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Lab-Created Diamonds
Finding a beauty and science unite to create a stunning selection of high-quality lab-created diamond jewelry at an equally attractive price.
What are Lab-Created Diamonds?
Lab-created diamonds are an exceptional mix of master craftsmanship and science. While natural diamonds are formed by the earth over billions of years, lab-created diamonds can be fully formed using a machine to apply extreme heat and pressure. Zales' lab-created diamonds exhibit the same optical, chemical, and physical properties as natural diamonds, including the signature fire, scintillation, and sparkle. Since they are formed much more quickly than natural diamonds, the supply of lab-created diamonds is more predictable, which makes them more affordable.
The 4Cs of a Lab-Created Diamond
The 4Cs—cut, clarity, color, and carat—are the characteristics traditionally used to determine the quality and value of a diamond. Since lab-created diamonds are produced in a controlled environment, it's possible to achieve a higher grade for some of the 4Cs consistently. Zales lab-created diamonds are certified colorless, with few to no inclusions visible to the naked eye. Carat weight depends on how long the diamond is grown, and the cut can be more flexible than a natural diamond that may have more flaws to hide. Lab-created diamonds offer a stunning, sparkling look at an affordable price point.
Lab-Created Diamonds Vs. Natural Diamonds
At Zales, we know diamonds. We believe diamonds are right for everyone, but everyone may have a different idea of which diamond is right for them. Our goal is to help you determine the best diamond for your needs. While lab-created and natural diamonds have many similarities, there are also a few differences that you should be aware of to make an informed decision. Learn more about the differences between natural and lab-created diamonds and discover the right diamond option for you.
| Zales Diamond Comparison | Natural Diamond | Lab‑Created Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Is it a Diamond? | Yes | Yes |
| Primary Chemical Composition | Carbon | Carbon |
| Source | The Earth | A Laboratory |
| Age | 1 - 3 billion years | Several Weeks to Months |
| Supply/Rarity | Finite and rare | Potentially unlimited |
| Independently Certified | Yes* | Yes* |
| 100% Conflict-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Likely to Maintain Long-Term Value | Historically, yes | Unknown at this Time |
| Included in the Lifetime Diamond Commitment | Yes | Yes |
| Eligible for Trade-In | Yes | Yes |
| Price Comparison | $$$ | $$ |
|
*Select styles and carat weights |
||
Why Choose Lab-Created Diamonds?
When choosing diamond jewelry, lab-created stones are a smart way to get the look you love without the price tag that comes with natural diamonds. With lab-created diamonds, you can also be sure you're getting a 100% conflict-free stone. That means the diamond in your treasured piece of jewelry wasn't mined and sold to support a civil war. All Zales lab-created diamonds are independently certified for quality and covered by the Zales Lifetime Diamond Commitment.
Lab-Created Diamond FAQ
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.
A natural diamond has traditionally maintained its value. However, since lab-created diamonds are relatively new, it is unknown if they will retain their value.
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.
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.
A natural diamond has traditionally maintained its value. However, since lab-created diamonds are relatively new, it is unknown if they will retain their value.
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.