Manufactured Diamonds: What You Need to Know

For centuries, diamonds were mined from deep below the earth’s surface to be cut and set into beautiful pieces of jewelry. With modern technology, we can manufacture diamonds above ground in a lab.  

What is a manufactured diamond?

Manufactured diamonds, also referred to as lab-grown or lab-created diamonds are manmade diamonds that are formed in highly regulated laboratories. Manufactured diamonds are real diamonds – they are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. If you were to place the two side by side, even a highly skilled gemologist would not be able to tell which diamond was manufactured and which was mined.  

Cost of Manufactured Diamonds

A benefit of manufactured diamonds is that they are much more affordable than earth-grown diamonds. This allows shoppers to purchase a bigger, higher-quality diamond with their desired budget. By choosing a manufactured diamond, you can save 30% or more. More shoppers are choosing manufactured diamonds for their low costs. 

Below is a cost comparison between a manufactured diamond and an earth-grown diamond. Both of these diamonds are 1 carat, G color, VS1 clarity, Ideal cut (excellent polish and symmetry), and have no fluorescence.  

Manufactured diamond final cost: $1,507                    ​

Earth-grown diamond final cost: $7,739 ​

​The price difference between these two diamonds is astounding. Choosing a manufactured diamond will save you thousands of dollars.  

​How diamonds are manufactured ​

There are two processes in which manufactured diamonds can be made: CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature). The time it takes to grow a manufactured diamond really varies on how large the diamond is, but they generally take 2 weeks to a month to grow. Some manufactured diamonds list which method was used to create them in their grading certificate. 

The HPHT method is the original method of producing lab-grown diamonds and is the most similar to the way diamonds are produced by the earth since both earth-grown diamonds and HPHT diamonds undergo high pressures and high temperatures to form. The CVD method is much newer and mimics how diamonds are formed in space.    

Both of these methods can produce a beautiful, real diamond, so you don’t have to choose one method over the other. You can learn more about how lab diamonds are made here. 

Manufactured Diamond Rings

Most of our customers choose manufactured diamond rings over earth-grown diamond rings. If you are interested in a manufactured diamond ring, here are the most popular styles.  

Solitaire Rings

Solitaire diamond rings feature a single diamond set into a plain band. This timeless style is generally the most affordable since they are simple and unembellished. 

Shop Solitaire Rings 

Sidestone Rings

Sidestone diamond rings feature tiny diamonds set in the band for extra sparkle. The sidestones will draw the eyes into your manufactured diamond center stone.  

Shop Sidestone Rings 

Halo Rings

Halo diamond rings are another popular choice. Halo settings feature tiny diamonds surrounding your center stone, making your manufactured diamond appear even larger. Halos also add more sparkle.  

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Three-stone Rings

Three-stone rings feature three diamonds set into the band for a beautiful and balanced look. Three-stone rings can feature a variety of diamond shapes as side stones, like princess-cut side stones, pear-shaped side stones, and round-cut side stones.

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Vintage-inspired Rings

Vintage-inspired rings are quite unique and feature incredible detailing. While their overall designs are taken from the past, modern diamond-cutting techniques make these rings truly sparkle.

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Where to buy manufactured diamonds

Ritani is one of the best places to buy manufactured diamonds – but don’t just take it from us, read our reviews. With over 50,000 high-quality diamonds in our inventory, you’re sure to find one you’ll love. Each of our manufactured diamonds comes with a grading certificate from an independent agency. Should you need help choosing the right manufactured diamond, our gemologists are ready to assist you. 

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