What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

“A lab grown diamond is a diamond that has been grown in a laboratory, using technology that replicates the natural diamond-formation process,” explains Alex Popov, founder of Âme Fine Jewelry House . To create a lab-grown diamond, specialists start with a small “diamond seed” that is then inserted into “a high-pressure, high-temperature growth chamber” that “imitates the natural conditions in which diamonds are created naturally,” Popov notes. “Through the process of being exposed to such high temperatures and pressure, the carbon melts before forming a synthetic diamond around the seed, which transforms into a pure carbon diamond once cooled.”

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?

The cool thing about lab-grown diamonds is that these types of diamonds are chemically and physically no different from natural diamonds due to the technological process used to create them. Thanks to advanced technology, laboratories can recreate conditions in nature that cause diamonds to develop naturally. “Lab-grown diamonds are real and are totally indistinguishable from traditionally mined diamonds in both materiality and appearance,” explains Popov.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Cheaper?

One of the great things about lab-grown diamonds is their affordability factor. Popov says this is “mainly due to the shortened amount of time they take to produce in comparison to natural diamonds.” Additionally, because these diamonds are not mined and, therefore, don’t require as much work to go from earth to jeweler, they are much more cost-effective. While prices vary, a lab-grown diamond is typically around 20% more affordable than a natural diamond. In some cases, these diamonds can be upwards of 40% to 50% more affordable.

Why Buy Lab Grown Diamonds?

According to Popov, ethics is the main reason why someone might choose lab-grown diamonds over natural diamonds. “The production of lab-grown diamonds doesn’t impose the same ethical implications involved with mining naturally made diamonds, so people can shop with integrity,” explains Popov. “When buying lab-grown diamonds, people can maintain peace of mind knowing exactly where the diamond has come from, and that it was produced in a safe and managed environment.”

The 20 Best Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry Pieces of 2023

lab-grown-diamond-wedding-jewelry — Getty

When accessorizing with diamond jewelry on your wedding day, you might be looking for statement pieces that have the potential to turn into a family heirloom, or maybe you want something with timeless style that adds a touch of sparkle without overshadowing your dress. And, if that’s not your vibe, perhaps something more minimalistic that elevates your bridal style is more your thing. Whatever you are on the hunt for, lab-grown diamond jewelry is the way to go.

These dazzling diamonds come with just as much wow factor as their natural counterparts. The only thing that separates them from nature-made diamonds is that they originate from a lab. Lab-grown diamonds have become increasingly popular—especially when it comes to wedding jewelry—with a variety of cuts, styles, shapes, and colors (including hues that are rare in nature) to choose from. Perhaps their biggest selling points are their affordable price points and sustainability factor. Lab-grown diamonds are considered a more sustainable option than conventional diamonds, and many of them are even manufactured with zero carbon footprint. And, because they don’t require mining, they are a more cost-effective approach to diamond jewelry.

From engagement rings to statement necklaces, we share the best lab-grown jewelry pieces ahead.

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
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

vrai seven stone linked tennis necklace diamond necklace

Courtesy of VRAI

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Glitz and glam take center stage with this head-turning necklace from VRAI. This unique design features seven graduated round brilliant diamonds that are linked together to create a romantic and elegant finish to any bridal ensemble (and long after the big day, too). Choose from a 14k solid yellow or white gold chain to complement your style.

Price at time of publish: $1,500

Metal Type: 14K yellow or white gold | Diamond Shape: round | Carat Weight: 0.85 | Color: G-J | Clarity: VS2+

Blue Nile

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There’s something so timeless about solitaire stud earrings. This pair of princess-cut lab-grown diamonds are as dazzling as they are classic and can be worn with everything from a simple slip dress to a dramatic ballgown.

Metal Type: 14K white gold | Diamond Shape: Princess | Carat Weight: 1 | Color: J | Clarity: VS2

Brilliant Earth

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We love this classic necklace for the traditional bride. Graduating lab-grown diamonds set in 14K white gold create an elegant strand that can be worn solo on your wedding day or as a layering piece at your rehearsal dinner.

Price at time of publish: $18,500

Metal Type: 14K white gold | Diamond Shape: Round/square | Carat Weight: 17| Clarity: SI

Zales

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For a sophisticated drop earring that pairs well with swept-up hair, we love these diamond stick drop earrings. Crafted in 14K white cold and designed with bezel-set round diamonds, these earrings boast a waterfall effect that elongates the neck and adds a little extra sparkle without feeling too bold.

Price at time of publish: $1,129

Metal Type: 14K white gold | Diamond Shape: Round | Carat Weight: 1 | Clarity: SI2

Brilliant Earth

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Finding the perfect gift for wedding party members or special guests of honor, such as the mother of the bride, is no easy feat—which is why this diamond bracelet immediately grabbed our attention when we saw it. The silver chain bracelet includes a heart-shaped lab-created diamond and offers a universal style that any recipient would love.

Price at time of publish: $290

Metal Type: Silver | Diamond Shape: Heart | Carat Weight: 0.14 | Clarity: SI

Badgley Mischka Pear & Marquise Lab-Grown Diamond Cluster Earrings

Grown Brilliance

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When it comes to wedding day jewelry, use your earrings as an excuse to add some flair. These made our best list because of their unique floral style, which is sure to leave a lasting impression. We love these for the bride who isn't afraid of a statement-making piece.

Price at time of publish: $3,865

Metal Type: 14K white, yellow, or rose gold | Diamond Shape: Pear & marquise | Carat Weight: 3.98 | Clarity: SI1+

Brilliant Earth

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For the bride looking to accessorize with vintage-inspired pieces, we can’t take our eyes off these hoop earrings. Featuring a latch-back style to ensure secure wear and 28 dazzling diamonds, these small hoops hug the earlobe for a modern take on an antique design.

Price at time of publish: $995

Metal Type: 18K white/yellow gold | Diamond Shape: Round | Carat Weight: 1 | Clarity: SI

Brilliant Earth

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Your engagement ring needs a good co-star that can be worn as a duo or separately for a more dressed-down feel. This dazzling piece from Brilliant Earth is our top pick. With its timeless design and truly breathtaking sparkle, the French pavé round lab diamonds reach just far enough around the band to create a wrap-around feel for comfortable wear.

Price at time of publish: $2,690

Metal Type: 18K yellow/white gold, 14K rose gold, platinum | Diamond Shape: Round | Carat Weight: 1.25 | Clarity: SI1

Clean Origin

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When shopping for engagement rings online, the more customizable, the better. We love this design for its simplistic design that pairs beautifully with trendier stackable bands. On top of that, the metal is completely customizable with a wide range of options, including 14K white, yellow, and rose gold, 18K white and yellow gold, and platinum.

Price at time of publish: $820

Metal Type: 14K white/yellow/rose gold, 18K white/yellow gold, and platinum | Diamond Shape: Oval | Carat Weight: 1/20 | Clarity: VS/SI

Clean Origin

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A classic pair of diamond stud earrings are a must for every jewelry box, and we love this unique spin on a timeless design. The cluster of round diamonds adds some stylish but subtle flair to ears and would pair beautifully with a statement necklace. Available in both 14K white gold and 14K yellow gold, these stunning stud earrings can take you from aisle to honeymoon to happily ever after.

Price at time of publish: $490

Metal Type: 14K white/yellow gold | Diamond Shape: Round | Carat Weight: 1/2 | Clarity: VS/SI

Clean Origin

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Pendant necklaces add a touch of simplicity and sophistication to a bridal look. We love this one because it takes the classic pendant design and adds a little bit of spice with its unique starburst pattern and touch of personality. Made with 17 lab-grown round diamonds and available in 14K white gold, 14K yellow gold, and 14K rose gold, this starburst pendant is the perfect something new for your big day.

Price at time of publish: $2,030

Metal Type: 14K white/yellow/rose gold | Diamond Shape: Round | Carat Weight: 1.0 | Clarity: VS/SI

VRAI

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Tennis bracelets are classic statement pieces that are luxurious enough to wear on your wedding day but still casual enough for an everyday look after your wedding. If you’re looking for an investment piece for your big day, we love this tennis bracelet for its classic design and elegant feel. But, what makes it truly special—and what landed itself on our best list—is its eco-friendly creation. Each bracelet is made to order using recycled gold and sustainable lab-grown diamonds manufactured with zero carbon footprint.

Price at time of publish: $6,200

Metal Type: 14K yellow/white gold | Diamond Shape: Round | Carat Weight: 4.0 | Clarity: VS2+

Ritani

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There’s nothing more timeless than a vintage engagement ring. And, if you want something that boasts eclectic designs of the past with a more modern approach, we love this vintage-inspired setting and oval diamond. The 18K yellow gold, prong setting, and diamond-encrusted knife-edge style give it its charm, while the oval-shaped diamond adds a modern flair.

Price at time of publish: $1,560

Metal Type: 14K white gold, 18K yellow/white/rose gold, platinum | Diamond Shape: Oval | Carat Weight: 0.11 | Clarity: VS2

VRAI

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When it comes to wedding day hoops, less is more in terms of size. We love these hoop earrings because they are classy enough to wear on their own or, if you have double piercings, as a second set along with something that makes more of a statement. On top of that, we love a style that feels bridal enough for the big day but universal enough to be worn long after you walk down the aisle.

Price at time of publish: $390

Metal Type: 14K yellow/white/rose gold | Diamond Shape: Round Brilliant | Carat Weight: .165ct per pair | Clarity: VS2+

VRAI

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For the bride who wants to wear something a little more on the nontraditional side of the spectrum without going too trendy, we love this bohemian-style wedding necklace. The gold medallion pendant serves as a gorgeous backdrop for the single baguette diamond that shines front-and-center.

Price at time of publish: $380

Metal Type: 14K yellow gold | Diamond Shape: Baguette | Carat Weight: 1/10ct | Clarity: VS2+

Zales

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Whether you’ve already got your statement piece covered and want something small but sparkly to tie the look together or wish to take a more minimalist approach to your wedding day jewelry, this dainty bracelet is our top pick.

Price at time of publish: $1,599

Metal Type: 14K white gold | Diamond Shape: Radiant | Carat Weight: 1| Clarity: SI2

VRAI

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Stud earrings are a stylish way to add some subtle sparkle without stealing the spotlight from other statement pieces. We added these tiny 14K gold diamond studs to our list because of their minimalistic vibes and versatility. Available as a pair or in singles for cartilage piercings, the round brilliant cut diamonds can be worn together for simplicity or mix-matched with other earrings for a more eclectic vibe.

Metal Type: 14K yellow/white gold | Diamond Shape: Round Brilliant | Carat Weight: .02ct per stud | Clarity: VS2+

Ritani

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You can’t go wrong with a pair of three-prong round diamond earrings. These 18K yellow gold martini diamonds are the perfect statement earrings for brides who prefer studs with the option to customize carat weight, ranging from 1.00 to 2.50.

Price at time of publish: $180

Metal Type: 14K white gold, 18K yellow/white gold | Diamond Shape: Round | Carat Weight: 1.00-2.50 | Clarity: VS2

Ritani

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If starburst-style pendants aren’t your thing, we love this four-prong diamond platinum pendant from Ritani. Handmade with an adjustable chain ranging from 16 to 18 inches and a round cut solitaire lab-grown diamond, this elegant wedding pendant necklace is a great choice for anyone looking to add a dash of sparkle to their bridal look.

Price at time of publish: $3,437

Metal Type: Platinum, 14K white gold, and 18K white/yellow gold | Diamond Shape: Round | Carat Weight: 0.70 | Clarity: SI1

Grown Brilliance

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This stunning bib necklace looks like it was transported straight out of a fairy tale with its historical graduated round diamond design that frames the neck in enchanting ways. With 17 inches of round brilliant diamonds set in 18K white gold, this chunky necklace is like a crown jewel that is sure to be passed down for generations to come.

Price at time of publish: $8,315

Metal Type: 14K yellow, white, and rose gold | Diamond Shape: Round | Carat Weight: 11.34 | Clarity: SI1+

Blue Nile/Lightbox

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Looking to add some subtle color to your wedding day look? This cluster bracelet is crafted from 14K white gold and features a beautiful blue lab-grown diamond. Not only is this colorful bracelet a fun addition to your wedding wardrobe, it can also double as your "something blue."

Price at time of publish: $900

Metal Type: 14K white gold | Diamond Shape: Round | Carat Weight: 1/2

FAQ

What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

“A lab grown diamond is a diamond that has been grown in a laboratory, using technology that replicates the natural diamond-formation process,” explains Alex Popov, founder of Âme Fine Jewelry House. To create a lab-grown diamond, specialists start with a small “diamond seed” that is then inserted into “a high-pressure, high-temperature growth chamber” that “imitates the natural conditions in which diamonds are created naturally,” Popov notes. “Through the process of being exposed to such high temperatures and pressure, the carbon melts before forming a synthetic diamond around the seed, which transforms into a pure carbon diamond once cooled.”
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?

The cool thing about lab-grown diamonds is that these types of diamonds are chemically and physically no different from natural diamonds due to the technological process used to create them. Thanks to advanced technology, laboratories can recreate conditions in nature that cause diamonds to develop naturally. “Lab-grown diamonds are real and are totally indistinguishable from traditionally mined diamonds in both materiality and appearance,” explains Popov.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Cheaper?

One of the great things about lab-grown diamonds is their affordability factor. Popov says this is “mainly due to the shortened amount of time they take to produce in comparison to natural diamonds.” Additionally, because these diamonds are not mined and, therefore, don’t require as much work to go from earth to jeweler, they are much more cost-effective. While prices vary, a lab-grown diamond is typically around 20% more affordable than a natural diamond. In some cases, these diamonds can be upwards of 40% to 50% more affordable.
Why Buy Lab Grown Diamonds?

According to Popov, ethics is the main reason why someone might choose lab-grown diamonds over natural diamonds. “The production of lab-grown diamonds doesn’t impose the same ethical implications involved with mining naturally made diamonds, so people can shop with integrity,” explains Popov. “When buying lab-grown diamonds, people can maintain peace of mind knowing exactly where the diamond has come from, and that it was produced in a safe and managed environment.”

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Jessie Quinn has a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism and a life-long obsession with all things bridal. She researches and sources the best fashion finds for the whole bridal party, with a particular affinity for jewelry pieces that serve as time capsules from the big day. When it comes to her jewelry taste, Jessie loves anything gold with diamonds, gemstones, and a unique design that feels like an extension of the owner.

Meet the Expert

Alex Popov is the founder and CEO of Âme Fine Jewelry House, a New York-based brand that specializes in lab-grown diamonds and fine jewelry. He is also the founder of The World Diamond Museum.

The 12 Best Places to Buy Lab-Grown Diamonds in 2023