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Lab-Created Diamonds FAQs | Kay

Lab-grown diamonds (also referred to as lab-created or man-made diamonds) are diamonds that are made in a laboratory environment. They share the same optical, chemical, and physical properties as natural diamonds. While natural diamonds can take billions of years to form, lab-created diamonds can be produced in a matter of weeks or months.

Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a lab using specialized technology. The process starts with a diamond seed—a small sliver of carbon crystals. The diamond seed is placed in a chamber of extreme heat and pressure to mimic a natural diamond’s growing environment. The carbon coating helps the diamond crystalize and grow to a larger rough diamond crystal. The technology creates a diamond with the same optical, chemical, and physical properties of natural diamonds, producing in weeks or months what takes nature millennia.

While lab-grown diamonds exhibit identical optical, chemical, and physical properties as natural diamonds, the core differences between them are their origin and the time they take to form.

Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years deep below the earth's surface, under extreme pressure and high temperature. They rise and become accessible by volcanic eruption.

Lab-created diamonds are produced in a lab within weeks or months, using specialized technology that mimics the extreme heat and pressure of a natural diamond's growing environment. 

For a side-by-side comparison, see our Natural Diamonds vs. Lab-Created Diamonds article.

This really comes down to your personal preferences. Both lab-created diamonds and natural diamonds vary in their diamond grading. Lab-created diamonds allow you to maximize your budget, as they typically offer more size for the same cost. Natural diamonds are incredible works of nature and the traditional choice. Whether natural or lab-created, all of KAY’s diamonds are 100% conflict free.

Because lab-grown diamonds have the same optical, chemical, and physical characteristics as natural diamonds, they cannot be distinguished even with a professional loupe under 10x magnification. That’s why KAY lab-created diamonds 1/5 carat and larger are laser-inscribed with “lab grown” or "lab created" on the girdle.


Neither is inherently higher quality, as both lab-created and natural diamonds are available in a range of color, cut, clarity, and carat weights.

A natural diamond has historically maintained its value. However, since lab-created diamonds are relatively new, it is unknown if they will retain their long-term value.

Just as with natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are available in a wide range of price points. Whether natural or lab-grown, the value of a diamond depends on the 4 Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. However, lab-grown diamonds are generally viewed as the more budget-friendly option, as they typically offer more size for the same cost.

Yes. Just like a natural diamond, a lab-created diamond can be insured. Generally speaking, the application process, policy terms, and proportional costs are identical to what you would expect for a natural diamond.

Yes, the 4Cs of a diamond—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—apply to lab-created diamonds, as they exhibit the same optical, chemical, and physical properties as natural diamonds. Just as with natural diamonds, lab-created diamonds come in a range of styles and price points.

Just as you would expect with natural diamonds, lab-created diamonds come in a wide range of jewelry options for any occasion, including rings, bands, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Our diamond experts map, cut, and polish the diamond from its rough form to bring to life the precious stone's unique sparkle, fire, and brilliance. 

In addition to lab-created diamonds, KAY offers a beautiful selection of lab-created gemstone jewelry. To learn more and shop our selection, view our Lab-created Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry Gift Guide.

Lab-Created Diamonds by KAY is a collection of high-quality lab-created diamond jewelry. Our stunning selection includes engagement rings, wedding bands, and fashion jewelry. Explore Lab-Created Diamonds by KAY now.

KAY lab-created diamonds are graded to the same standards as our natural diamonds. That means your lab-created diamond will be accompanied by an independent laboratory report detailing its 4 Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight.

For more information on the 4 Cs of a diamond, view our 4Cs guide.

We are committed to giving our customers high-quality jewelry at an affordable price. We are a Founding and Certified Member of the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC). We set high standards for our jewelry sourcing—whether natural or lab-created, 100% of our diamonds are conflict-free. Check out more reasons to choose KAY here.

All lab-created diamonds are independently certified for color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Lab-created diamonds are included in the KAY Lifetime Diamond Gemstone Guarantee, as well as the optional Protection Plans. 

With this information, you can decide if natural or lab-created diamonds are right for you. If you have any questions, you can book a virtual or in-store appointment with one of our Jewelry Consultants. No matter what you choose, you’ll get the quality, services, and support that come with being a valued KAY customer.
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