Zales' lab-created diamonds are graded to the same standards as our natural diamonds. That means your lab-created diamond will be accompanied by an independent laboratory report detailing its "4 Cs" - cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

Both lab-created diamonds and natural diamonds vary in their diamond grading. Lab-created diamonds allow you to maximize your budget, typically offering more size for the same cost, while natural diamonds are incredible works of nature and the traditional choice.

Lab-created diamonds have the same optical, chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds. However, because lab-created diamonds can be produced in abundance, they are less expensive and make larger size diamonds more affordable. Their relative abundance may not ensure that the value will hold over time.

While lab-created diamonds exhibit the identical optical, physical, and chemical properties as natural diamonds, their core difference is their origin and the time they took to form.

Lab-created diamonds are created in a lab using advanced technology. Scientists start with a diamond seed—a tiny sliver of carbon crystal—then expose it to high temperatures and pressures with a carbon coating as it grows to help the diamond crystalize and grow to a larger rough diamond crystal.

Yes, we provide the same warranties and service plans for both lab-created and natural diamonds.

Because lab-created diamonds have the same optical, chemical, and physical characteristics as natural diamonds, they cannot be distinguished even with a professional loupe under 10x magnification. That's why Zales' lab-created diamonds are inscribed with "lab-grown diamond" on the girdle.

Neither is inherently higher quality, as both lab-created and natural diamonds are available in a range of colors, cuts, clarity, and carat weights.