Lab grown diamonds with the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as mined diamonds — IGI certified, produced without mining, and available for engagement rings, fine jewelry, and custom designs at our manufacturing facility.
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. The Federal Trade Commission recognizes them as such. The only difference is origin — a controlled laboratory environment rather than a geological one.
Lab grown diamonds — also called lab created diamonds or man made diamonds — are real diamonds produced in a controlled laboratory environment. They share the same carbon crystal structure, hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), refractive index, and thermal conductivity as mined diamonds. The only difference is origin.
A natural diamond forms over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth. A lab grown diamond replicates those same conditions in a matter of weeks. The result is chemically and optically identical — a fact confirmed by the Federal Trade Commission, which officially recognizes lab grown diamonds as diamonds.
Synthetic diamonds is an older industry term sometimes still used, though it is technically imprecise — lab grown diamonds are not simulated or imitation stones. They are genuine diamonds, and independent gemological laboratories grade them to the same standards as mined stones.
A direct comparison across the properties that matter for fine jewelry — from physical characteristics to value and certification.
| Property | Lab Grown Diamond | Natural Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Pure carbon (C) — identical to natural | Pure carbon (C) |
| Hardness | 10 Mohs — identical to natural | 10 Mohs |
| Refractive Index | 2.42 — identical to natural | 2.42 |
| Certification | IGI certified, same 4Cs grading | GIA or IGI certified |
| Origin | Laboratory — CVD or HPHT process | Geological — billions of years |
| Price per Carat | Significantly lower for same quality | Higher — rarity premium included |
| Environmental Impact | No mining, reduced land disruption | Mining required |
| Resale Value | Lower resale market currently | Established secondary market |
| Visual Distinction | Indistinguishable to the naked eye | Indistinguishable from lab grown |
For a detailed breakdown of how to choose between lab and natural for your specific piece, see our lab grown vs natural diamonds guide.
Lab grown diamonds are graded using the same 4Cs framework as natural diamonds. Every IGI certificate we provide covers all four criteria — here is what to prioritize for fine jewelry.
Cut determines how a diamond interacts with light — its brilliance, fire, and scintillation. For lab grown diamonds, prioritize cut above all other criteria. An excellent cut in a lower color grade will outperform a poor cut in a higher grade every time.
Diamond color is graded D (colorless) through Z (visible yellow). For lab grown diamonds set in white gold or platinum, D–H provides a visually clean appearance. In yellow or rose gold settings, G–J is appropriate and visually indistinguishable at a lower price point.
Clarity refers to internal inclusions and surface blemishes. For lab grown diamonds, VS2 to SI1 is the practical sweet spot — eye clean to the naked eye in nearly all cases, at significantly better value than FL or VVS grades. Inclusions in this range are invisible without magnification.
Carat is a unit of weight (0.2 grams per carat), not size. For lab grown diamonds, the lower price per carat makes it practical to choose a larger stone without the premium that the same weight would carry in a natural diamond. Sizing just below whole-carat thresholds offers the best value.
Two methods are used to produce lab grown diamonds at commercial scale — CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature). Both produce genuine diamonds; the method affects the growth conditions, not the resulting stone's properties.
At Redora, we source lab grown diamonds primarily produced by CVD — currently the most precise method for controlling color and producing large, high-quality stones suitable for fine jewelry and lab grown diamond engagement rings.
A thin slice of diamond — the seed — is placed in a sealed chamber. This provides the carbon lattice structure for growth.
The chamber is filled with a hydrocarbon gas mixture and heated to approximately 800–1000°C. Carbon atoms from the gas precipitate onto the seed and build the diamond layer by layer.
Over several weeks, the diamond grows to rough gem size. The process is monitored throughout to maintain consistent crystal structure and minimize inclusions.
The rough diamond is cut and polished by skilled cutters, then submitted to IGI for independent grading. Every stone receives a grading report before it enters our manufacturing facility.
Lab grown diamonds are available across every Redora fine jewelry category. The same IGI certified stones, set in solid gold at our manufacturing facility.
The most common use of lab grown diamonds at Redora. Solitaire, halo, three-stone, and custom settings — all available with IGI certified lab grown diamonds in the same solid gold construction as our natural diamond pieces. Lab grown diamond engagement rings offer the same appearance and durability at a significantly lower cost per carat.
View Engagement RingsTennis bracelets require a high total carat weight across many stones — making lab grown diamonds the preferred choice for most buyers. Our lab grown diamond tennis bracelets use IGI certified stones in solid gold prong settings, with the same quality standard as our natural diamond range.
View Tennis BraceletsSolitaire pendants, tennis necklaces, and custom diamond drops — all available with IGI certified lab grown diamonds. Our lab grown diamond necklaces are set in solid 14k or 18k gold at our manufacturing facility, identical in construction to the natural diamond equivalents.
View Diamond NecklacesEvery lab grown diamond used in Redora jewelry carries an IGI (International Gemological Institute) grading report. IGI is the world's largest independent gemological laboratory and the primary certification authority for lab grown diamonds globally.
The grading report confirms the diamond's cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — graded to the same standard as natural diamonds. The report also states the diamond's origin as laboratory grown, in compliance with FTC guidelines. A physical copy or digital certificate is included with every Redora lab diamond piece.
Some natural diamonds in our range carry GIA certification instead of IGI. Both are internationally accepted; for lab grown diamonds specifically, IGI is the more commonly issued report and equally rigorous in its grading methodology.
The world's largest independent gem lab. Primary certification body for lab grown diamonds — issues grading reports covering all 4Cs plus origin disclosure. Included with every Redora lab diamond piece.
The original developer of the 4Cs grading system. GIA certification is available on select natural diamond pieces and is internationally recognized as the gold standard for natural diamond grading.
The US Federal Trade Commission officially recognizes lab grown diamonds as diamonds, requiring no qualifying language beyond disclosure of origin. Lab grown diamonds are not simulated stones — they are real diamonds.
Factory direct lab grown diamond jewelry — set in solid gold, certified, and shipped without the retail margin.
Every lab grown diamond we use carries an IGI grading report. No uncertified stones, no substitutions — the certificate ships with the piece.
Lab grown diamonds are priced at a significant discount to natural stones. We pass that advantage directly to you — no retail markup applied at any stage between our facility and your door.
Every lab grown diamond piece is produced to your specification at our manufacturing facility — stone grade, carat weight, setting style, and gold alloy confirmed before production begins.
We advise on the optimal 4Cs combination for your budget and piece type. Not every grade matters equally — we help you allocate spend where it has the most visual impact.
Every piece available with lab grown diamonds is also available with natural diamonds. We carry GIA and IGI certified natural stones — the choice is entirely yours, with honest guidance on both.
All diamonds — lab grown and natural — are set by hand at our on-site production facility. Each stone is checked individually for alignment, security, and finish before the piece is dispatched.
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds — chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They share the same carbon crystal structure, the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and the same refractive index (2.42). The US Federal Trade Commission officially recognizes them as diamonds and requires only that their lab origin is disclosed. They are not simulants, not imitations, and not cubic zirconia — they are genuine diamonds produced in a controlled environment rather than extracted from the ground.
The only difference is origin. Natural diamonds form over billions of years underground; lab grown diamonds replicate the same conditions in a matter of weeks. In terms of appearance, hardness, and chemical composition, they are identical — even professional gemologists cannot distinguish them without specialist equipment. The practical difference for buyers is price: lab grown diamonds cost significantly less per carat for the same quality grade. The trade-off is resale value, where natural diamonds currently hold a more established secondary market.
Lab grown diamonds are graded using the same 4Cs framework as natural diamonds — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. At Redora, every lab grown diamond carries an IGI (International Gemological Institute) grading report. IGI is the world's largest independent gem lab and the primary certification body for lab grown diamonds. The report confirms all 4Cs and states the stone's laboratory origin in compliance with FTC guidelines. A certificate is included with every piece.
Lab grown diamonds are an excellent choice for an engagement ring if optical quality and value are the priority. They have the same hardness as natural diamonds — fully appropriate for daily wear — and are visually indistinguishable. The lower cost per carat means you can choose a larger or higher-grade stone within the same budget. Our engagement rings are available with both lab grown and natural diamonds; we advise on both options without bias so you can make the right decision for your situation.
For most fine jewelry applications: prioritize cut (Excellent or Very Good), choose color in the D–H range for white gold settings or G–J for yellow or rose gold, select VS2 to SI1 clarity (eye clean without paying for FL or VVS), and size just below whole-carat thresholds for the best value. Cut has the greatest impact on how a diamond looks — a well-cut stone in a moderate color grade will consistently outperform a poorly cut stone in a premium grade. We provide 4Cs guidance specific to your piece and budget as part of the consultation process.
Yes. Every custom piece we produce can be set with IGI certified lab grown diamonds — rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The custom process is the same regardless of diamond type: you share your brief, we produce a 3D CAD model for approval, then manufacture at our facility. Lab grown diamonds are particularly popular for custom pieces with multiple stones — pavé settings, eternity bands, and lab grown diamond tennis bracelets — where total carat weight is high and the cost advantage is most significant.
IGI certified lab grown diamonds set in solid 14k and 18k gold. Engagement rings, tennis bracelets, necklaces, and custom designs. Made to order at our manufacturing facility, shipped directly to you.