They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend—but do lab-grown diamonds hold the same social standing as their mined counterparts? And where to buy lab-grown diamonds? Over the last few years, lab-grown stones have become increasingly popular as jewelry brands incorporate them into rings, necklaces, and tennis bracelets alike.
To dive a little bit into the science: “Natural diamonds were created by forces deep within the earth, millions to billions of years ago, while laboratory-grown diamonds are produced in factories in a matter of days or weeks,” explains Gemological Institute of America senior research scientist Sally Magaña, PhD. The resulting rocks are identical in their makeup and appearance—the naked eye could not spot the difference. “The differences can best be detected by trained gemologists using sophisticated equipment. Nevertheless, laboratory-grown and natural diamonds have essentially the same physical and chemical properties and lasting durability.”
Marketed as a more ethical and accessible approach to diamonds, these gems have convinced plenty of people to rely on them for engagement rings and occasion jewelry. (“People” includes celebrities like Paris Hilton, whose engagement ring is made of pavé lab diamonds around a natural center diamond.) If you’re interested in exploring jewelry made with lab-grown diamonds, there are a group of notable brands helping to define and refine the space. With the help of experts like Magaña, we’re here to provide clarity on these gemstones—and help find the best picks for you.
The best places to buy lab-grown diamonds, at a glance
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Best for Everyday Wear: Aurate
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Pros: Easy-to-style designs; relatively low prices; personalization options
Cons: Intricate pieces can get pricey
Why we love it: Based in New York City and dedicated to contemporary designs, Aurate offers dozens of lab-grown diamond pieces, ranging from dainty station necklaces to tennis bracelets to engagement rings. Many styles merge Old Hollywood glamour with modern-day chic, and most are crafted with solid gold, meaning it’s all durable (and pretty) enough for everyday wear. Aurate is also an eco-conscious brand, using only recycled gold, lab-grown or Kimberley Process-compliant diamonds, and sustainably sourced pearls.
Best for: Classic yet trend-conscious finds | Price range: $150–$17,000 | Shipping: Free shipping above $100 | Return policy: 15 days for full refund
Best Upgrade: Kinn
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Pros: High-quality materials, down to the clasps
Cons: Some pieces are expensive, considering they’re lab-grown.
Why we love it: Kinn is known for high-quality materials designed to last for generations. Every gold chain is made of 14-karat gold, and you can choose between lab-grown and natural diamonds. In order to minimize waste, the brand also makes many of its pieces to order. Its designs toddle between vintage classics and modern elegance, both of which will have a place in your jewelry box for a lifetime. The aim is not to chase trends, but to create something you want to wear 24/7 until it’s time to pass it down the family tree.
Best for: Modern elegance | Price range: $500–$5,000 | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: 10 days
Best Under $1,000: Astrid & Miyu
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Pros: Great price point; trend-minded designs
Cons: Designs might be too dainty for some tastes
Why we love it: London-based brand Astrid & Miyu does much more than lab-grown diamonds, but its collection stands out for coming in almost entirely under $1,000. (About half of it is under $500.) Nothing feels anonymous, either; its ear jackets, cluster bracelets, and charmed studs are all eye-catching and distinctive, making these pieces feel even more investment-worthy.
Best for: Entry-level diamonds | Price range: $200–$1,200 | Shipping: Free shipping; free express shipping on orders of $175 or more | Return policy: 28 days
Best for Gifting: Pandora
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Pros: Wide range of designs; sustainability-minded brand
Cons: Not necessarily a destination for engagement rings
Why we love it: We all remember Pandora from shopping at the mall as a kid. But the Danish label has been steadily evolving and growing right alongside us, developing the kind of jewelry we want to wear (and receive, for that matter). While you may associate the jeweler with charm bracelets and silver accessories, the brand adopted lab-grown diamonds back in 2021, with a focus on developing more sustainable jewelry with a smaller carbon footprint. Now you can find every type of diamond accessory, from rings to necklaces and earrings, at Pandora—and it’s all cute.
Best for: Trend-minded diamond jewelry | Price range: $150–$3,000 | Shipping: $6.95 for two to five days | Return policy: 30 days
Best Fine: Brilliant Earth
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Pros: Tons of customization capabilities
Cons: Pieces are on the more expensive end for beginners.
Why we love it: For 20 years now, Brilliant Earth has created a reputation around ethical fine jewelry, prioritizing sustainability, transparency, and human rights. (It’s all in its name.) And while you’ll find an impressive array of lab-grown diamond jewelry here, you’ll also be able to shop mined diamonds that meet its Beyond Conflict Free standard—a promise that its diamonds don’t fund any wars or benefit from violence, human rights abuses, environmental destruction, and worker exploitation. Its bread and butter is engagement and wedding rings, allowing you to fully customize your perfect ring down to its carat, cut, and clarity grade. But you’ll also find casual jewelry for everyday wear.
Best for: Easy, eye-catching engagement and wedding rings | Price range: $1,000–$7,000 | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: 30 days
Most Popular: Mejuri
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Pros: Ethically sourced, semi-fine jewelry; great for trends
Cons: Not a huge selection of designs
Why we love it: High quality meets modern designs with transparent pricing—that’s what you get at Mejuri. The jewelry brand we all know for long-lasting, sophisticated rings and necklaces offers an array of lab-grown gemstone accessories. You won’t find engagement rings and wedding bands here; rather, it’s tasteful and minimalist earrings and bracelets that feel of the moment. You can find classics like tennis bracelets just under $4,500, or go the more subtle route with a petal stud at around $370. It’s the ideal way of adding a touch of luxury to your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Best for: Attainable yet quality everyday jewelry | Price range: $100–$2,000 | Shipping: Free over $75, two to four days | Return policy: 30 days
Best for Stacking: Ana Luisa
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Pros: Tons of smaller, daintier jewelry for daily use
Cons: No options for engagement rings
Why we love it: Ana Luisa has its finger firmly on the pulse. You may know the affordable jewelry brand for its trendy yet budget-friendly accessories, and its underrated lab-grown diamond pieces fit right in. Diamond styles will be pricier than a simple gold hoop, but if you’re just venturing into the world of lab-grown gems, you’ll easily find options in the $100 to $500 range. Most of its pieces use smaller, daintier diamonds rather than blindingly big rocks, which makes them perfect little daily luxuries.
Best for: Affordable everyday diamonds | Price range: $100–$500 | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: 30 days
Best Modern: Ring Concierge
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Pros: Dozens of options, from dainty to bold
Cons: Relatively small selection under $1,000
Why we love it: Looking for an engagement ring, a unique pair of earrings, or a diamond-encrusted showstopper for your next big event? You’ll probably find it at Ring Concierge, which has a deep selection that should please pretty much everyone. All pieces qualify as fine jewelry, and while there could be more pieces under $1,000, budget-minded shoppers should still be satisfied with Ring Concierge’s offerings.
Best for: Contemporary diamond stunners | Price range: $160–$18,000 | Shipping: Free shipping above $150 | Return policy: 30 days
Best Statement: Dorsey
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Pros: You’ll find other lab-grown gemstones, like sapphire and emerald.
Cons: Chains are made of gold vermeil, not solid gold.
Why we love it: At Dorsey, the jewelry is the outfit. That’s not to say the pieces are loud and gaudy—quite the opposite. The diamond chain necklaces, tennis bracelets, and dangly earrings are all tasteful and captivating—the type of jewelry that’s so sparkly that you want to pair it with a simple black dress just to let it shine at its fullest. This isn’t your destination for engagement rings or wedding bands, but rather accessories for special occasions—think evening soirees of all sorts. Dorsey also has a rich lineup of other lab-grown gemstones like sapphire, moissanite, and emerald, allowing you to truly have fun with jewelry at a reasonable price point.
Best for: Special occasions and evening parties | Price range: $300–$10,000 | Shipping: Free two-day shipping | Return policy: 21 days
Best Value: Quince
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Pros: Chic classics at affordable prices
Cons: Smaller curation that’s frequently out of stock
Why we love it: You never have to worry about overpriced items at Quince. While the retailer may have started with wardrobe basics, it has since expanded into jewelry, and Glamour editors can vouch that it holds up to everyday wear. It’s hard to scroll through its man-made diamond jewelry without fawning over the array of rings, earrings, and necklaces set in 14-karat gold. Its designs are clean-cut and sleek, but always with a standout element that keeps them from looking boring. Whether you want a single diamond stud or a pear-drop necklace, you’ll likely find something in your price range.
Best for: Everyday elegance at truly low prices | Price range: $200–$2,000 | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: 365 days
Best for Bridal: Grown Brilliance
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Pros: Tons of customization options; ideal for bridal rings
Cons: Relatively pricey
Why we love it: As its name suggests, Grown Brilliance specializes in lab-grown diamonds. While it’s best known for engagement rings and wedding bands—there are hundreds of options to choose from, plus fully customizable options—the brand also offers plenty of other earrings, bracelets, and necklaces that work perfectly for your big day. (There’s even a selection of high jewelry if you’re really looking to invest.) The brand also has storefronts across the country, in case you’d prefer to do your shopping in person.
Best for: Wedding jewelry of all kinds | Price range: $225–$151,000 | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: 30 days
Best Custom: Vrai
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Pros: Beginner-friendly; fair pricing
Cons: Vrai uses its own diamond grading system and is not GIA-certified
Why we love it: Since its founding in 2014, Vrai has never worked with mined diamonds. Instead, it focuses solely on lab-grown gems, crafting eye-catching fine jewelry that’s dainty but far from boring. While there are plenty of customization capabilities for its engagement rings, it’s in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming to a beginner. It provides visual guides every step of the way, ensuring your final creation is exactly what you had envisioned.
Best for: Ethically sourced fine jewelry | Price range: $200–$7,000 | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: 30 days
Frequently asked questions
How much do lab-grown diamonds cost?
Lab-grown diamond prices are significantly lower than their mined counterparts “because they can be manufactured on demand,” says Lorraine Brantner, director of sales and service at James Allen; in comparison, “natural diamonds are higher in price because they are rare and there is a finite supply.” As a result, “lab-grown diamonds historically haven’t retained their value in the same way natural diamonds tend to.”
The cost of a lab-grown diamond, therefore, depends entirely on the manufacturer and design expertise. “When you get above a $5,000 price point, that tends to be a more natural-leaning consumer. When you get below $2,000 or so, buyers are focused on how to maximize their budget, and lab-grown can offer larger carat selections that appeal to some consumers,” Brantner says. You also have to consider the material that the diamond is wrapped in. Is it sitting on a solid gold chain or held up by gold-plated prongs? These additional materials will play a large role in how a piece of jewelry is priced, especially as the cost of gold rises.
Are lab-grown diamonds worth buying?
Lab-grown diamonds make wonderful jewelry pieces for the everyday shopper. They are worth buying if you want to infuse your life with a little luxury without spending upwards of $5,000 on a single item. However, as Brantner mentions above, lab-grown diamonds do not hold their value the same way natural diamonds do because of how quickly they can be manufactured; if you’re wondering whether they are “worth” an investment for a future return, then the answer is no, at least for now.
“Consumers can get bigger, bolder, and more trend-driven looks that might otherwise be prohibitive with natural stones due to their rarity,” Brantner says, so if you’re looking for a very specific size, diamond shape, and color grade, they make it easier to bring your vision to life. “Lab-grown diamonds have really expanded the opportunity to innovate in fashion jewelry and have opened new avenues for self-gifting,” she says. But when it comes to engagement rings and future heirlooms, “many consumers are drawn to the romance, story, and long history behind a natural diamond.”
What is the best lab-grown diamond company?
There are plenty of trustworthy lab-grown diamond companies to choose from. Their distinctions lie in their origin stories; certifications from organizations like the Gemological Institute of America and the International Gemological Institute; proprietary lab tech; and the ability to manufacture premium cuts, colors, clarity, and carat weight. A diamond’s quality can still significantly vary in lab-grown diamonds, so our experts say it’s good practice to check for certifications and reviews.
How are lab-grown diamonds made, and how long does it take to engineer one?
There are two processes for creating lab-grown gemstones, Magaña says: “Many laboratory-grown diamonds today are produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), in which a carbon gas, typically methane, along with hydrogen, flows into a chamber where the gas molecules are ionized and split apart. These molecular fragments migrate to a diamond wafer at the bottom of the chamber, building up the rough laboratory-grown diamond layer by layer.
“The other method—high pressure, high temperature (or HPHT)—requires a pressure of about 50,000 times the atmospheric pressure of earth at sea level and temperatures of about 1,400 degrees Celsius. For both methods, a small diamond is required to start the process. This seed diamond functions as a ‘blueprint’ that the carbon uses as a guide when it’s added to the growing diamond crystal.” In both processes, Magaña says, the whole thing typically takes days to weeks, depending on factors like size.
