Without specialized equipment, you can’t tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond – they look exactly the same. Their only significant difference is their origin: one was formed deep in the earth, the other was grown in a laboratory.

Lab-grown diamonds exhibit the same physical, chemical and optical properties as natural diamonds, exhibiting the same fire, scintillation and brilliance. Lab-created diamonds can only be distinguished from natural diamonds through testing using specialized equipment.

As the name reveals, a lab grown diamond is created in a laboratory. The manufacturing process itself requires advanced technology and renowned expertise. There are two different methods for creating a lab diamond: Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT). We offer diamonds produced through both processes.

CVD
The process begins when a gas, such as methane is introduced to a vacuum chamber. The environment activates the gas, and its molecules are broken down using microwaves. This creates a reaction that results in carbon atoms accumulating on a substrate, similar to how snowflakes accumulate in a snowfall. The substrate holds a tiny grain of diamond which collects the carbon atoms from the “snowfall” and grows into a diamond.

HPHT
During the HPHT process, a grain of carbon is exposed to a so-called High Pressure, High-Temperature technology. Due to the process's environment, the small grain can slowly turn into a diamond.

Since lab-grown diamonds have the same composition as natural diamonds, they are also graded by accredited gemological institutes according to the 4Cs (color, carat weight, clarity and cut) used to grade naturally mined diamonds. This means that each diamond’s parameters, including its color grade, carat weight, clarity grade and cut grade, are verified through a diamond certificate.

55E Jewelry provides consumers with certificates certified by the International Gemological Institute (IGI), which is recognized by the international mainstream.

Are lab grown diamonds more sustainable? The environmental impact of diamonds is an intensely discussed subject, with arguments from both parties. We have decided not to choose a side but instead offer both lab grown and natural diamonds and let our customers choose the most suitable choice for them. One argument commonly used in the debate is that the production of lab grown diamonds requires a lot of electricity. On the other hand, natural diamonds require a lot of water. Our recommendation is to read on the subject and choose the alternative that best suits you. Our experts are more than happy to consult and discuss any thoughts you might have.