory-grown diamonds come in all sizes, colors, and shapes making them versatile enough to be set in any pendant style,” says GSI President Debbie Azar. The industry expert notes that everything from solitaire pendants with a large single diamond to fashion pendants with many small (melee size) laboratory-grown diamonds are brought in to GSI’s labs for certification.

Meet the Expert

Debbie Azar is the President of Gemological Science International (GSI), an independent gemological organization that offers lab services, grading reports, education, and research.

Ahead, discover some standout lab-grown diamond pendants for your wedding day—plus, learn how these gemstones are created, what you need to look for when buying them, and plenty of other useful facts along the way.

Best Solitaire: VRAI Solitaire Pendant

When it comes to timeless jewelry pieces, nothing quite compares to a diamond solitaire. The setting on this VRAI necklace features an open-back gallery, which allows light to enter from all angles, resulting in more brilliance and sparkle.

Metal Type: 14K yellow, white, or rose gold | Diamond Shape: Round brilliant | Clarity: VS2+ | Carat Weight: 0.25ct | Chain Length: 16-18 inches

Most Unique: Brilliant Earth Kite Lab Created Diamond Pendant

A dainty necklace with an unexpected diamond, this pendant from Brilliant Earth features a slim cable chain and kite-shaped gemstone. Adding to its beauty, the prong setting allows the diamond to shine particularly bright.

Metal Type: 18K yellow or white gold | Diamond Shape: Kite | Clarity: SI | Carat Weight: 0.125ct | Chain Length: 18 inches

Best Classic: Lightbox Finest Lab-Grown Diamond Round Brilliant Solitaire Pendant

Lightbox Finest Lab-Grown Diamond 1ct. Round Brilliant Solitaire Pendant — Lightbox

For the classic bride who wants to wear something elegant and timeless down the aisle, this round brilliant pendant necklace crafted in 18K white gold ought to do the trick. The prong setting is sleek and simple and the delicate chain lets the gemstone steal the spotlight.

Best Oval: Ada Diamonds East-West Oval Pendant

Set East-West on a 16-inch chain, this gorgeous oval diamond is the perfect pick for a stylish bride. While the overall aesthetic still nods toward classic sensibilities, the setting and yellow gold translate this lab-grown diamond necklace to a contemporary context.

Metal Type: Platinum, 14K yellow, white, or rose gold | Diamond Shape: Oval | Clarity: VS2+ | Carat Weight: 0.35ct, 0.70ct, 1ct, 1.5ct | Chain Length: 16 inches

Best Fashion-Forward: Edge of Ember North Star Diamond Necklace

For a jewelry moment that feels equal parts modern and romantic, consider a unique pendant shape—like a star—featuring a petite diamond in the center. This option from Edge of Ember is small enough to feel effortless and dainty, while still lending a fashion-forward finish.

Metal Type: Recycled 14K yellow or white gold | Clarity: VVS1/2 | Carat Weight: 0.03ct | Chain Length: 16-18 inches

Best Bezel: Charles and Colvard Round Caydia Lab Grown Diamond Bezel Set Solitaire Necklace

Charles and Collard Round Caydia Lab Grown Diamond Bezel Set Solitaire Necklace — Charles and Collard

Bezel settings are well-known for the sleek, minimalist look and a lab-grown pendant necklace featuring a Bezel-set diamond is, unsurprisingly, a winning choice for your wedding day. While available in additional metals, we love rose gold for its romantic blush hue.

Metal Type: 18K rose gold | Diamond Shape: Round | Clarity: VS1 | Carat Weight: 0.50ct

Best Round: With Clarity Lab Double Bail Round Diamond Pendant

If you’re stuck on what type of necklace to wear on your wedding day, a round solitaire pendant is a breathtaking, versatile pick for all. This option is set on an 18-inch cable, a durable yet delicate-looking detail to help keep your pendant secure.

Metal Type: 14K white or yellow gold | Diamond Shape: Round | Clarity: SI | Carat Weight: 0.50ct, 0.75ct, 1ct | Chain Length: 18 inches

Best Cluster: Miadonna 3 Stone Cluster Necklace

For sparkle that packs a punch, consider a lab-grown pendant necklace designed in a cluster silhouette. This version comes on an adjustable 16 to 18-inch chain and the diamonds are arranged in a pyramid, resulting in a look that’s balanced and elegant.

Metal Type: 14K white, yellow, or rose gold | Diamond Shape: Round | Clarity: SI | Carat Weight: 0.25ct, 0.5ct | Chain Length: 16-18 inches

Best Halo: Helzberg Light Heart Lab Grown Diamond Halo Pendant

For the bride whose motto could be ‘the more sparkle, the better,' a halo pendant necklace is a fitting choice. This breathtaking option is crafted with 11 round brilliant cut lab-grown diamonds weighing around 0.25 carats and set on an 18-inch chain.

Metal Type: 14K white gold | Diamond Shape: Round brilliant | Carat Weight: 0.25ct | Chain Length: 18 inches

Best Three Stone: Stefano Navi Three Stone Drop Diamond Pendant

stefano-navi-three-stone-1ct-diamond-pendant — Stafano Navi

Placed in a vertical formation with glistening round diamonds all in a row, this three-stone pendant necklace is a unique pick for your wedding day. The yellow gold chain can be adjusted from 18 to 16 inches and the total carat weight is approximately 1ct, lending the right amount of sparkle without feeling heavy.

Metal Type: 14K yellow or white gold | Diamond Shape: Round | Clarity: VS1–VS2 | Carat Weight: 1ct total | Chain Length: 16-18 inches

What to Look for in Lab-Grown Diamonds

Perhaps the most important quality to look for in a laboratory-grown diamond is the certification from a reputable lab. “Just like with natural diamonds, a certificate for your laboratory-grown diamond jewelry is important because it will tell you the essential details, including the 4Cs [carat, cut, clarity, and color],” Azar says.

FAQ

What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

A laboratory-grown diamond is a diamond that is grown in a facility. “Instead of taking millions or billions of years to grow under the earth’s surface, advanced technology is used to grow diamonds over days or weeks,” Azar explains. Though their origin stories are vastly different, “laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as diamonds that form in the earth,” she adds.
How Do You Choose Necklaces for Your Wedding Day?

Unless your style is bold and defined by eschewing tradition, you’re better off with a timeless necklace for your wedding day. Unlike other formal events where a statement necklace might make sense, for walking down the aisle and taking photographs that will last a lifetime, you can’t go wrong with a delicate chain necklace featuring a dainty diamond pendant.
Can You Wear a Necklace with a Strapless Wedding Dress?

Of course! While some brides might opt for only earrings with a strapless dress, a necklace can pair quite nicely so long as the chain is thin and delicate. Another option is to do a lightweight lariat necklace that drapes down the back rather than the front.

Why Trust Brides

Nicole Kliest is a writer and editor with over eleven years of experience in the digital publishing industry. Her work has appeared on Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Condé Nast Traveler, among others and she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Pepperdine University.

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