What are lab-created diamonds?

Lab-created diamonds are gemstones that are grown in a laboratory instead of being mined from the earth. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.

Are lab-created diamonds real diamonds?

Yes! They have the same characteristics as natural diamonds and can only be distinguished from natural diamonds using specialized equipment. Your lucky recipient - or your friends at girls' night - will never know.

Are lab-created diamonds more ethical than natural diamonds?

Lab-created diamonds are usually considered more ethical than natural diamonds because they are not associated with environmental destruction or human rights abuses. However, the environmental impact of producing lab-created diamonds and the working conditions of lab workers may also be factors to consider.

Are lab-created diamonds more affordable than natural diamonds?

Yes, lab-created diamonds are typically less expensive than natural diamonds of the same quality and size. This is because the cost of producing lab-created diamonds is lower than mining natural diamonds.

Do lab-created diamonds have the same resale value as natural diamonds?

Unfortunately, no. These man-made gemstones have lower resale value than natural diamonds because they are not as rare. However, this may change as lab-created diamonds become more popular and widely accepted in the jewelry industry.

How are lab-created diamonds made?

Lab-created diamonds are made using two different methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). HPHT mimics the natural diamond formation process by subjecting a small diamond seed to high temperature and pressure. CVD uses a gas mixture to deposit carbon atoms onto a diamond seed, which eventually grows into a diamond.

Are lab-created diamonds as durable as natural diamonds?

100%. They have the same hardness, toughness, and resistance to scratching and chipping.

Can lab-created diamonds be used for engagement rings?

Absolutely! They are a popular and ethical alternative to natural diamonds and offer the same beauty and durability. It's a great way to get a stunning ring at a much lower price than you'd spend for jewelry with natural gemstones. And unless you tell her (or him), your intended will never know the difference.

Best Lab Grown Diamond Stores for March 2026

Item: The Best Lab Grown Diamond Stores - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Friday, March 6th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Lab Grown Diamond Store Reviews

Where is the Best Place to Find Lab Grown Diamonds? Diamonds are a girl's best friend (and honestly, they're great for guys too), but there's one huge snag that keeps people from grabbing those glittery rocks: cost. Most people think of diamonds and think of dollar signs (and lots of ‘em). However, there are more cost-effective options. And, no, we're not talking about fakes or cubic zirconia lookalikes.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Brilliant Earth

Pricing from $160 to $163,050 for diamonds
Selection includes 391,000+ diamonds
11 diamond shapes

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EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Brilliant Earth website

Brilliant Earth is a top choice for those who want ethically-sourced and sustainable materials as well as lab grown diamonds. Brilliant Earth allows customers to trace the origins of the company's gemstones and metals, while also benefiting from perks like free shipping, a lifetime warranty, and a diamond upgrade program. Offering over 391,000 diamonds and excellent customer service, Brilliant Earth earns our highest recommendation.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Grown Brilliance

Pricing from $630 to $69,025 per diamond
Selection includes 164,000+ diamonds
11 diamond shapes

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GREAT

4.5

On the Grown Brilliance website

Grown Brilliance is a fantastic choice for those looking for 100% lab grown, conflict-free diamonds with a strong commitment to sustainability. While its selection of over 164,000 lab grown diamonds is slightly smaller than some competitors, it offers 11 different diamond shapes and a unique quiz to help shoppers find the perfect stone. With an "A+" BBB rating, glowing customer reviews, a lifetime warranty, and a 30-day return policy, Grown Brilliance earns a solid score as a top ethical and woman-led jeweler.

4.4

GREAT

Great

Blue Nile

Pricing from $250 to $1,857,300 per diamond
Selection includes 52,000+ diamonds
9 diamond shapes

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GREAT

4.4

On the Blue Nile website

Blue Nile is a top choice for anyone looking to buy lab grown diamonds, offering over 52,000 options across the site's selection. Whether you want to design your own engagement ring online or visit an in-person showroom for expert guidance, Blue Nile makes the process easy with 360-degree diamond previews, free returns, and a price match guarantee. With strong customer reviews and an "A+" BBB rating, it's a trusted jeweler for high-quality lab grown diamonds at competitive prices.

4.3

GREAT

Great

Von Diamonds

Pricing from $90 to $6,545 per diamond
Selection includes 250,000+ diamonds
11 diamond shapes

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GREAT

4.3

On the Von Diamonds website

Von Diamonds is a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers looking for both lab grown and natural diamonds at discounted prices. With over 250,000 lab grown diamonds to choose from, price-match and price-beat guarantees, and strong customer feedback, this online retailer is already making a name for itself. While the site could improve by offering actual photos instead of drawn images in the previews and adding free returns, its competitive prices earn it a near perfect rating in our review.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

James Allen

Pricing from $230 to $945,630 per diamond
Selection includes 55,813 diamonds
11 diamond shapes

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VERY GOOD

4.0

On the James Allen website

James Allen is a well-known online jeweler that offers a stress-free way to shop for engagement rings, loose lab grown diamonds, and fine jewelry. With over 55,000 lab grown diamonds, plus a 360-degree view of every item, it's easy to find the perfect gem. While the site had some temporary outages during our research, James Allen still stands out for its competitive pricing, free diamond upgrades, lifetime warranty, and highly-rated customer service.

3.9

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Vrai

Pricing from $342 to $36,935 per diamond
Selection includes thousands of lab grown diamonds
31 diamond shapes

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VERY GOOD

3.9

On the Vrai website

Vrai is a top choice if you're looking for ethically-sourced, lab grown diamonds with a zero-carbon footprint, offering a stunning variety of 31 unique diamond shapes. While the browsing experience could be improved with more upfront images, customers appreciate the high-quality 360-degree views and detailed close-ups of each stone. Vrai receives high marks for its exceptional customer service and earns our solid recommendation, especially for those seeking rare diamond shapes.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Reeds Jewelers

Pricing as low as $347.49 per diamond
Selection includes thousands of diamonds
11 diamond shapes

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GOOD

3.5

On the Reeds Jewelers website

Reeds Jewelers is a well-established retailer offering a mix of natural and lab grown diamonds both online and in stores. While the selection of lab grown diamonds is smaller than some competitors and the website can be frustrating to navigate, Reeds earns high marks for customer service, helpful staff, and quality products. Despite some browsing challenges, its reasonable pricing and strong reputation make it a solid choice.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

Ritani

Pricing from $110 to $1,573,504 per diamond
Selection includes 400,000+ diamonds
10 diamond shapes

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AVERAGE

3.0

On the Ritani website

Ritani is a great option if you want a huge selection of lab grown diamonds at transparent prices. The site makes browsing easy with helpful filters and 360-degree videos, plus perks like free in-store previews and 30-day returns. However, customer reviews mention slow shipping and service delays, and with a 3-star shopper rating average across the board, it isn't quite as competitive as some of the other lab grown diamond jewelers in our review. Ritani earns a middle of the road rating from us as well.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

Helzberg Diamonds

Pricing from $547 to $233,881 per diamond
Selection includes 10,000+ diamonds
7 diamond shapes

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SUBPAR

2.0

On the Helzberg Diamonds website

Helzberg has been a trusted jeweler since 1915, offering both in-store and online shopping for diamonds and fine jewelry. However, its selection of lab grown diamonds is much smaller than competitors, its website can be tricky to navigate, and customer service reviews are disappointing. While Helzberg maintains an "A+" BBB rating which may make it worth a look, its limited selection, short warranty, and poor customer feedback lead us to give it a lower rating as a place to buy lab grown diamonds.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

Jared

Pricing from $230 to $21,070 per diamond
Selection includes 31,000+ diamonds
10 diamond shapes

Read Full Review

WEAK

1.5

On the Jared website

Jared is a well-known name in wedding jewelry, offering engagement rings and custom designs through its 200+ store locations and online shop. While it provides a decent selection of lab grown diamonds, its inventory is smaller than other retailers, and customer reviews suggest issues with pricing, warranty claims, and service quality. Jared's lower customer ratings and limited lab grown diamond options make it a less appealing choice for those looking for a unique or budget-friendly engagement ring too.

1.4

WEAK

Weak

Kay Jewelers

Pricing from $290 to $50,320 per diamond
Selection includes 32,000+ diamonds
10 diamond shapes

Read Full Review

WEAK

1.4

On the Kay Jewelers website

Kay Jewelers is a well-known name in the jewelry industry, offering a wide selection of lab grown diamonds and engagement rings and backed by over 100 years in business. While the site is easy to navigate and offers helpful images to guide your purchase, its inventory is somewhat limited, and customer reviews paint a frustrating picture of poor service and refund issues. With mostly negative feedback on third-party review sites and a shopping experience that feels just average, Kay Jewelers may be convenient for in-person shopping but falls short of being a top choice for lab grown diamonds.

1.0

POOR

Poor

Zales

Pricing from $280 to $50,320 per diamond
Selection includes 29,000+ diamonds
10 diamond shapes

Read Full Review

POOR

1.0

On the Zales website

Zales is a well-known jewelry retailer with a long history, offering both natural and lab grown diamonds at its many retail locations. While its lab grown diamond selection is decent, the browsing experience is slower than competitors, and the website is nearly identical to its sister brands. Unfortunately, with overwhelmingly negative customer reviews, complaints about poor service, and concerns about diamond valuations, Zales earns one of our lowest ratings - better options are available elsewhere for a smoother and more trustworthy shopping experience.

Continued from above...

Where is the Best Place to Find Lab Grown Diamonds?

Diamonds are a girl's best friend (and honestly, they're great for guys too), but there's one huge snag that keeps people from grabbing those glittery rocks: cost. Most people think of diamonds and think of dollar signs (and lots of ‘em). However, there are more cost-effective options. And, no, we're not talking about fakes or cubic zirconia lookalikes.

We're talking lab grown diamonds. These diamonds are just as real as the diamonds you find in the earth, but they come at a fraction of the cost. So, what exactly is a lab grown diamond? First - lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. According to diamond experts at the Gemological Institute of America, "lab grown" diamonds and "natural" diamonds have the same hardness and level of durability, the same level of clarity, and are both certified as diamonds.

Lab grown (or man made) diamonds have been created in a controlled laboratory environment. Using techniques like High Pressure High Temperature creation, diamonds can be crafted to look exactly like earth-mined diamonds and have the same chemical and physical makeup as their natural counterparts. The only differences between lab grown and earth-mined diamonds are so tiny no one will ever see them except under serious magnification.

For example, natural diamonds have nitrogen due to the process of being created over millions of years under the pressure of the earth. Lab grown diamond creation simulates that process and cuts down production time to a couple of months. Plus, there isn't any dangerous mining involved in lab grown diamonds, making it much safer, far less costly, and in many cases a more ethical or carbon-neutral choice. The price difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is usually around 30-50% less for a lab grown gem of the same cut and quality, making it possible to purchase a much larger certified diamond without breaking the bank.

So, whether you're looking to get a diamond for your engagement ring, hoping to buy something shiny to treat yourself, or looking to create a new family heirloom, finding a reliable place to get quality lab grown diamonds is important.

If you're not sure which lab-grown diamond jeweler or gemstone retailer is going to be your best bet, don't worry. We've put together a few factors to help you choose the best spot:

Price. Lab grown diamonds are less costly than their earth-bound counterparts, but there is still a difference in price depending on where you buy. Make sure the cost is worth the size (carat) of the gemstone you're grabbing.
Cuts. Not all diamonds are the same. Depending on your taste, you may want a different shape or cut that suits your style. Check if your chosen retailer offers your preferred cuts, whether you want round, princess, heart, pear, or something else entirely.
Grading report. Some sites sell diamond simulants which are listed as lab created diamonds. However, this isn't the same as a lab grown diamond. You'll want to look for a grading report from a reputable lab like the IGI, EGL, or GIA to ensure that you're getting a real lab created diamond and not a knock off.
Reputation. Look to see if your chosen retailer has a top-notch reputation. Check out customer reviews on purchases and returns before you buy. You can also look up your retailer on sites like the Better Business Bureau to see how it stacks up against competing retailers.

To help you enhance your sparkle, Top Consumer Reviews has researched and ranked today's most popular retailers and jewelers for lab grown diamonds. This way you can enjoy the discounts and know you're getting a certified diamond for you or for your special someone. Enjoy your new bling!