What are lab-grown diamonds and how are they created?

If you’re not familiar with this gemstone category, Magaña offers an easy-to-understand definition of diamonds that are grown in a laboratory or factory. “Although they have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical proprieties as a natural diamond, their growth structure and atomic level defects allow them to be readily separated from natural diamonds by a well-equipped laboratory such as GIA,” she says. As for the nitty-gritty scientific process with which lab-grown diamonds are made, Ong says it’s simple. “A small slither of a diamond, known as a ‘seed’ is put into a sealed chamber where immense heat and crushing pressure surrounds the stone for several weeks resulting in gases sticking to the seed and growing the diamond in size,” she says. “The final product is a rough diamond, ready to be cut and polished for use in jewelry,” Magaña adds that lab-grown diamonds form differently from mined diamonds, which is how specialists can distinguish them.

What are the sustainability factors for lab-grown diamonds?

Perhaps the biggest draw for customers when it comes to lab-grown diamonds is the ethical and sustainability considerations . For Ong, a few issues are surrounding mined diamonds (namely: supply chain transparency, environmental impact, and working conditions) and it seems she’s not alone in this sentiment. “As a brand that doesn’t focus on engagement rings, we’re seeing a huge demand from our customers in using lab-grown diamonds across all our product categories,” she says. “And due to the demand of lab-grown diamond options for brides, we are launching a bridal collection in April 2022.”

Are lab-grown diamonds graded similarly to mined diamonds?

Once a laboratory-grown diamond is fully formed, it undergoes a rating system similar to its mined counterpart. "The GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Reports specify the color and clarity of laboratory-grown diamonds, using the same 4Cs terms used for natural diamonds,” Magaña says. Once that process has been completed, the diamond can be purchased in a variety of ways ranging from a loose stone or engagement ring to a pair of dazzling earrings.

Are lab-grown diamonds simulated?

One way to not think of lab-grown diamonds is as imitations or simulants. “This is incorrect. Simulants—materials that simulate or imitate the appearance of diamonds, like cubic zirconia or moissanite—only look like diamonds,” Magaña says. “They have very different chemical and physical properties that allow trained gemologists to identify them easily.”

The 10 Best Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings of 2023

For many individuals, a pair of diamond earrings symbolize a rite of passage—a lifelong investment piece that can be passed down through generations. For a long time, mined diamonds were the only type of diamond used in jewelry, but during the middle of the 20th century, something significant happened.

“Laboratory-grown diamonds were originally introduced in the 1950s for industrial purposes,” GIA Research Scientist Dr. Sally Magaña tells Brides. She explains that in recent years, gem-quality laboratory-grown diamonds have grown in commercial popularity and availability. “With the advancement of technology and growing consumer demands, laboratory-grown diamonds have a legitimate place in the jewelry industry as long as they are properly disclosed.”

Meet the Expert

Dr. Sally Magaña is a GIA Senior Research Scientist whose area of expertise is diamond physics and diamond treatment and synthetics. She also has a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
Lynette Ong is the founder and creative director of Edge of Ember, a socially responsible and climate-friendly jewelry brand based in London.

This means you can get real diamonds for a fraction of the price of mined diamonds, and they can be a more sustainable and ethical choice, too. To help you find your perfect pair of earrings for your wedding day, we've researched the best options with this expert insight in mind. If you're looking for something classic and simple, you'll love the VRAI Solitaire Stud and the James Allen Diamond Drop Stud Earrings. Want to sparkle your way down the aisle? Opt for the gorgeous VRAI Duo Dangle Earring.

Read on for the best lab-grown diamond earrings on the market now.

Introducing VRAI x Brides: Shop our exclusive collection of lab-grown diamond jewelry, perfect for the big day and beyond.

In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Courtesy of VRAI

View On Vrai

Can you say glamorous? This gorgeous pair is giving us old Hollywood vibes that will shine from every direction on your big day. With a customizable 14k solid yellow or white gold dangling chain, this stunning design offers glam and sophistication all at once.

Price at time of publish: $750

VRAI

View On Vrai

A round brilliant cut diamond has timeless appeal, which is why investing in a pair of studs featuring this gorgeous cut is well worth your time. This set can be customized based on your preferred precious metal—we’re loving the 14k yellow gold combination.

Price at time of publish: $600

Clean Origin

View On Clean Origin

We’ve always loved the way pear cuts resemble a delicate teardrop, which is why these earrings from Clean Origin feel especially right. There are also three-carat size options depending on if you want a more delicate or bold look.

Price at time of publish: $1,535

Brilliant Earth

View On Brilliant Earth

A magical mosaic of round, marquise, and pear-shaped diamonds come together in this show-stopping pair of earrings from Brilliant Earth. This is the kind of jewelry investment you’ll wear for a lifetime.

Price at time of publish: $8,000

Clean Origin

View On Clean Origin

While the bezel setting has been around for centuries, it’s having a modern moment and feels at home in any minimalist's jewelry box. This gold pair from Clean Origin would look chic worn on their own or mixed with other charming studs.

Price at time of publish: $590

Edge of Ember

View On Edgeofember.com

Edge of Ember’s sparkling pavé hoop earrings is the perfect way to add polish to your look. Plus, they're so versatile they could be worn to everything from the engagement party to the actual ceremony. Also, if you’re rocking multiple piercings in one lobe, these hoops would look chic paired with a solid gold hoop beside them.

Price at time of publish: $675

Courtesy of Montserrat

View On Montserrat-nyc.com

The Línea Earring can be paired with any other earring(s) in your jewelry box and offers a unique twist on traditional jewelry. If you’re changing into a festive look for the reception, these would make an ideal accompaniment.

Price at time of publish: $160

Metal: 18K gold plated (yellow or white) | Setting: Prong | Diamond Shape: Round | Carat Weight: 0.4ct

Vrai

View On Vrai

Be still our hearts—these festive earrings are everything and more. With not one but two diamond shapes artfully assembled in a drop-earring silhouette, they’re the epitome of elegance. Also, you can purchase a single earring if you like to mix and match.

Price at time of publish: $1,650

Diamond Nexus

View On Diamondnexus.com

Balance a diamond’s sparkle with an accompanying pearl for a layered look. This is perfect for someone whose style leans toward the vintage-inspired side of the spectrum.

Price at time of publish: $390

Metal: 14k white, rose, yellow gold | Setting: Prong | Diamond Shape: Round | Carat Weight: 0.12ct

Courtesy of James Allen

View On Jamesallen.com

Simple and classic, these two-stone drop earrings may be minimalist but they’re anything but boring. 14k yellow gold is set into a prong setting with push-back earring backings to secure them comfortably. These earrings the perfect understated accessory for your big day.

Price at time of publish: $670

What To Look For in Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings

Certification

Edge of Ember Founder & Creative Director Lynette Ong notes that lab-grown diamonds go by many names. “Lab-grown, cultured, and man-made diamonds are all ways to describe diamonds created under high-pressure (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) in labs,” she says. “They are chemically, physically, and aesthetically identical to a mined diamond.” Because of this, an important thing to look out for when buying a pair of lab-grown diamond earrings is the certification (GIA has offered report services for laboratory-grown diamonds since 2007 and other companies like IGI also offer certification for lab-grown diamonds).

FAQ

What are lab-grown diamonds and how are they created?

If you’re not familiar with this gemstone category, Magaña offers an easy-to-understand definition of diamonds that are grown in a laboratory or factory. “Although they have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical proprieties as a natural diamond, their growth structure and atomic level defects allow them to be readily separated from natural diamonds by a well-equipped laboratory such as GIA,” she says.
As for the nitty-gritty scientific process with which lab-grown diamonds are made, Ong says it’s simple. “A small slither of a diamond, known as a ‘seed’ is put into a sealed chamber where immense heat and crushing pressure surrounds the stone for several weeks resulting in gases sticking to the seed and growing the diamond in size,” she says. “The final product is a rough diamond, ready to be cut and polished for use in jewelry,” Magaña adds that lab-grown diamonds form differently from mined diamonds, which is how specialists can distinguish them.
What are the sustainability factors for lab-grown diamonds?

Perhaps the biggest draw for customers when it comes to lab-grown diamonds is the ethical and sustainability considerations. For Ong, a few issues are surrounding mined diamonds (namely: supply chain transparency, environmental impact, and working conditions) and it seems she’s not alone in this sentiment. “As a brand that doesn’t focus on engagement rings, we’re seeing a huge demand from our customers in using lab-grown diamonds across all our product categories,” she says. “And due to the demand of lab-grown diamond options for brides, we are launching a bridal collection in April 2022.”
Are lab-grown diamonds graded similarly to mined diamonds?

Once a laboratory-grown diamond is fully formed, it undergoes a rating system similar to its mined counterpart. "The GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Reports specify the color and clarity of laboratory-grown diamonds, using the same 4Cs terms used for natural diamonds,” Magaña says. Once that process has been completed, the diamond can be purchased in a variety of ways ranging from a loose stone or engagement ring to a pair of dazzling earrings.
Are lab-grown diamonds simulated?

One way to not think of lab-grown diamonds is as imitations or simulants. “This is incorrect. Simulants—materials that simulate or imitate the appearance of diamonds, like cubic zirconia or moissanite—only look like diamonds,” Magaña says. “They have very different chemical and physical properties that allow trained gemologists to identify them easily.”

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Nicole Kliest has over nine years of experience writing in fashion. Her work has appeared on sites including Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, Cools, Popsugar, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle, among others.

Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide