Twenty-one pieces of diamond jewelry, a panel of seven testers, a physicist, a laser, a fireproof safe, and an eye-popping insurance policy—that’s what we needed to pull off the Brides diamond testing and compile our list of the best places to buy lab-grown diamond jewelry.
Chemically identical to natural diamonds, lab-created diamonds offer all the sparkle at a more approachable price point. Plus, because they’re sustainably grown and ethically sourced, they’re an eco-friendly choice you can feel proud to wear. And make no mistake: Both are real diamonds, full stop. Unlike simulated diamonds, lab-grown diamonds have the same aesthetic, physical, and chemical characteristics as natural diamonds. The only difference? Lab diamonds are created in a controlled setting, while natural diamonds are mined from the Earth.
Dr. Ulrika D’Haenens-Johansson, an expert from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the Brides team tested 21 pieces of lab-grown diamond jewelry from 10 brands in our New York City Lab. Our testers evaluated the appearance of each diamond, setting quality, fit, and presentation. Dr. D’Haenens-Johanssen used the GIA iD100 ® —a specialized instrument that separates natural diamonds from laboratory-grown diamonds and diamond simulants. “By eye, it’s difficult to tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond,” she explained. Since natural and lab-grown diamonds are chemically the same, this method helps scientists, appraisers, and jewelers tell the difference and assess the quality of a stone.
When choosing a lab-grown diamond, you should still look for the four Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat. As for size, because lab-grown diamonds are more affordable, you can get more carats for less cash. And at the end of the day, most people can’t tell one from the other, so you’ll still get that wow factor.
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Grown Brilliance
Millennials think differently about all aspects of engagements and weddings, eschewing the traditional for new ways to mark the occasion. So we were surprised when one 20-something tester was so impressed by the quality and origin story of the Grown Brilliance lab-created pieces she was ready to invest in diamonds for the first time in her life.
We’d change one thing about the pre-designed cushion-cut ring we tested—the high prong setting covered part of the stone’s face, detracting from its full brilliance. If you want the diamond to get all the attention, we recommend opting for a halo style with prongs that aren’t as noticeable. The stud earrings were a big hit with all our testers, with gorgeous martini-set stones and guardian posts to hold them comfortably in place.
Grown Brilliance is one of the few brands offering lab-grown pieces from well-known designer label Badgley Mischka. (Our favorites from the collection are the stunning oval engagement ring and the Graduated Riviera necklace, which gave us major Princess Grace vibes.) There’s also a Red Carpet collection, which includes celebrity-inspired rings.
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Brides | Jhett Thompson
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Brilliant Earth
We compared a natural and a lab-created diamond from Brilliant Earth’s collection and found it impossible to distinguish between them with the naked eye. The brand’s readymade engagement ring designs are classic, and the round-cut engagement ring we tested is the perfect option for a bride-to-be who wants a timeless look. If you have more modern tastes, you can design your ring by choosing a center stone and one of several setting options, from traditional solitaires to ornate three-stone shapes. (One of our favorites is the eclectic Versailles ring, which features a center stone adorned by smaller round and marquise cut lab diamonds.)
We love the choices available for the brand’s lab-grown diamond studs. Our testers liked how the four-prong basket setting on the 3-carat studs let the diamonds’ brilliance shine through while the double-grooved posts and guardian backings kept them firmly but comfortably in place. (One tester was ready to buy them on the spot!) Beyond rings and studs, Brilliant Earth also offers lab-created diamond pieces like wedding bands, tennis bracelets, hoop earrings, and pendant necklaces. Most jewelry options, including engagement rings, are available in four precious metal types: 18K white gold, 14K rose gold, 18K yellow gold, and platinum.
With all the customization options available, navigating the Brilliant Earth website can be overwhelming. It takes some searching to find the selection of lab-grown engagement rings, though the…
Read More: The 11 Best Places to Buy Lab Grown Diamonds in 2024