what diamond is right for you?

From a scientific standpoint, lab-grown diamonds are virtually identical to natural diamonds, with only minor differences in carbon structure. While natural diamonds form over many millennia, lab grown diamonds are created in just 1 to 4 weeks through advanced chemical synthesis in controlled lab environments. Once formed, they are cut and polished using the same techniques as natural diamonds, offering the same brilliance, sparkle, and durability as their earth-mined counterparts.

Some refer to a “real diamond” only as a natural diamond, formed over millennia under high pressure and high temperature conditions deep within the Earth’s mantle. These diamonds are mined, cut, and polished before they reach the jewelry store.

In contrast, lab-grown diamonds—also referred to as “synthetic” or “man-made” diamonds—are produced in laboratories using high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques. These methods replicate the natural conditions of diamond formation, creating diamonds that are chemically, physically, and optically indistinguishable from natural ones.

The term “simulated” refers to man-made stones like Moissanites or Cubic Zirconia (CZ). These stones are chemically and physically different from a diamond. They are used in jewelry to look like a diamond but they do not possess the same qualities as diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds are created in precisely controlled laboratory or factory settings using methods that either mimic natural formation or apply innovative techniques to re-create a diamond. The first common process is High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT), which simulates the intense heat and pressure conditions found deep within the Earth during the formation of natural diamonds. The second method, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), involves transforming hydrocarbon gas into plasma, allowing carbon atoms to separate and gradually build the diamond structure layer by layer.  Click Here To Learn More.

Yes, lab-created diamonds and lab jewelry are generally more affordable than their natural counterparts for several reasons.

By eliminating the costly and labor-intensive mining process, production expenses are significantly reduced. Additionally, ongoing advancements in technology continue to enhance the efficiency of lab diamond creation, making them even more cost-effective—without compromising on quality or visual appeal.

Lab-grown diamonds are often perceived as a more environmentally friendly alternative to natural diamonds. In reality, the environmental impact of lab-created diamonds is not inherently lower. The production process—especially the energy-intensive use of presses and reactors—can rely heavily on fossil fuels, making labels like “eco-friendly” or “green” not universally applicable.

That said, some responsible manufacturers are taking meaningful steps by powering their production with renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. These efforts are frequently verified by third-party certifications, offering transparency and assurance to environmentally conscious consumers.

Knowing this, Parkers’ Karat Patch Jewelers chooses to partner with the lab grown diamond manufacturers who use only the strictest of environmental conditions to create their lab grown diamonds.

Natural diamonds have faced criticism due to concerns about unethical mining practices and poor working conditions. In response, a coalition of governments, non-governmental organizations, and the diamond industry established the Kimberley Process in 2002. This initiative aims to regulate the trade of rough diamonds and eliminate conflict diamonds from the global market. Today, approximately 99% of diamonds sold are considered conflict-free.

At Parkers' Karat Patch, we partner exclusively with diamond distributors who not only comply with the Kimberley Process but also meet the highest standards of quality and ethical sourcing.