Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds—simply created in a different way.
At Yelton Fine Jewelers we believe our clients deserve options. Lab-grown diamonds are optically, chemically, and physically identical to natural diamonds, with the only difference being their origin. Instead of forming beneath the earth over time, lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using advanced technology that mirrors the natural growth process.
Because of that growing process, not all lab-grown diamonds are the same. Even when certified, some can show subtle hues—such as gray, green, or yellow—depending on how they were grown. Much like cooking in a kitchen, the process requires precision; when conditions aren’t just right, the final result can vary.
That’s why we carefully inspect every lab-grown diamond we offer, selecting only those that meet our standards for color, brilliance, and overall beauty. Just as with our natural diamonds, certification is only the starting point—our expertise and visual inspection ensure the diamond you choose looks exceptional in real life.
Whether you choose a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond, our standards never change. Both are beautiful, meaningful choices, presented with the care, honesty, and craftsmanship Yelton Fine Jewelers has provided Cincinnati families for generations.
Lab Grown Diamond FAQs
Lab grown diamonds are chemically and structurally the same as natural diamonds. They have the same physical and optical properties that have made natural diamonds coveted for thousands of years. The main differentiation point is that as more lab grown diamonds are produced, they become less rare. While natural diamonds will always remain rare.
No - natural and lab grown diamonds look the same to the naked eye as they share the same physical and chemical properties. They have the same sparkle, brilliance and hardness. Even trained jewelers cannot reliably tell them apart by sight alone. The only way to identify whether a diamond is natural or lab is through professional screening equipment or a certified laboratory report. The difference is in their origin and rarity - not their beauty.
At Yelton Fine Jewelers, we rely on our industry-standard screening technology as well as trusted laboratory reports to ensure every diamond is properly identified. This allows you to shop with confidence for both natural and lab grown diamonds.
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds can be exceptionally beautiful. Just like natural diamonds, their beauty is determined by 4Cs - cut, color, clarity, and carat weight - along with the quality of craftsmanship (cut and polish). A well-cut diamond will always appear brighter and more brilliant than one with lesser proportions, regardless of how it was formed.
Natural diamond formation occurs in nature, deep in the earth, formed under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years. Diamonds are then carried to the earth’s surface by volcanic forces and activity. Each one is unique and a rare and enduring gift of nature.
In a scientifically controlled environment, carbon is formed into diamond crystals under extreme heat and pressure, using immense amounts of energy, in a matter of weeks.
Though it would seem at first glance that lab grown diamonds would be more ecological than natural diamonds that are responsibly and ethically mined, there is significant debate due to studies revealing the amount of energy used while creating a lab grown diamond. One huge benefit of responsibly mined Forevermark and Code of Origin natural diamonds is their ecological mining practices along with the benefits provided to the local mining economies. For instance, the success and modernization of Botswana can largely be credited to the economic benefits reaped through the business of natural diamonds.
Yes, definitely. The price gap is actually growing right now as the price of natural diamonds rise and lab grown diamonds fall. The price of lab grown has been dropping consistently in the last couple of years as the technology has advanced.
A lot of people forget that lab grown sapphires, rubies and emeralds were created about 100 years ago! While lab grown gemstones did gain popularity initially, there is a much stronger demand for natural sapphires, rubies and emeralds which continued to grow in value over the years. Real is rare, especially in today’s world. And rare creations of nature are always highly coveted.
Today, more than ever, it’s essential to work with a jeweler you truly trust. At Yeltons, we believe in complete transparency and education. Are the natural diamonds you’re considering among the finest available — and are they properly graded, inscribed, and documented to protect their long-term value? Are lab-grown diamonds clearly identified so you can make an informed choice?
These are important questions every customer deserves answers to. That’s why we take the time to walk you through the differences, answer your questions, and help you discover the diamond that fits your story. Because just like each diamond, every customer is one-of-a-kind — and your jewelry should reflect that.