LAB-GROWN DIAMOND GUIDE
Discover how lab-grown diamonds are created, graded and certified - and what makes them real diamonds.
WHAT ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created in a controlled laboratory environment rather than formed naturally beneath the Earth’s surface.
They are made of crystallized carbon and have essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamonds.
The key difference is their origin. Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth over geological timescales, while lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that reproduces the conditions necessary for diamond crystal growth.
The result is a genuine diamond - not an imitation or diamond simulant.
HOW ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS CREATED?
Lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that provides the conditions required for a diamond crystal to grow.
Two principal methods are used: CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature).
Both begin with a small diamond seed from which the crystal develops under carefully controlled conditions. Once the rough diamond has grown, it can be cut and polished using the same principles applied to natural diamonds.
The finished result is a genuine diamond crystal ready to be graded and set into fine jewelry.`
ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS REAL DIAMONDS?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.
They have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure and physical and optical properties as natural diamonds.
They should not be confused with diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia or moissanite, which are different materials that may resemble a diamond but do not have the same composition and properties.
A lab-grown diamond is diamond - the distinction is how and where it was formed.
LAB-GROWN VS. NATURAL DIAMONDS
The fundamental difference between a lab-grown and natural diamond is origin.
Natural diamonds formed beneath the Earth’s surface through geological processes, while lab-grown diamonds are produced in controlled environments using advanced technology.
Both can be cut, polished and graded according to established diamond-quality characteristics and both can display the brilliance, fire and beauty associated with diamonds.
For the customer, choosing between them is therefore not simply a question of what looks like a diamond - both are diamonds. The distinction is how they came into existence.
CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE?
A lab-grown diamond cannot reliably be identified by a consumer simply by looking at it.
Lab-grown and natural diamonds can have extremely similar visual appearances, and determining their origin requires appropriate gemological testing and equipment.
Professional gemological laboratories use specialized methods to identify whether a diamond is laboratory-grown or natural.
This is one reason why independent grading and proper identification are so important when purchasing a diamond.
HOW ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS GRADED?
Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are evaluated according to established characteristics including the 4Cs - Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight.
These characteristics describe different aspects of a diamond’s quality and appearance, from how it interacts with light to its color, internal characteristics and weight.
Understanding the 4Cs makes it easier to understand the information shown on a diamond grading report and compare diamonds more confidently.
INDEPENDENT IGI CERTIFICATION
Independent certification provides important information about the identity and characteristics of a lab-grown diamond.
An IGI grading report records information such as the diamond’s measurements, carat weight, color, clarity and other grading details, while clearly identifying the diamond as laboratory-grown.
The report number can also correspond with a microscopic laser inscription on the diamond, providing an additional method of matching the stone with its grading report.
At Yatkovski, our certified center diamonds are independently graded by IGI.
WHY CHOOSE A LAB-GROWN DIAMOND?
Lab-grown diamonds offer a different way to purchase a genuine diamond.
Because of the way they are produced and supplied, they can allow buyers to consider a larger diamond or higher specifications within their chosen budget compared with many equivalent natural-diamond options.
They offer the brilliance, durability and beauty expected from diamond jewelry while giving customers greater flexibility when choosing their preferred shape, size and design.
For many buyers, that means being able to focus on the ring they truly want rather than making unnecessary compromises.
FROM DIAMOND TO FINE JEWELRY
Once selected, a lab-grown diamond goes through the same fundamental journey from loose stone to finished jewelry.
The diamond is carefully matched with the chosen design, positioned within its setting and securely set before the finished piece is inspected.
The beauty of the final ring depends not only on the diamond, but also on the design, proportions, setting and craftsmanship surrounding it.
A beautiful diamond deserves a setting made to complement it.
THE YATKOVSKI STANDARD
Yatkovski's connection to diamonds extends across more than 40 years of family experience in diamond cutting, trading, manufacturing and fine jewelry.
Today, we specialize in lab-grown diamonds while applying the same attention to diamond selection and craftsmanship developed through generations of experience.
We focus on high color and clarity grades, excellent cut quality, independent IGI grading and strong visual appearance. Each diamond is carefully selected, and every finished piece is inspected before leaving us.
For us, lab-grown represents a new way of creating diamonds - while the standards behind selecting and crafting beautiful jewelry remain just as important.
DISCOVER LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS
Explore lab-grown diamond jewelry selected for exceptional beauty and crafted with attention to every detail.
Find your ring in our collection or speak with a Yatkovski specialist about the diamond and design you are looking for.
CONTINUE LEARNING
Found the ring you love? Make sure you choose the perfect fit.