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Lab-Created Diamonds

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. 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.

Are Lab Created Diamonds Right for You?

Lab‑Created 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-created 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-CREATED
D-F
COLORLESS
G-J
NEAR COLORLESS
K-M
FAINT
N-R
VERY LIGHT
S-Z
LIGHT
INDEPENDENTLY
CERTIFIED
100%
CONFLICT-FREE
LIFETIME DIAMOND
COMMITMENT
RETAIL LOCATIONS
NATIONWIDE
FREE SHIPPING & 60-DAY RETURNS

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.

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.
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