What Is a Lab Grown Diamond? The Complete Guide

If you've been shopping for fine jewelry lately, you've probably noticed the term "lab grown diamond" popping up everywhere from engagement rings to everyday studs. But what actually is a lab grown diamond, and why are more people choosing them over mined stones for their gold jewelry?

At Rari, nearly every piece we design from our bead charms to our diamond studs is set with lab grown diamonds in 10K solid gold.

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

A lab grown diamond (also known as a lab created diamond, cultured diamond or man made diamond) is a real diamond that is grown in a controlled laboratory environment instead of being mined from the earth. It has the same chemical composition, crystal structure and physical properties as a diamond mined from the earth – both are made of pure carbon in a diamond lattice.

The only real difference is the location of the diamond. Deep underground, under extreme heat and pressure, mined diamonds form over billions of years. A lab grown diamond is created in weeks using technology that replicates those same natural conditions in a lab.

How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?

There are two main methods used to grow diamonds in a lab:

1. HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature)

This method mimics the natural diamond-growing process by subjecting a small diamond "seed" to extreme heat and pressure, causing carbon atoms to crystallize around it.

2. CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)

A diamond seed is placed in a sealed chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. The gas is heated until the carbon atoms separate and settle onto the seed, building the diamond layer by layer.

Both methods produce a diamond that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to one pulled from the ground.

Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Mined Diamonds: What's the Difference?

The biggest practical takeaway: lab grown diamonds let you get more diamond for your money, without compromising on quality, durability, or brilliance.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds "Real" Diamonds?

Yep. This is one of the biggest myths we hear about. A lab grown diamond is not a diamond simulant like cubic zirconia or moissanite, which are different materials that mimic diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are graded by the same labs and to the same standards as mined stones . A lab grown diamond is a diamond. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission defines lab grown diamonds as diamonds, requiring only that they be described at the point of sale as “laboratory-grown” or “lab-created” – exactly what reputable jewelers do.

Why Lab Grown Diamonds Pair So Well With 10K Solid Gold

At Rari, we build every piece around two things: 10K solid gold and lab grown diamonds. It's a pairing that makes sense for a few reasons:

• Durability meets durability. 10K gold is the most durable gold alloy used in fine jewelry thanks to its higher ratio of alloy metals, it resists scratching, bending, and daily wear far better than 14K or 18K gold. Set a diamond that scores a perfect 10 on the hardness scale into a gold alloy built to go the distance, and you get jewelry designed for everyday wear, not just special occasions.

• Real materials, real value. Solid gold never plates, flakes, or fades, and lab grown diamonds never lose their sparkle. Together, they give you heirloom-quality jewelry without the heirloom price tag.

• Sustainability without sacrifice. Choosing 10K gold (which requires less pure gold per gram than 18K) alongside lab grown diamonds means a smaller environmental footprint from mining, without any compromise on how the finished piece looks or wears.

• More sparkle per dollar. Because lab grown diamonds cost less to produce, we're able to set more diamonds, in better cuts and clarities, into each design which is why so many Rari pieces are absolutely loaded with stones.

Rari Pieces With the Most Lab Grown Diamonds

If you want maximum sparkle in solid 10K gold, these are the pieces our customers reach for again and again:

Our Lab-Grown Diamond Recommendations

• Margaux Diamond Hoop - Timeless 10K solid gold hoop earrings featuring brilliant lab-grown diamonds, designed to add effortless elegance and everyday sparkle to your jewelry collection.

• Vera Emerald Stud - Sophisticated emerald-cut lab-grown diamond stud earrings set in 10K solid gold, offering a clean, modern silhouette with exceptional brilliance.

• Lumiere Earring Charm - A delicate 10K solid gold hoop charm adorned with sparkling lab-grown diamonds, perfect for adding a refined touch to your favorite hoop earrings.

•  Pluvia Earring Charm - An elegant 10K solid gold hoop charm featuring brilliant lab-grown diamonds, crafted to enhance your everyday look with subtle, timeless sparkle.

Caring for Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry in 10K Gold

Lab grown diamonds are just as hard and durable as mined diamonds and require the same basic care:

1. To clean, use warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth.
2. Do not use harsh chemicals, chlorine or abrasive cleaners.
3. If they are metals or stones, keep them away from one another so that they do not scratch.
4. Remove jewelry before swimming or prolonged water exposure to maintain the shine of your 10K gold.

A little routine care will keep your Rari pieces brilliant for years. 10K solid gold never plates or fades and your diamonds never lose their luster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) Is a lab grown diamond less valuable than a mined diamond?

It's typically less expensive, but not less "real." You're paying less because lab grown diamonds are less rare to produce not because the diamond itself is lower quality.

Q2) Will a lab grown diamond sparkle the same as a mined diamond?

Yes. Since they share the same crystal structure, lab grown and mined diamonds refract and reflect light identically.

Q3) Are lab grown diamonds graded the same way as mined diamonds?

Yes, using the same 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, typically certified by the same gemological labs.

Q4) Why does Rari use lab grown diamonds in 10K gold instead of mined diamonds?

It lets us set more, better-quality diamonds into each piece while keeping our jewelry accessible without ever compromising on solid gold or genuine diamonds.

Final Thoughts

A lab grown diamond is in every way that matters a diamond: the same sparkle, the same hardness, the same enduring beauty as a stone mined from the earth, just grown above ground instead of below it. Mixed with the strength and warmth of 10K solid gold, it’s a combo made for jewelry you actually wear every day, not just save for special occasions.

Ready to see it for yourself? Book a virtual styling consultation and we'll help you build your perfect stack.