--- title: "About Lab Grown Diamonds | Ada Diamonds" description: "Learn how lab diamonds are grown, how they compare to natural diamonds, understand lab diamond pricing, and more from the experts at Ada Diamonds." canonical: "https://www.adadiamonds.com/introduction-to-lab-diamonds" last-updated: "2026-03-19" --- # About Lab Grown Diamonds | Ada Diamonds > Learn how lab diamonds are grown, how they compare to natural diamonds, understand lab diamond pricing, and more from the experts at Ada Diamonds. ## Your Guide to Lab Diamonds Everything you need to know about how lab diamonds are made and what sets them apart. ## Explore This Guide - How is a Diamond Grown? - Lab Diamond FAQs - Lab Diamond Quality ![Good vs. bad lab diamonds side by side comparison](https://content.adadiamonds.com/image/upload/v1773930966/goods-vs-bad-lab-diamonds_zvzoox.jpg) ### What are Lab Diamonds? Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds that have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference is origin: lab grown diamonds are produced using precise, high-tech manufacturing processes, while natural diamonds are mined from the earth. Lab grown diamonds are graded on the same 4Cs as mined diamonds and display the same characteristic brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Because the growth process is designed to mirror natural conditions, there are still variations in color and clarity of lab created diamonds. Not all lab grown diamonds are colorless and flawless. [Learn About the 4C's of Lab Diamonds](https://www.adadiamonds.com/four-cs-of-lab-diamonds) How Are Lab Diamonds Grown? Lab diamonds are created by replicating the conditions under which diamonds form naturally, where carbon crystallizes into diamond. Diamond growth represents one of the most precise and difficult manufacturing techniques humans have ever achieved. While diamond growth has been possible for some time, it took decades of refinement to reliably produce gemstone quality diamonds. Today, two primary methods are used to grow diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Each approach is suited to different sizes, colors, and characteristics. ![Not many can witness how masterpieces are made. Explore the making of #ALTRCreatedDiamonds and dive into the irresistible pull of Type IIA diamonds.](https://content.adadiamonds.com/video/upload/v1691021954/Videos/PLP/Videos/PLP/The%20Making%20of%20a%20Created%20Diamond%20%7C%20ALTR%20Created%20Diamonds.webm) ![Diagram of HPHT high pressure high temperature lab diamond growth process](https://content.adadiamonds.com/image/upload/v1773761099/lab-diamonds-media-6_ur8zlj.png) ##### High Pressure, High Temperature HPHT diamond growth occurs within massive pressure cookers. Small diamond seeds are placed into a growth cell and graphite is inserted on top of the diamond seeds. The pressure cooker is heated to 1500°C and pressurized to approximately 70,000 times the pressure at sea level. At this extreme temperature and pressure, the graphite in the growth cell is melted into liquid carbon and then carefully cooled into the strongest form of carbon: a diamond crystal. [Learn More About HPHT](https://www.adadiamonds.com/hpht-lab-diamonds) ![Diagram of CVD chemical vapor deposition lab diamond growth process](https://content.adadiamonds.com/image/upload/v1773761206/lab-diamonds-media-7_fimykh.png) ##### Chemical Vapor Deposition CVD diamond growth occurs within vacuum plasma reactors. Thin diamond plates are placed in a growth cell and hydrocarbon gas is injected into the reactor. High power microwaves break apart the molecules of the gas, and the carbon atoms precipitate onto the diamond plates, vertically growing the diamond atom by atom. The resulting CVD diamonds are often subjected to extreme pressure to 'compress' the diamond. This additional step improves the quality of the diamond crystal, giving the diamond better color and light performance. [Learn More about CVD](https://www.adadiamonds.com/cvd-lab-diamonds) ![Custom oval lab diamond engagement ring by Ada Diamonds](https://content.adadiamonds.com/image/upload/v1773944104/custom-oval-lab--diamond-engagement-ring_aqici8.jpg) ### Understanding Lab Diamond Quality What you need to know about lab diamond pricing, quality, and how to find the perfect lab diamond. ![Jeweler examining lab diamond clarity using a loupe](https://content.adadiamonds.com/image/upload/v1773693176/checking-lab-diamond-clarity-with-jewelers-tools_k4u1oe.jpg) ##### How are Lab Diamonds Priced? Lab diamond pricing is based on the same 4C’s as natural diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. However, two diamonds with identical 4C’s can appear very different in real life. Factors like color nuance and make are not usually reflected on a grading report but have a meaningful impact on a diamond’s value. This is why all of our diamonds are inspected in person prior to being added to our inventory. Lab grown diamonds are typically priced 50-80% lower than natural diamonds of the same quality. [Explore Diamonds](https://www.adadiamonds.com/buy-lab-diamonds) ![Good vs. bad lab diamonds side by side comparison](https://content.adadiamonds.com/image/upload/v1773930966/goods-vs-bad-lab-diamonds_zvzoox.jpg) ##### Why Does Lab Diamond Quality Vary? Just like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds can vary greatly in color and clarity. While diamond growth technology has improved, many growers who are capable of producing nice diamonds actively choose to produce lower-quality diamonds because it is much faster and cheaper to do. Higher-quality stones take more time and precision to produce, trade at higher prices, and can rival some of the most exceptional natural diamonds. All of our diamonds are inspected in-house before being shown to our clients, with only the most exceptional passing our rigorous quality control. [Learn about our QC](https://www.adadiamonds.com/good-vs-bad-lab-diamonds) ![Customer selecting a lab diamond at the Ada Diamonds showroom](https://content.adadiamonds.com/image/upload/v1773939607/customer-selecting-a-diamond-at-ada-diamonds-showroom_zrqr9s.jpg) ##### How do I Choose a Lab Diamond? We’re so glad you asked! Our experts are here if you need help getting started! We recommend starting with a shape and size you like and then finding a diamond that meets your desired specifications. Here at Ada, we’ve done the hard part for you already by pre-selecting only the most exceptional lab diamonds. Everything you see on our website or at our showroom has already been evaluated across the full spectrum of quality. [See our Diamonds](https://www.adadiamonds.com/buy-lab-diamonds) Here at Ada, our diamonds are never sold from a virtual inventory listing. Each one is physically inspected and approved, so every option you see has already met a higher standard. Build your custom piece online, or enjoy complimentary support from one of our experts who are here to support you every step of the way. BOOK A VIRTUAL CONSULTATION ## Frequently Asked Questions about Lab Grown Diamonds ![Lab diamond engagement rings in various shapes by Ada Diamonds](https://content.adadiamonds.com/image/upload/v1773699779/lab-diamond-engagement-rings-in-various-shapes-ada-diamonds_db7zxw.jpg) ### Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds? Yes. Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They are indistinguishable, even to an expert gemologist using traditional jewelers’ tools. Lab grown diamonds are not the same thing as diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia, moissanite, or a CZ with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. ### How Are Lab Diamonds Grown? Lab diamonds are made by recreating the conditions underneath the Earth that result in diamond growth: pressure, heat, & carbon. Today, there are two methods of growing diamond gemstones: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) & Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Each process is best suited for certain sizes & colors of dia ### Are Lab Diamonds Better for the Environment? Mining diamonds from the earth requires large-scale excavation and heavy machinery. Lab diamonds are created with significantly less environmental disruption. Many lab diamond growers use renewable energy, and the diamond growth process requires only a small amount of raw carbon to produce each carat. ### Are Lab Diamonds Cheaper than Mined Diamonds? Yes. Lab diamonds typically retail for 50-80% less than mined diamonds of equivalent quality. Just like mined diamonds, lab diamonds are priced based on quality and their 4C’s grades. SEE LAB DIAMOND PRICING ### Can You Tell the Difference Between Lab Diamonds & Natural Diamonds? Because lab grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds with the same chemical composition, hardness, and sparkle, you cannot tell the difference between a natural diamond and a lab diamond without specialized laboratory equipment. To the naked eye and traditional jeweler’s testers, they are indistinguishable. ### Are Lab Diamonds Graded by Third Party Organizations? All of our premium lab-grown diamonds over 1 carat are graded and certified by independent gemological laboratories. Each report evaluates the diamond’s carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. Organizations such as GIA, IGI, and GCAL provide objective assessments that offer additional transparency and help clients to make an informed purchase and feel confident in their selection. ### Are All Lab Diamonds the Same Quality? Just like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds can vary greatly in color and clarity. While diamond growth technology has improved, many growers who are capable of producing nice diamonds actively choose to produce lower-quality diamonds because it is much faster and cheaper to do. Higher-quality stones take more time and precision to produce, trade at higher prices, and can rival some of the most exceptional natural diamonds. All of our diamonds are inspected in-house before being shown to our clients, with only the most exceptional passing our rigorous quality control. ### Do Lab Diamonds Change Color Over Time? No. Laboratory-grown diamonds do not fade, discolor or cloud over time. ### Does Ada Diamonds Grow its Own Diamonds? No, Ada Diamonds does not grow its own diamonds. Rather, we purchase the best lab diamonds from diamond growers around the world. We are discerning lab diamond experts and we reject over 95% of the lab diamond market as beneath our quality standards. Because Ada is a leading retailer of exceptional lab grown diamonds, we often have access to diamonds that other retailers do not, allowing Ada to deliver the best of the best to our clients. [Learn more about Ada's concierge process.](https://www.adadiamonds.com/diamond-concierge-process) ### Can Lab Diamonds be Appraised and Insured? Yes. Laboratory-grown diamonds are easily appraised and insured, just like mined diamonds. Ada's fine jewelry comes with a full appraisal and many of our clients choose to insure their jewelry from our insurance provider, [Jeweler's Mutual Insurance](https://www.jewelersmutual.com/). ### How Long Does it Take to Grow a Diamond? It takes 7-10 days to grow a 1 carat lab diamond, and about a month to grow a 3 carat diamond. If you try to grow a diamond faster, the diamond crystal will fracture or develop voids, producing a grown/gray color. Thus, there is a physical speed limit to how fast you can grow diamonds. ### Is a Diamond Simulant the Same Thing as a Lab Grown Diamond? No, diamonds are real diamonds, whereas cubic zirconia or moissanite are made from different materials that only resemble diamonds in appearance. Diamond simulants are much weaker than diamonds and have different light performance and patterning. Any jeweler can easily tell the difference between a diamond and a diamond simulant such as CZ or moissanite. ## Explore Our Guides _[Knowledge base articles](https://www.adadiamonds.com/knowledge-base)_ ### Begin your virtual private jeweler experience. [Find Your Perfect Diamond](/inquire) ### Shop Jewelry ### Shop Bridal --- Canonical URL: