So… what’s the deal with lab grown diamonds?
You’ve probably heard the buzz. Maybe from a friend who just got engaged, maybe from TikTok, or maybe while casually spiraling down a late-night “are diamonds even ethical?” rabbit hole (been there).
Whether you’re team minimalist studs, obsessed with tennis bracelets, or just love the idea of sparkle without the guilt—lab grown diamonds are having a serious moment. And honestly? They deserve it.
They’re not just a trend. They’re beautiful, real diamonds (yes, real real), and they’re changing the jewelry game in the best way possible. Think ethical, sustainable, and often a lot more affordable.
I personally love them and not just in theory. My own engagement ring is lab grown, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t just about engagements. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, hinting at a birthday gift, or building a timeless jewelry collection, lab grown diamonds are 100% worth knowing about.
So let’s dive in, shall we?
*This post contains affiliate links. Which means that if you shop for certain things by clicking the links in this blog post, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real? (Short Answer: Absolutely!)
Let’s get this one out of the way first, because it’s the question everyone has:
Are lab grown diamonds real?
The answer is a big, sparkly YES 💎
They’re NOT knockoffs, dupes, or some weird plastic version. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. Same sparkle, same strength, same chemical makeup. The only difference is how they’re created.
Natural diamonds are formed underground over millions of years. Lab created diamonds? They’re made above ground in just a few weeks using science (and some pretty cool technology).
Here’s how it works (no chemistry degree required):
Scientists take a tiny sliver of a diamond (called a “seed”) and place it in a machine that mimics the conditions deep inside the Earth. Think super high heat + tons of pressure. Over time, carbon starts to build around that seed, and—voilà!—a diamond grows.
There are a couple of methods to do this, but honestly? You don’t need to remember the names. The big takeaway is this:
Lab grown diamonds are made in a lab, but they’re just as real as the ones dug up from the ground.
They’re physically, chemically, and visually identical. Even trained gemologists need special tools to tell the difference.
So if anyone tries to say, “But it’s not a real diamond,” feel free to (politely) roll your eyes.
Why Lab Grown Diamonds Are a Better Alternative
If you’ve ever seen the movie Blood Diamond, you already have a glimpse into the darker side of the traditional diamond industry. And while that movie was set in the late ’90s, many of those issues—conflict, unethical labor practices, environmental destruction—still very much exist today.
The truth? Mined diamonds often come with a very real human and environmental cost.
💔 The Problem With Mined Diamonds
- Conflict diamonds (also called “blood diamonds”) are mined in war zones and sold to fund armed conflict against governments. While there are regulations now, they’re far from perfect—and it’s hard to trace a diamond’s true origin.
- Dangerous working conditions are common in parts of the world where diamonds are mined. Many workers earn low wages and lack basic protections.
- Environmental damage is a big one too. Traditional diamond mining requires digging massive holes in the earth, displacing ecosystems, using huge amounts of water, and creating toxic waste.
Even diamonds that are marketed as “conflict-free” may still involve exploitative labor or environmental harm. The diamond supply chain is long and complicated—and most of us as consumers, never know what really happened before that stone ended up in a jewelry box.
And it’s not just diamonds. Other industries like chocolate, fashion, and even seafood have similar problems—long, complicated supply chains that make it hard to trace where things really come from or how they were made. But we’ll save that rabbit hole for another day.
My point is, we should try to do as best we can with the information we have.
Why Lab Grown Diamonds Are Different
Here’s where lab grown diamonds shine (pun totally intended):
💎 They’re made above ground, in controlled environments—no mining, no destruction, no human rights issues.
💎 The production process can be powered by renewable energy, making it a more sustainable option overall.
💎 Because they’re created in a lab, they have a transparent origin. You know exactly where your diamond came from.
💎 They’re usually 30–50% less expensive than mined diamonds—same sparkle, fewer $$$.
So when someone asks, “Why not just get a real one?”—you can say, “I did. Just without the sketchy backstory.”
Where to Shop for Lab Grown Diamonds
Ready to add some sparkle to your life (without the guilt)? There are a ton of great places to shop for lab grown diamonds, but here are a few worth checking out:
- Quince – My top pick! They carry beautiful, minimalist pieces at super reasonable prices. Their diamonds are lab grown, set in solid gold, and the quality is chef’s kiss. I love that Quince is transparent about their sourcing and pricing and their pieces make perfect gifts (even if it’s just a treat for yourself like I’ve done a few times 😉).
- Brilliant Earth – A well-known name in the ethical jewelry space. They offer lab grown and recycled diamonds, plus a wide variety of styles and custom options.
- Pandora – A globally loved brand that now offers lab grown diamonds in sleek, modern designs. They use recycled metals and are fully committed to sustainable, ethical jewelry.
You really don’t have to compromise anymore when it comes to sparkle. Lab grown diamonds are real, ethical, and soeasy to style—whether you’re getting engaged, gifting someone special, or just upgrading your everyday jewelry game.
Accessories Can Elevate Any Outfit… But Only If Your Closet’s Doing Its Job!
You can have the nicest jewelry collection in the world, but if your closet is a mess of pieces you never wear, getting dressed will still feel like a struggle.
Take my closet quiz to find out if your wardrobe is helping or hurting your style. Plus get customized tips on how to make it work for you (not against you).
Because styling is easier when you actually love what’s in your closet and that’s where I come in and we do this together. Get started today ⬇️
How to Understand Lab Grown Diamond Quality (Without Getting a Headache)
If you’ve ever clicked on a product page and seen something like “0.75 ct VS1 E color” and immediately blacked out… you’re not alone. 😅
Shopping for lab grown diamonds online can feel like you need a PhD in sparkle science. But don’t worry, I’m breaking it down so it actually makes sense.
You only need to remember 4 things, often called The 4 Cs:
💎 1. Carat = Size
Carat tells you how big the diamond is. Think of it like weight. A 1-carat diamond is bigger than a 0.5-carat diamond. More carats = bigger sparkle = higher price.
For reference, my engagement ring is 1.5 ct. And I LOVE how it looks! I don’t know where it’s from though. But here’s a very similar one from Quince.
💎 2. Clarity = How Clear It Is
Clarity measures how “clean” the diamond is on the inside. Most diamonds have tiny natural marks called inclusions (think freckles). VS1, VS2, SI1, etc.—those are clarity grades.
- FL/IF = Flawless (super rare and $$$)
- VVS = Very, very slight inclusions
- VS = Very slight inclusions (a sweet spot!)
- SI = Slight inclusions (still beautiful and usually invisible to the eye)
👉 VS1 or VS2+ is usually a great balance of quality and price for most people.
For reference, my super sparkly wedding band is VS2+ and it’s stunning! [it’s 1 CT – linked here]
Because I rarely travel with my engagement ring, that’s the wedding band I use when we’re on the road.
💎 3. Color = How White It Looks
Diamonds are graded on a scale from D to Z. D is totally colorless (icy white), Z is more yellowish.
- D–F = Colorless (most expensive)
- G–J = Near colorless (still look white to most people!)
- K+ = You might start seeing warmth or yellow tones
👉 G or H is usually a perfect middle ground—pretty and cost-effective.
For reference, my lab grown diamond pendant necklace is G-F and it looks beautifully white to me! I receive so many compliments ALL the time. And you really can’t beat the price!
💎 4. Cut = The Sparkle Factor
Cut is all about how the diamond was shaped—and it affects how much it sparkles. Even the most flawless diamond won’t shine if the cut is bad.
Cuts are usually graded from Excellent to Poor. Always go for Excellent or Very Good. That’s where the magic happens ✨
Quince’s lab grown diamonds all have Excellent graded cuts! The quality of the cut makes a HUGE difference.
📝 TL;DR:
If you’re buying online and want something beautiful, sparkly, and reasonably priced, look for diamonds with:
- VS1 or VS2 clarity
- G or H color
- Excellent cut
- A carat size that fits your style and budget
There are many brands out there. And some of them are great. But Quince’s prices for the same (and sometimes better quality) are hard to beat.
And remember: you don’t have to go for “perfect.” Most flaws are invisible to the naked eye, and no one is walking around with a jeweler’s loupe 😉
Final Thoughts: Smart, Sparkly, and So Worth It!
At the end of the day, lab grown diamonds are more than just a “trend” or a budget-friendly option—they’re a smart, beautiful, and thoughtful choice for anyone who wants a little sparkle without the sketchy backstory.
They’re real. They’re ethical. They’re sustainable. And they look absolutely stunning on your ears, fingers, neck, wrist—or all of the above, if you’re feeling fancy. 😉
I chose a lab grown diamond for my own engagement ring, and I’ve never once looked back. And honestly? If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, it would be: you can have the sparkle without the baggage.
So whether you’re building your dream jewelry capsule, hinting at a special gift, or just shopping for fun—you deserve to know what you’re buying and feel good about it.
Thanks for reading! I hope this guide helped answer your biggest questions and gave you the confidence to shop smart and shine bright. 💎
XO,
Aimara
PS: If you scrolled past the quiz earlier—don’t miss it! Your accessories deserve a closet that actually supports your style. Take the closet quiz and let’s start creating a wardrobe that works with you, not against you. You don’t have to figure it out alone!
Rapid Fire FAQ: What Everyone Wants to Know About Lab Grown Diamonds
1️⃣ Are lab grown diamonds real? Yes. Like scientifically, chemically, optically real. They’re just made above ground instead of under it.
2️⃣ Can you tell the difference between lab grown and mined diamonds? Nope—not unless you have specialized equipment and gemologist training. To the naked eye (and even most pros), they’re identical.
3️⃣ Do lab grown diamonds last as long as mined ones? Yes again! Same hardness, same durability. Lab grown diamonds are just as great for everyday wear.
4️⃣ Are they only for engagement rings? Not at all! In fact, some of my favorite lab grown diamond pieces are everyday earrings, delicate necklaces, or stackable rings. They’re perfect for gifting or treating yourself to something timeless (without the guilt or the markup).
5️⃣ Can lab grown diamonds be resold? Technically, yes—but like mined diamonds, they rarely hold their full retail value. That said, most people don’t buy diamonds planning to resell them. If you’re buying for meaning or style, this one’s a non-issue.
6️⃣ Is one method of making them better than the other? Not really. Both create real diamonds. Some companies prefer one method over the other, but what matters most is the quality and certification of the stone—not how it was grown.
7️⃣ Where should I buy one? Scroll back up for my top 3 favorite stores—including Quince, my personal go-to for timeless, budget-friendly lab grown diamond jewelry.
About the Author:
👋🏼 Hi, I’m Aimara—creator of Ways of Style and a big fan of timeless pieces, traveling light, and making smart, sustainable style choices. I’m not a gemologist, but I am a woman who loves looking cute without compromising her values (or emptying her wallet 💸).
I’ve lived out of a carry-on for the past few years, so believe me—I think hard about every piece I add to my wardrobe or jewelry box. My goal? To help you feel confident, stylish, and informed—whether you’re packing for a trip, cleaning out your closet, or picking out your next favorite piece of jewelry.
Want to keep learning? Check out my favorite posts below to keep building a wardrobe (and lifestyle!) you actually love:
- The 5 WORST fashion brands – and where to shop instead
- 7 timeless pieces you can wear all year
- The best fashion accessories to elevate ANY outfit
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