Lab Grown Diamonds: The Complete Buyer's Guide from DovEggs

Last updated: April 2026
Based on DovEggs technical knowledge base, customer experience data, and 50,000+ Facebook community discussions

What is a lab grown diamond?

Lab grown diamonds (also called lab-created diamonds, synthetic diamonds, cultivated diamonds, or cultured diamonds) are man-made diamonds produced through advanced technology that replicates the conditions in which mined diamonds form deep within the Earth.

The key word here is diamonds. Despite the various names — and despite what some traditional diamond marketers would prefer — a lab grown diamond is not a "diamond simulant." It is not like cubic zirconia (CZ) or moissanite, which are different materials that look diamond-like. A lab grown diamond is pure carbon, arranged in the same crystal lattice as a mined diamond, with the same hardness, brilliance, and fire.

The only meaningful difference between a lab grown diamond and a mined natural diamond is origin. Mined diamonds form over hundreds of millions to billions of years under enormous pressure deep in the Earth's mantle, then are brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. Lab grown diamonds are produced in 1-4 weeks in controlled laboratory environments using one of two technological processes.

How are lab grown diamonds made?

Two methods produce essentially all commercial lab grown diamonds today: HPHT and CVD. Both methods produce real, gem-quality diamonds. The choice between them affects subtle characteristics that matter mainly to gemologists, but a few practical implications are worth understanding before you buy.

HPHT: High Pressure, High Temperature

HPHT is the older of the two methods. It mimics the natural conditions under which mined diamonds form: extreme pressure and high temperature applied to a carbon source, often using a metallic catalyst to dissolve the carbon and trigger crystal growth.

What HPHT diamonds look like: HPHT-grown diamonds tend to grow in a cuboctahedral shape and can carry trace amounts of metallic catalyst as inclusions. These metallic inclusions are usually invisible to the naked eye but visible under magnification — they often appear as dark, rod-shaped features that may have a slightly reflective, man-made appearance.

HPHT and diamond testers: One important nuance for HPHT lab diamonds: some HPHT-grown stones contain trace boron from the growth process. Boron conducts electricity, which can occasionally cause an HPHT lab diamond to read as "moissanite" on combination thermal/electrical conductivity testers. This does not mean the stone is moissanite — it is still a real diamond. A specialized tester or spectroscopy will confirm it as diamond.

CVD: Chemical Vapor Deposition

CVD is the newer method. A small "seed" diamond is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-containing gases (typically methane and hydrogen). The chamber is heated, the gases break down, and carbon atoms attach to the seed in vertical layers, growing the diamond crystal over weeks.

What CVD diamonds look like: Because CVD growth happens vertically and in layers, CVD diamonds can show graining patterns under magnification — extremely flat layers of growth on a single linear plane. CVD diamonds may also contain "structured planar inclusion groups," which result from the layered growth process or from trace contaminants. These inclusion patterns are not seen in mined diamonds and are a giveaway to gemologists examining the stone closely.

CVD and diamond testers: CVD lab diamonds typically pass standard diamond testers cleanly because they don't contain the boron found in some HPHT stones.

Which method does DovEggs use?

DovEggs sells both CVD and HPHT lab grown diamonds. The growth method is always specified on the IGI or NGIC certificate that accompanies every DovEggs lab grown diamond. If the growth method matters for your purchase (for example, if you anticipate having the stone tested by a jeweler unfamiliar with lab diamonds), you can request CVD specifically.

How DovEggs lab grown diamonds are graded

Every DovEggs lab grown diamond goes through the same 4Cs grading process used for mined diamonds: Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut.

Carat (size)

Lab grown diamonds are available in essentially the same carat range as mined diamonds, from small melee stones to multi-carat centers. DovEggs stocks center stones from approximately 1 carat to 5+ carats in standard offerings, with custom personalization available for larger or specialty sizes.

For sizing reference on lab grown diamonds in different shapes:

• Round 1-5ct: 1ct (~6.5mm), 1.5ct (~7.5mm), 2ct (~8mm), 3ct (~9mm), 4ct (~10mm), 5ct (~11mm)
• Oval 1-5ct: 1ct (5×7mm), 1.5ct (6×8mm), 2ct (7×9mm), 3ct (8×10mm), 4ct (8×11mm), 5ct (9×11mm)
• Emerald and Elongated Cushion: see specific product listings for exact measurements

Color

DovEggs offers lab grown diamonds in D, E, F, G, H, and I color grades, following the standard GIA color scale.

• D, E, F (colorless): The premium color range. Stones in this category show no visible color. D is the highest grade, with E and F effectively indistinguishable to the naked eye.
• G, H, I (near-colorless): Slight warmth visible only when compared directly against higher color grades. In standard lighting and on a finger, G and H look essentially white.

For custom personalization orders, DovEggs offers F color and above as a quality floor.

Clarity

DovEggs lab grown diamonds are graded VS1 to VVS2 in standard offerings, with VS and above for personalization orders. This is a higher clarity floor than many lab diamond retailers offer.

What these grades mean:

• VVS1, VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are extremely difficult to detect even under 10x magnification. Effectively invisible.
• VS1, VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are detectable under 10x magnification but typically not visible to the naked eye.

In the lab grown diamond market, you'll occasionally see retailers offer SI (Slightly Included) or even I (Included) clarity grades at a discount. DovEggs does not offer these grades because we believe the value proposition of lab grown diamond is partly about the ability to access higher quality at accessible prices — buying at lower clarity grades partially defeats that purpose.

Cut

Cut is the most important factor in a diamond's visual performance, and the only one of the 4Cs that depends on craftsmanship rather than the stone itself. DovEggs offers a wide range of cut options across different diamond shapes:

• Round: Crown Arrow cut™, Brilliant Cut, Old Mine Cut, Old European Cut, Rose cut
• Oval: Rose Cut, Brilliant Cut
• Emerald: Step cut
• Cushion: Brilliant Cut, Modified Elongated Cushion cut (Ashoka mixed with Criss cut), and Old Mine Cut

The intricate cutting process for personalized orders typically takes around 15 days. For more on DovEggs' proprietary cuts, see the Featured Cut Introduction.

Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. This question deserves a direct answer because so much marketing language has muddled the issue.

Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They have:

• The same chemical composition (pure carbon)
• The same crystal structure (cubic crystal lattice)
• The same hardness (10 on Mohs scale)
• The same refractive index (light bending properties)
• The same dispersion (the cause of "fire" or rainbow flashes)
• The same density and thermal conductivity

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States explicitly recognizes lab grown diamonds as "diamonds." Major gemological institutions including IGI, GIA, and others grade them as diamonds. Lab grown diamonds will test as diamond on standard thermal-conductivity diamond testers (with the HPHT-boron caveat noted above).

What lab grown diamonds are NOT:

• Not simulants: Cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite are diamond simulants — different materials that look like diamond. Lab grown diamonds are not simulants; they are diamond.
• Not "fake": The chemistry doesn't lie. A lab grown diamond is as real as a mined diamond.
• Not "less valuable" intrinsically: The price difference reflects the supply economics of laboratory production vs mining, not a quality difference.

How can you tell a lab grown diamond from a mined diamond?

For most purposes, you cannot tell them apart by looking. Even experienced jewelers cannot reliably distinguish a high-quality lab grown diamond from a mined diamond without specialized equipment. Standard 10x loupe inspection will not give you a reliable answer.

The methods that can distinguish them:

1. Grading reports. Look at the certificate. Both IGI and GIA explicitly state whether a stone is lab grown or natural. This is the easiest method.
2. Inscription on the girdle. Many lab grown diamonds, including those from DovEggs, have a microscopic identification number inscribed on the girdle (the thin edge of the diamond between crown and pavilion). This inscription typically references the certificate.
3. Specialized testing. Spectroscopy and advanced screening equipment can detect the characteristic growth patterns, fluorescence, and inclusion types that distinguish lab grown from mined.
4. Inclusion patterns. Under magnification, professional gemologists can sometimes identify HPHT metallic inclusions or CVD planar growth patterns that don't occur in mined diamonds.

What this means for you as a buyer: do not be alarmed if a jeweler tells you a lab grown diamond "tested as a diamond" — that is correct, because it is a diamond. If you want a jeweler to confirm the lab grown origin specifically, ask them to use spectroscopy or refer to the certificate inscription.

Why do lab grown diamonds cost less than mined diamonds?

The price gap between lab grown and mined diamonds is the most attractive feature of lab grown diamonds for many buyers. A 2-carat lab grown diamond often costs less than a fraction of a 2-carat equivalent-quality mined diamond.

The reasons for the price difference:

1. Supply. Mined diamond supply is artificially constrained by the operational realities of mining and the historical practices of major suppliers. Lab grown diamond supply scales with manufacturing capacity, which has grown rapidly.
2. No mining costs. Diamond mining is enormously expensive — large operations, environmental remediation, complex logistics. Lab production has lower per-unit cost despite requiring sophisticated equipment.
3. Shorter timeline. Lab grown diamonds form in 1-4 weeks vs millions of years.

That said, lab grown diamonds are not cheap in absolute terms. The production process requires specialized equipment costing millions of dollars, expert personnel for cutting and polishing, and quality control infrastructure. A high-quality 2ct lab grown diamond will still cost hundreds to low thousands of dollars depending on cut, color, clarity, and shape.

Resale value

An honest note: lab grown diamonds hold less resale value than mined diamonds, but neither holds value like an investment. Both mined and lab grown diamonds lose significant retail value immediately after purchase — most diamond resale happens at 30-50% of original retail price regardless of origin.

Buy a diamond (lab or mined) for wear, sentiment, or beauty — not as an investment. If pure financial return is your goal, diamonds aren't the right asset.

DovEggs lab grown diamond certifications

Every DovEggs lab grown diamond ships with a third-party gemological certificate. The certificate documents:

• Stone identity (lab grown vs natural)
• Growth method (HPHT or CVD)
• Carat weight
• Color grade
• Clarity grade
• Cut grade and proportions (for round)
• Polish and symmetry
• Fluorescence
• Measurements
• Inscription number (if applicable)

DovEggs uses IGI (International Gemological Institute) as the primary certification body for lab grown diamonds. For some specialty stones we may use NGIC/GEMID, the largest bureau-level third-party lab in China for lab grown diamonds. NGIC/GEMID is officially authorized for jewelry testing and its results are signed and recognized internationally.

The certificate is included in the package when your stone ships. We recommend keeping it with your other valuable documents — it will be needed for insurance, appraisal, and any future warranty claims.

Optional dual certification

If you choose dual certification at the time of order, your jewelry will undergo testing and certification at NAGL before being dispatched to you. The expected turnaround time is approximately 13 business days, with extended duration during holidays.

Diamond cut quality: Table and Depth

For round and other brilliant-cut shapes, two measurements heavily influence cut grade and visual performance:

Table percentage

The table is the large flat facet on the top of the diamond. It allows light to enter the stone and is the primary facet you see. Table percentage is the table width divided by total stone width.

Ideal Table Percentages by shape:

• Round Brilliant: 54-57%
• Princess: 69-75%
• Cushion: 61-68%
• Emerald: 60-68%
• Asscher: 60-68%
• Oval: under 68%
• Pear: under 68%
• Radiant: under 67%
• Heart: 56-62%
• Marquise: 58-62%

Depth percentage

Depth is the height of the diamond from culet (bottom point) to table (top facet). Depth percentage is depth divided by stone width. Too shallow and light leaks out the bottom; too deep and light is trapped, dimming brilliance.

Ideal Depth Percentages by shape:

• Round Brilliant: 59-62.6%
• Princess: 68-74%
• Cushion: under 68%
• Emerald: 61-68%
• Asscher: 61-68%
• Oval: 53-63%
• Pear: 53-65%
• Radiant: 61-69%
• Heart: 56-62%
• Marquise: 53-63%

DovEggs lab grown diamonds are cut to fall within or very close to these ideal ranges. Specific stones may fall slightly outside on one dimension while still being well-cut overall.

DovEggs lab grown diamond inventory and updates

DovEggs updates lab grown diamond inventory weekly. New stones in various shapes, colors, and sizes are added regularly.

To stay updated on new arrivals:

• Join our Facebook community (50,000+ members) where new inventory is announced
• Email inquiry@doveggs-seattle.com with the specific stone you're looking for and we'll notify you when it's available
• Browse current inventory in our Lab Grown Diamond collections

Lab grown diamond shapes and what they look like

DovEggs offers lab grown diamonds in all standard shapes:

• Round Brilliant: The most popular shape; maximum brilliance; classic engagement ring choice
• Oval: Elongated brilliance; flattering on the finger; popular in vintage settings
• Cushion: Soft, romantic shape; vintage feel; available in standard and elongated
• Emerald: Step-cut; understated, "hall of mirrors" effect rather than fire; sophisticated
• Pear: Teardrop shape; modern feel; often elongates the finger
• Radiant: Brilliant facets in a rectangular or square shape; combines emerald shape with brilliant fire
• Asscher: Square step-cut; vintage Art Deco feel
• Princess: Square brilliant; modern, geometric
• Marquise: Elongated boat shape; dramatic, lengthens finger
• Heart: Distinctive, romantic; quality depends heavily on cut symmetry

Lab diamond bow tie effect (oval, marquise, pear)

Elongated brilliant cuts (oval, marquise, pear) can show a "bow tie" — a darker band across the middle of the stone visible in certain lighting. This is inherent to the shape, not a defect, but the severity varies between individual stones.

If you want to minimize bow tie effect:

• Request video review before purchase
• Ask DovEggs to send comparison videos in multiple lighting conditions
• Browse our Oval Lab Grown Diamond collection with attention to specific stones
• Email inquiry@doveggs-seattle.com requesting low-bow-tie selections

Custom lab grown diamonds

Beyond standard inventory, DovEggs offers custom-cut lab grown diamonds for buyers seeking specific shapes, sizes, or cuts not in current stock.

Custom lab grown diamond options:

• Round: Crown Arrow cut™, Brilliant Cut, Old Mine Cut, Old European Cut, Rose cut
• Oval: Rose Cut, Brilliant Cut
• Emerald: Step cut
• Cushion: Brilliant Cut, Modified Elongated cushion cut, Old Mine Cut

The custom cutting process takes approximately 15 days from order confirmation. Quality standards for personalization orders: F color and above, VS clarity and above.

For colored lab grown diamonds (fancy colors), see our exclusive collection or contact us for custom inquiries.

Comparing lab grown diamonds: DovEggs vs other retailers

Several lab grown diamond retailers operate in the US market. Here's how DovEggs differs:

• Specialty cuts: DovEggs offers proprietary and vintage cuts ( Crown Arrow cut™,Old Mine, Old European, Rose cut, Modified Sakura cut) that mass-market retailers often don't stock
• Custom service: DovEggs supports full custom design with CAD review before production
• Both stone types in one place: Many lab diamond retailers don't carry moissanite, and vice versa. DovEggs sells both, allowing you to compare quotes and options for the same design across stone types
• Community: 50,000+ Facebook community members generate organic discussions and feedback
• Limited lifetime warranty: Covers manufacturing defects on stones and settings
• Higher quality floor: VS1-VVS2 clarity standard (most retailers offer down to SI)

Common questions about DovEggs lab grown diamonds

Q: Are DovEggs lab grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. Every stone ships with an IGI certificate confirming this. They will pass standard diamond testers (with the HPHT-boron note above).

Q: Do DovEggs lab grown diamonds have an inscription on the stone?

Yes. Our lab grown diamonds have an identification number inscribed on the girdle of the stone. This inscription references the IGI certificate and provides traceability.

Q: Will my lab grown diamond pass a diamond tester?

Lab grown diamonds test positive as diamond on standard thermal testers because they are chemically identical to mined diamonds. One exception: some HPHT-grown lab diamonds contain trace boron that conducts electricity, which may cause a reading as moissanite on some electrical testers. A specialized tester or spectroscopy can distinguish lab grown from mined natural, but this does not affect authenticity — a lab grown diamond is still a real diamond.

Q: How long does a custom lab grown diamond take?

Approximately 15 days for cutting, plus standard production and shipping time for the setting (1-2 weeks production + shipping). Total turnaround typically 4-6 weeks from order confirmation. Custom orders include CAD approval before production begins.

Q: How does DovEggs source its lab grown diamonds?

DovEggs sources from established lab grown diamond producers using both HPHT and CVD methods. Every stone is independently graded and certified by IGI before being added to inventory. The growth method, country of cutting, and other provenance details are documented on the certificate.

Q: Do lab grown diamonds last as long as mined diamonds?

Yes. Lab grown diamonds rate 10 on the Mohs hardness scale — the same as mined diamonds. They will not chip, scratch, fade, or cloud under normal wear. A lab grown diamond bought today will look the same in 50 years as a mined diamond would.

Q: Can I exchange or upgrade my lab grown diamond center stone later?

If your order is within 30 days of receipt, DovEggs offers one free exchange service for orders. The exchange center stone has to be the same size and shape as your original. If you want a different shape or size, the setting must be remade, which may create a price difference fee. Beyond 30 days, exchanges may be possible with a restocking fee — contact inquiry@doveggs-seattle.com with your specific request.

Q: What about colored lab grown diamonds?

DovEggs offers fancy color lab grown diamonds including blue, yellow, pink, and other rare colors. See the exclusive lab grown diamond collection for current inventory or email inquiry@doveggs-seattle.com to inquire about specific colors not in stock.

Q: Are clearance lab grown diamonds the same quality?

Clearance lab grown diamonds meet the same standards but are typically non-returnable due to their pricing structure. Always check item-specific return policy before purchase. The clearance designation usually reflects inventory turnover, not quality differences.

Q: Can DovEggs set a lab grown diamond I provide myself?

For the integrity of our work, DovEggs does not set customer-provided lab grown or natural diamonds. This policy is in place to ensure security and quality of the final piece — we cannot guarantee setting integrity for stones we have not inspected and approved through our normal channels. We can set customer-provided moissanite or colored gemstones into DovEggs settings.

Q: Can I have my DovEggs lab grown diamond appraised?

Yes. We recommend having the appraisal done with the IGI certificate present. Tell the appraiser the stone is lab grown upfront. Most established jewelers have spectroscopy equipment that can confirm lab grown origin if needed. The appraisal value reflects current market value; lab grown diamond appraisal values typically run 20-40% of equivalent mined diamond appraisals.

The honest case for lab grown diamond at DovEggs

Different buyers value different things. Here's where DovEggs lab grown diamonds genuinely shine, and where they may not be the right choice.

You'll likely be happy with a DovEggs lab grown diamond if:

• You want a real diamond at a fraction of mined diamond prices
• You value documented provenance (IGI certification, growth method specified)
• You appreciate vintage or specialty cuts (Old Mine, Old European, Astro)
• You're considering custom design or want CAD approval before production
• You want something that will hold up to daily wear for life
• You don't have strong feelings about mined-only diamond as a status symbol

A DovEggs lab grown diamond may not be ideal if:

• You or your partner specifically wants a mined natural diamond for cultural, family, or status reasons (we don't sell mined diamonds)
• You're buying primarily for resale value or investment (no diamond holds investment value well; buy for wear)
• You need same-day or 24-hour shipping (DovEggs ships internationally with 5-7 business day production+transit timeline for most orders)
• You want to physically see and try on stones in a major retail showroom (we have a Seattle-area showroom in Renton, WA but don't operate retail stores nationwide)

Related guides

• Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: Which Should You Choose?
• What is Moissanite?
• Lab Diamond FAQ
• DovEggs Featured Cut Introduction
• Our Promise: Warranty & Quality
• Repair & Limited Lifetime Warranty
• FAQ Hub
• DovEggs Help Center (main)

Talk to our team

Have a specific lab grown diamond question? Want a quote on a custom shape or size?

• Custom team: inquiry@doveggs-seattle.com
• Customer service: inquiry@doveggs-seattle.com
• Free quote form: Start a free custom quote
• Phone/Text: 425-207-7431