These days, not only do you have a treasure trove of choices when it comes to the color, cut, clarity, and carat size of your engagement ring Diamond, but you can also choose how your diamond is made.

You can opt for a diamond that was created by natural processes beneath the earth’s surface or one that was formed by procedures carried out in a carefully controlled lab environment.

The second option, known as a lab-grown diamond, is growing in popularity. According to market research firm The MVEye, lab-grown diamonds account for 8-10% of diamond jewelry sales around the globe.

Maybe you’re wondering about the pros and cons of these diamonds or what you should know before looking into buying lab-grown diamonds in Houston. To help you with your research, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequent questions we’ve heard about lab-grown diamonds.

How are diamonds made in the lab?

Diamond manufacturers establish laboratory settings that mimic conditions diamonds form in beneath the earth’s surface. Like their natural counterparts, lab-grown diamonds are made of carbon atoms.

What’s the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds?

The primary difference is how these diamonds are made. Otherwise, they have the same physical and chemical attributes.

It’s impossible to tell the difference between natural and created diamonds simply by looking at them. Even with a magnifier, a jeweler or gemologist wouldn’t be able to recognize a lab-grown diamond unless it had a laser inscription. There is technology available to help jewelers make the distinction, but it’s very expensive.

Are lab-grown diamonds considered fake?

Not at all. As we mentioned, lab-grown and natural diamonds are the same chemically and physically. They exhibit the same visual qualities as well. 

After the diamonds are fully formed, they’re rough, just like a natural diamond, and must be cut and polished.

The entire process can be completed in as few as two weeks.

Are lab-grown diamonds certified?

Yes. They are certified and graded by the same agencies that evaluate natural diamonds: the GIA, HRD, and IGI. Their grade is based on carat, color, clarity, and cut—just like natural diamonds

Will lab-grown diamonds hold their value?

According to Australian-based Luminesce Diamonds, lab-grown diamonds will have value for their durability and beauty long after they’re sold. Money-wise, however, lab-grown diamonds are more susceptible than natural diamonds to losing value after their purchase.

What are some of the benefits of lab-grown diamonds?

Some of the plusses of lab-grown rings are they’re ethically sound: There’s no tie to diamond mines, or the violence and human rights violations that can be associated with them.

It’s also possible to buy sustainably created diamonds, and, generally, lab-grown diamond prices are about 20% to 40% lower than those of mined diamonds.

What are some of the downsides of lab-grown diamonds 

Because lab-grown diamonds are fairly new, there is no way to predict what their resale value will be.

Plus, some argue that created diamonds can be mass-produced, so they are not unique like natural diamonds.

How should I shop for a lab-grown diamond?

You should take the same approach as you would for a natural diamond. Set a budget and decide what you want in a diamond. You can find lab-grown options in the same colors and cuts as natural diamonds.

Be sure to shop with a trusted, reputable jeweler and give yourself time to try on plenty of rings.

In the end, like many of the decisions you’ll be making as you plan your wedding, there is no right answer when it comes to lab-grown diamonds versus natural options. The key is finding the right choice for you.