Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Right for You?
| Lab‑Grown | Natural | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Lab-Grown | Earth-Grown |
| Composed of Carbon | ✓ | ✓ |
| Age | Weeks to months old | 1-3 Billion years old |
| Supply/Rarity | Potentially unlimited | Finite and rare |
| Independently Certified* | ✓ | ✓ |
| 100% Conflict-Free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Included in Lifetime Diamond Commitment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Eligible for Trade-In | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price Comparison | $$ | $$$ |
*Select styles and carat weights
Discover the Difference
Zales lab-grown diamonds are certified colorless with few-to-no inclusions visible to the naked eye. And like all diamonds we sell, they re responsibly resourced and 100% conflict-free.LAB-GROWN
D-F
COLORLESS
COLORLESS
G-J
NEAR COLORLESS
NEAR COLORLESS
K-M
FAINT
FAINT
N-R
VERY LIGHT
VERY LIGHT
S-Z
LIGHT
LIGHT
INDEPENDENTLY
CERTIFIED
CERTIFIED
100%
CONFLICT-FREE
CONFLICT-FREE
LIFETIME DIAMOND
COMMITMENT
COMMITMENT
RETAIL LOCATIONS
NATIONWIDE
NATIONWIDE
FREE SHIPPING & 60-DAY RETURNS
Lab-Grown Diamond FAQ
Lab-grown diamonds have the same optical, chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds. However, because lab-grown 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.
Lab-grown 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.
While lab-grown 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.
Yes, we provide the same warranties and service plans for both lab-grown and natural diamonds.
Because lab-grown 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-grown diamonds are inscribed with "lab-grown diamond" on the girdle.
Neither is inherently higher quality, as both lab-grown and natural diamonds are available in a range of colors, cuts, clarity, and carat weights.
Both lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds vary in their diamond grading. Lab-grown 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.
Zales' lab-grown diamonds are graded to the same standards as our natural diamonds. That means your lab-grown diamond will be accompanied by an independent laboratory report detailing its "4 Cs" - cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
Lab-Grown Diamonds | Zales