Twenty-one items of diamond jewellery, a panel of seven testers, a physicist, a laser, a fireproof protected, and an eye-popping insurance coverage coverage—that’s what we would have liked to drag off the Brides diamond testing and compile our listing of one of the best locations to purchase lab-grown diamond jewellery. Chemically an identical to pure diamonds, lab-created diamonds supply all the flicker at a extra approachable worth level. Plus, as a result of they’re sustainably grown and ethically sourced, they’re an eco-friendly alternative you possibly can really feel proud to put on. And make no mistake: Each are actual diamonds, full cease. Not like simulated diamonds, lab-grown diamonds have the identical aesthetic, bodily, and chemical traits as pure diamonds. The one distinction? Lab diamonds are created in a managed setting, whereas pure diamonds are mined from the Earth.
Dr. Ulrika D’Haenens-Johansson, an knowledgeable from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the Brides group examined 21 items of lab-grown diamond jewellery from 13 manufacturers in our New York Metropolis Lab. Our testers evaluated the looks of every diamond, setting high quality, match, and presentation. Dr. D’Haenens-Johanssen used the GIA iD100 ®—a specialised instrument that separates pure diamonds from laboratory-grown diamonds and diamond simulants. “By eye, it’s troublesome to inform the distinction between a lab-grown diamond and a pure diamond,” she explains. Since pure and lab-grown diamonds are chemically the identical, this methodology helps scientists, appraisers, and jewelers inform the distinction and assess the standard of a stone. When selecting a lab-grown diamond, you need to nonetheless search for the 4 Cs: shade, reduce, readability, and carat. As for dimension, as a result of lab-grown diamonds are extra inexpensive, you may get extra carats for much less money. And on the finish of the day, most individuals can’t inform one from the opposite, so that you’ll nonetheless get that wow issue.
Millennials assume otherwise about all points of engagements and weddings, eschewing the normal for brand new methods to mark the event. So we had been shocked when one 20-something tester was so impressed by the standard and origin story of the Grown Brilliance lab-created items she was able to spend money on diamonds for the primary time in her life.
We might change one factor in regards to the pre-designed cushion-cut ring we examined—the excessive prong setting coated a part of the stone’s face, detracting from its full brilliance. If you’d like the diamond to get all the eye, we suggest choosing a halo type with prongs that are not as noticeable. The stud earrings had been an enormous hit with all our testers, with beautiful martini-set stones and guardian posts to carry them comfortably in place.
Grown Brilliance is without doubt one of the few manufacturers providing lab-grown items from well-known designer label Badgley Mischka. (Our favorites from the gathering are the gorgeous oval engagement ring and the Graduated Riviera necklace, which gave us main Princess Grace vibes.)
Particular Companies: First responders, army, and lecturers get 10 p.c off the primary order | Transport and Returns: Free FedEx 2-day transport and free returns
Brides | Jhett Thompson
A husband-and-wife group is behind the New York atelier that makes With Readability lab-grown diamond jewellery. It is one in all our favourite locations for bespoke lab-grown diamond rings. Clients can choose free lab diamonds to create personalised jewellery items and lab-grown diamond engagement rings. We love this function that lets you handpick a stone, whether or not it is a heart-shaped 2-carat reduce or a 5-carat Marquise reduce. The free diamond assortment options all kinds of cuts, carats, colours, and readability so you possibly can custom-create your excellent type. The web site makes it simple to navigate and make your choice primarily based on every function utilizing a comparability chart. Lastly, the Residence Preview program permits prospects to strive on two {custom} replicas at residence. Pricing is aggressive, because the direct-to-consumer mannequin eliminates intermediary markups.
One in all our favourite items is the 4 Prong Lab Diamond Tennis Bracelet, which was so lovely we wore it for weeks on finish with out ever taking it off. Its brilliance and sparkle are unimaginable, and the four-prong clasp stored us feeling protected and safe and by no means snagged on clothes.
Particular Companies: Professional gemologists can be found 7 days per week for consultations | Transport and Returns: Free transport and returns
Brides / Jill Di Donato
We in contrast a pure and a lab-created diamond from Good Earth’s assortment and located it inconceivable to differentiate between them with the bare eye. The model’s readymade engagement ring designs are basic, and the round-cut engagement ring we examined is the right possibility for a bride-to-be who desires a timeless look. You probably have extra trendy tastes, you possibly can design your ring by selecting a middle stone and one in all a number of setting choices, from conventional solitaires to ornate three-stone shapes. (One in all our favorites is the eclectic Versailles ring, which incorporates a heart stone adorned by smaller spherical and marquise-cut lab diamonds.)
We love the alternatives obtainable for the model’s lab-grown diamond studs. Our testers favored how the four-prong basket setting on the 3-carat studs let the diamonds’ brilliance shine by means of whereas the double-grooved posts and guardian backings stored them firmly however comfortably in place. (One tester was prepared to purchase them on the spot!) Past rings and studs, Good Earth additionally affords lab-created diamond items together with wedding ceremony bands, tennis bracelets, hoop earrings, and pendant necklaces. Most jewellery choices, together with engagement rings, can be found in 4 valuable steel varieties: 18k white gold, 14k rose gold, 18k yellow gold, and platinum.
With all of the customization choices obtainable, navigating the Good Earth web site may be overwhelming. It takes some looking out to seek out the choice of lab-grown engagement rings, although the part of different lab-created diamond jewellery affords a super-enjoyable looking expertise. General, we had been impressed with the standard and presentation of the jewellery we evaluated, proper right down to the pure wooden jewellery containers. And Good Earth prospects agree—the model’s evaluations part is full of 5-star suggestions.
Particular Companies: Digital try-on app, consultations with jewellery consultants | Transport and Returns: Free transport and returns inside 30 days
Brides | Jhett Thompson
The Ritani lab-created solitaire engagement ring we examined scored excessive marks for the 4 C’s. The stone was crystal clear with no discoloration, and the form of the princess-cut stone maximized its brilliance, with testers noting that it even appeared to have extra detailed faceting than the pure Ritani diamond. And similar to the opposite lab-grown diamonds we examined, you may get extra carats for much less money, so do not be afraid to go huge. When you’re searching for a non-traditional ring, that is the place to buy. With its low-profile heart stone and diamond-studded band, the French-set diamond band ring is a dialog starter. Plus, the model affords a surprising array of coloured lab-grown diamonds in shades like blue, yellow, and orange.
Ritani’s spherical stud earrings dazzled us, too. The three-prong martini basket was an understated setting that made the earring excellent for on a regular basis put on. We weren’t impressed by the easy push backings, which one tester dropped as she put the earrings in her ears, however fortunately, you possibly can go for safer screw backs. A big selection of necklace pendants in coronary heart, halo, and pear cuts additionally exist.
Ritani is huge on worth transparency, offering particulars on the prices of making every lab-grown diamond, corresponding to achievement charges and markups. With lab-grown items at simply $280 and free stones beginning at $75, the model’s jewellery is ideal for gifting a good friend, member of the family, or fiancé—or treating your self.
Particular Companies: Plenty of customization choices | Transport and Returns: Free transport and a 30-day return coverage (even for {custom} and engraved rings)
Brides | Jhett Thompson
Clear Origin caters to {couples} who need to create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring with an easy-to-use customization course of that features a variety of setting kinds and diamond cuts. It has a particular part of vintage-inspired rings, which embody distinctive stone designs like a demi marquise halo and 6 valuable steel selections. Every engagement ring has an prolonged lifetime guarantee plan, annual jewellery inspection, repairs, and resizing.
The model additionally has our favourite assortment of lab-created diamond wedding ceremony bands (together with delicate and trendy Danica band), bridal units, and stackable rings. When you’re seeking to splurge on one thing particular, try the road of lab-grown diamond tennis necklaces. They’re dear however nonetheless hundreds lower than you’d pay for a collar made with pure stones.
Clear Origins has a captivating story and a full-service philosophy. Founder Alexander Weindling left his household’s pure diamond firm to begin the model, which completely sells ethically sourced, eco-friendly, lab-created diamonds. Every member of its customer support group should have a minimal of 5 years of expertise within the trade to make sure that they’ll present hands-on experience and steering.
Particular Companies: Digital appointments, lifetime guarantee, cost plans | Transport and Returns: 100-day return coverage
We liked the angled form of the band on the James Allen 1-carat Knife-Edge solitaire ring however had been slightly disillusioned that the lab-grown diamond appeared a bit buried within the low-profile setting. Fortunately, there are 14 totally different head kinds to select from and loads of different customization choices obtainable in The Ring Studio.
The four-prong stud earrings we examined had been petite however nonetheless delivered a blinding impact, the right pair for somebody who prefers their jewellery to be delicate and subdued. Customary friction again posts include the earrings, or you possibly can improve to screw backs for an extra $125—a worthwhile funding if you happen to often lose earrings.
James Allen makes a speciality of conflict-free pure stones and lab-created diamonds. The model’s web site options its proprietary Diamond Show Know-how. This game-changing, 360-degree function lets prospects view stones by means of a digital jeweler’s loupe, taking a lot of the guesswork out of buying a diamond on-line.
Particular Companies: 360-degree video customization and try-on device | Transport and Returns: Free transport and 30-day returns
Brides | JHETT THOMPSON
It is a problem to seek out lab-grown diamond jewellery choices on the Take into account the Wldflwrs web site, but it surely’s price looking out to seek out signature items just like the Oval Eternity band. Surrounded by dazzling stones, this rock-star assertion piece is a daring different to a conventional solitaire. Accessible in seven steel choices, it captivated our testers, who imagined a trend-setting bride sporting it as a part of a bridal ring stack.
The basic diamond studs felt extra applicable for on a regular basis put on than particular events. We favored the martini-style settings however discovered them dearer than lab-grown diamond studs from many different manufacturers on our listing. (A pair of studs set with 0.2-carat stones is greater than $700; if you happen to dimension as much as a full carat, you are a price ticket of over $2,500.)
The model’s ready-to-ship engagement rings all function earth-mined stones, so if you happen to’ve obtained your coronary heart set on a lab-created diamond, you will work with the director of bridal gross sales to design a hoop. The method includes digital consultations, sketches, and 3-D fashions, so when you’ll must finances additional time—manufacturing takes six to eight weeks from begin to end—you will get precisely the ring you need.
Particular Companies: In-store and digital consultations | Transport and Returns: No refunds on {custom} orders, retailer credit score inside 14 days for ready-to-ship objects
Brides | Jhett Thompson
Lovely designs and wonderful craftsmanship outline the Verlas model, identified for its high-quality and lab-grown jewellery. We had been notably wowed by the brilliance and sparkle of the lab-grown diamonds within the two-carat Enchanting Tennis Bracelet, that are so beautiful, wearers stated they felt like princesses. We had been additionally impressed by the artistry of standout items just like the Tri-Band Spherical Crescendo Open Ring and the brand new Toi et Moi Assortment, that includes a two-stone design type that captures a pointy and trendy design aesthetic.
We love the aggressive pricing for lab-grown diamond jewellery, in addition to the brand new collections dropped each season. Further options just like the Verlas Concierge, which affords prospects a real bespoke expertise, begins with a sketch rendering and goes the additional mile to make your design expertise first-class. The try-at-home service permits prospects to order replicas of as much as three totally different kinds for as much as 15 days, freed from cost. And if you might want to make an alternate, customer support is responsive, particularly in relation to sizing issues.
Particular Companies: Attempt-at-home service, 5-year guarantee | Transport and Returns: Free transport and 60 day return coverage
You will not discover any rocks right here. Nonetheless, the model’s restricted choice of lab-grown diamond jewellery consists of (underneath)assertion items created utilizing the identical supplies and producers utilized by the world’s most well-known jewellery homes. The eternity band and solitaire bezel ring are diminutive however excellent for stacking and a strong purchase for anybody on a finances.
The model’s Dalton spherical sensible diamond studs sit atop a basket setting, which made them look like floating on the tester’s earlobes, impressing us with their kaleidoscopic refraction of the testing studio lights. The set arrived in an illuminated field, making an excellent first impression. A number of the adjectives testers used to explain them embody “luxurious,” “trendy,” and “very expensive-looking.” They’re obtainable in 4-carat weight sizes and include screw-back posts.
Italic’s motto is “luxurious with out labels.” When you’re intrigued by lab-grown diamonds however are nonetheless deciding whether or not to make a serious funding, that is the place to begin.
Particular Companies: Membership choices for added advantages | Transport and Returns: Free transport over $75 and refunds for returns inside 30 days
Brides | Jhett Thompson
Since launching in 1999, Blue Nile has turn out to be one of many world’s most trusted on-line jewellery retailers, and that repute extends to its choice of lab-created diamond jewellery. Made in partnership with Lightbox, the gathering consists of build-your-own solitaire engagement rings. Choose the carat weight, shade, reduce, and readability (or set a worth vary), and the web site filters setting kinds to fit your stone alternative.
If you’d like a hoop that is able to ship, browse the model’s non-traditional choices, together with the Bypass rings, which function one spherical and one princess reduce stone—the princess reduce lab-created diamond may be conventional white, pink, or blue. Different lab-created diamond items embody pendant necklaces and tennis bracelets.
Particular Companies: Complimentary servicing and cleansing | Transport and Returns: Free transport and returns
Our expertise with the Miadonna items triggered some Goldilocks impact. Our testers thought the 1-carat diamond stone within the Tracie engagement ring appeared too huge set in opposition to the tapered cathedral band. Nonetheless, the diamond was mesmerizing, and you’ll select the stone dimension that fits your style. (It is necessary to do not forget that greater is not essentially higher when selecting an engagement ring.)
Alternatively, the lab-created diamonds within the basket stud earrings we examined appeared too small, so we would recommend sizing up. Select the diamonds that suit your present type and finances, then commerce them in for a bigger stone dimension when prepared. The model will apply the unique buy worth towards your upgraded pair.
The web site’s “construct your ring” course of is glitchy. Filtering the stone choices takes time to load, and you do not get to see a photograph of the ring with the customizations you’ve got chosen earlier than you try. The pinnacle choices are restricted to four- and six-prong kinds, however you possibly can select from seven steel choices—yellow, white, or rose gold in 14k or 18k and platinum. We love the idea of the model’s residence try-on program—it is going to ship 4 pattern rings to you so you possibly can have a hands-on expertise discovering your favourite.
Particular Companies: Digital and in-person appointments | Transport and Returns: Free, insured 2-day transport, returns and exchanges inside 30 days for full-priced objects (one merchandise per buyer
Brides | Jhett Thompson
Helzberg’s Mild Coronary heart lab-created diamond jewellery assortment sits alongside the century-old jeweler’s pure diamond capsules from designers like Zac Posen and Jenny Packham. So when it got here time to check, we referred to as in each grown and earth-mined engagement rings. One eagle-eyed tester might solely inform the distinction by analyzing each items with a magnifying loupe, which revealed a slight inclusion within the pure stone. As soon as she’d slipped the lab-created ring on her finger, she was swept up by the identical sparkle and glamor the pure diamond ring delivered.
Just like the ring, our testers agreed that the stud earrings appeared and felt high-quality and exhibited the timeless design hallmarks that distinguish a chunk of heirloom jewellery. The princess-cut stones had been completely matched and simply sufficiently big to show heads with out overwhelming the attention of the beholder. The screw-back posts offered reassurance that the fragile studs will not fall out if, say, they get caught within the material of a knit costume as you pull it over your head. (It is occurred to us.)
There is a repute for high quality—and an excellent story—behind the Helzberg model. Enjoyable truth: The model ordains its gross sales associates in case engagement ring shoppers determine to elope inside one in all their shops.
Particular Companies: Gross sales associates are ordained so shoppers can get married on the retailer | Transport and Returns: Free floor transport over $99
Brides | Jhett Thompson
Mejuri affords lab-grown diamond jewellery for the sustainable bride. Together with merely gorgeous ring choices just like the Lab Grown Diamond Solo Ring, you will discover wedding ceremony bands, tennis bracelets, necklaces, stud earrings, and stackable choices. Costs are on the decrease aspect, making Mejuri a spot to buy high-quality but budget-friendly items.
Mejuri as a model notes its dedication to constructive change by means of its choice of high-quality jewellery. It prioritizes accountable sourcing for its jewellery merchandise.
Particular Companies: Piercing studios and styling appointments can be found | Transport and Returns: Free floor transport over $150
Solar & Selene, a Black-owned and woman-owned enterprise, affords sustainable, fine-crafted jewellery in fantastically trendy and vintage-inspired designs. We love distinctive choices just like the Everlasting Orbit and Circle rings impressed by the magic of the moon. Make sure you choose a lab-grown diamond on the product web page for the merchandise you are . The model affords each pure and lab-grown diamonds together with different valuable gems and creates uniquely designed bracelets, charms, pendants, earrings, and necklaces alongside its rings.
Particular Companies: Retailer areas can be found, studio occasions | Transport and Returns: Free commonplace transport
The right way to Store for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery
Like every important funding, when searching for a lab-grown diamond engagement ring, it is important to analysis earlier than shopping for. (Our vetted listing is one of the best place to begin!) Most trusted retailers can have an in-depth FAQ web page highlighting how and the place their lab-grown diamonds are made, how prospects can select their excellent stone, and particulars on certification, transport, and return insurance policies.
Brides / Mehroz Kapadia
Since lab-grown diamonds share the identical optical and chemical properties as pure diamonds, they’re graded on the identical scale of reduce, readability, shade, and carat weight. Lab-grown diamond engagement rings are additionally supplied in scores of various kinds, settings, and metals to go well with all aesthetics. Whereas many lab-grown choices are cheaper than their pure counterparts, you possibly can nonetheless pay a big quantity for a chunk, relying on the standard of the stone and its setting. Lab-grown diamond jewellery can vary from underneath $500 to over $70,000, relying on dimension, high quality, and setting kind. As soon as you’ve got discovered your dream lab-grown diamond engagement ring, you need to obtain and overview its lab certification.
How We Examined
To search out one of the best locations to purchase lab-grown diamond jewellery, the Brides group spent hours researching the highest lab-grown diamond firms, evaluating high quality, vary of kinds, customer support, transport and return insurance policies, and total worth. We additionally interviewed main gemologists and jewellery consultants for his or her insights on the variations between pure and lab-grown diamonds and recommendations on selecting items to go well with any type and finances.
Then, the Brides group welcomed Dr. Ulrika D’Haenens-Johanssen, a analysis scientist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), to our New York Metropolis Lab, the place she walked us by means of lab-grown diamond manufacturing and the variations (and similarities) between lab-grown and mined diamonds. She used a diamond studying gadget to examine the items referred to as in from numerous retailers. She additionally helped information our hands-on evaluations and comparability of lab-created diamonds with pure stones.
Bride | Jhett Thompson
“The machine can detect a spectrum of shade that we can’t see with our eyes, and it analyzes that knowledge,” says Dr. D’Haenens-Johanssen. “The gadget appears for an unnatural signature, which implies it’s a pure diamond.” The gadget can detect slight inclusions of particles solely current in mined diamonds. “A powerful UV gentle of a selected wavelength is emitted by means of the probe, which might detect atomic structural variations distinctive to every diamond by means of development and historical past.” Lab-grown diamonds haven’t got these tiny imperfections.
Brides | Jhett Thompson
Brides editorial staffers tried on the lab-grown diamond items and in contrast them to naturally mined diamonds. We requested our editorial testers for suggestions on issues like first impressions, buying intention, data of the jewellery manufacturers, and their perspective on what customers—each brides and lovers of diamond baubles—would consider shopping for or receiving a lab-grown diamond. “I am a fan of lab-grown diamonds as a result of they’re extra inexpensive,” says tester Jessica Chassin. “It looks like you possibly can’t distinguish between a pure and lab-grown diamond from the bare eye.”
Brides | Jhett Thompson
Staffers examined stud earrings and eight solitaire engagement rings from 10 totally different lab-grown diamond manufacturers. Three historically mined diamond rings had been readily available for comparability.
Brides | Jhett Thompson
Most lab-grown diamonds are sustainably grown and ethically sourced, making them an eco-friendly alternative you possibly can really feel proud to put on. When first launched to the market, lab-grown diamonds had been thought of facsimiles of pure diamonds. In the present day, jewellery made utilizing lab-created diamonds is extra standard than ever and obtainable in numerous kinds, shapes, cuts, and settings. “At the beginning of testing, I stored mistakenly saying that I could not inform the distinction between the lab-grown diamonds and the “actual” [natural] diamonds,” says tester Bronwyn Barnes. “After listening to the GIA scientist clarify that lab-grown diamonds had been actual diamonds, it sunk in that the one main distinction between lab and pure diamonds is the method by which they’re made.”
Why Belief Brides
The Brides group spent over 100 hours researching the scientific properties of lab-grown diamonds and the highest firms that produce them. We evaluated manufacturers primarily based on high quality, vary of kinds, customer support, transport and return insurance policies, and total worth. We spoke with scientists and trade consultants to get essentially the most up-to-date insights on lab-grown diamonds and their worth to the shopper. The Brides group additionally examined 21 diamond items (earrings and rings) in our NYC-based testing lab. We introduced in Dr. Ulrika D’Haenens-Johanssen, a analysis scientist and diamond knowledgeable from the Gemologist Institute of America (GIA). She examined and examined every product individually, utilizing a GIA-developed gadget that determines whether or not a diamond is pure or lab-created.
Writer Mary Park holds a Graduate Diamonds diploma from the Gemological Institute of America. As a jewellery knowledgeable, Ms. Park has years of expertise working at Tiffany & Co. and in Christie’s Auctions & Personal Gross sales jewellery division. Further authors Kate Donovan and Sophie Moore have collectively spent 15 years contributing to Brides, masking all the things from registry and wedding ceremony decor to engagement rings and equipment.
- Dr. Ulrika D’Haenens-Johansson is the NYC-based senior supervisor of diamond analysis on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She has a PhD in Physics, concentrating on learning the sunshine spectrum in diamonds.
- Brenda Harwick is a Senior Teacher on the GIA campus in Carlsbad, California. GIA has been a gem grading, evaluation, analysis, and schooling useful resource since 1931. Along with providing on-line courses, GIA has eight campuses, three analysis facilities, and 10 laboratories worldwide.
- Wade Abel is the Las Vegas-based director of gemological companies on the American Gem Society (AGS) laboratories. Based in 1934, AGS was created by a bunch of jewelers to assist set up moral practices and shopper belief throughout the trade.
- Lisa Rosen is the CEO of the Worldwide Gem Society (IGS), a web based gemological neighborhood and schooling web site. Since 1998, IGS has been a useful resource for skilled jewelers, gemologists, and beginner gem fans.
- Avi Levy is the president of the Worldwide Gemological Institute (IGI) North America, a worldwide group that gives intensive coaching, gemstone grading, and analysis. IGI operates 20 laboratories and 14 gemological instructional campuses worldwide.
