Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Complete Guide
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds — chemically, physically, and optically identical to diamonds mined from the earth. They are created in a controlled environment rather than extracted from the ground, using the same natural process that forms diamonds underground, compressed into a matter of weeks.
What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a genuine diamond — not a simulant, not cubic zirconia, not moissanite. It shares the same carbon crystal structure, the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), the same refractive index, and the same optical properties as a mined diamond.
The difference is origin. A natural diamond forms over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure deep in the earth. A lab-grown diamond replicates those same conditions inside a laboratory chamber, producing a stone that is physically and chemically identical.
The FTC recognizes lab-grown diamonds as diamonds — not "synthetic" in a lesser sense, but as a fully equivalent product differing only in how it came to exist.
How EX3 Creates Its Diamonds
EX3 uses the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method to grow every diamond in its collection. CVD is currently the most precise method available for producing gem-quality lab-grown diamonds with consistent, predictable characteristics.
Every EX3 diamond is grown in the company's proprietary OB1X chamber in Illinois, set in Illinois, and shipped from Illinois. The full process — from growth to finished stone — is controlled by EX3's own team.
The CVD Process
Chemical Vapor Deposition begins with a small diamond seed — a thin slice of existing diamond, natural or lab-grown. The seed is placed in a sealed chamber and exposed to a carbon-rich gas mixture (typically methane) at very high temperatures. Carbon atoms from the gas bond to the seed, building up atom by atom into a full diamond crystal.
The growth process takes several weeks depending on the target size. The resulting rough diamond is then removed from the chamber, inspected, and sent for cutting.
CVD produces diamonds with fewer inclusions than HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature), the other main production method, and allows for very precise control of color and clarity during growth.
Cutting & Polishing
After growth, a lab-grown diamond rough goes through the same cutting and polishing process as a mined diamond. EX3's stones are cut and polished to maximize brilliance, with a focus on Excellent cut grades.
The cut is the most important factor in a diamond's appearance — it determines how light enters, reflects, and exits the stone. A well-cut diamond will outperform a higher-color or higher-clarity stone cut poorly. EX3 prioritizes cut quality across its collection.
Certification
Every EX3 diamond is independently graded and certified by the International Gemological Institute (IGI) before it is set or sold. The IGI report confirms the diamond's 4Cs — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — and documents that the stone is lab-grown.
The IGI report number is laser-inscribed on the girdle of each stone, creating a permanent link between the physical diamond and its grading report. When your EX3 diamond arrives, you can verify your specific stone at igi.org using the report number.
Learn more about diamond certification and what the IGI report means
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
| Property | Lab-Grown Diamond | Natural Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Carbon (same) | Carbon (same) |
| Crystal structure | Cubic (same) | Cubic (same) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 (same) | 10 (same) |
| Refractive index | 2.42 (same) | 2.42 (same) |
| Origin | Laboratory | Earth |
| Formation time | Weeks | Billions of years |
| Price per carat | Lower | Higher |
| Independently certifiable | Yes (IGI, GIA) | Yes (GIA, IGI) |
Lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same 4C scale and can achieve the same quality grades as natural diamonds. The primary difference buyers experience is price — lab-grown diamonds are significantly less expensive per carat for equivalent quality.
Understanding the 4Cs
The 4Cs — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — are the universal language of diamond quality. They were developed by GIA and are used by all independent grading laboratories, including IGI.
Cut
Cut refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and faceted. It is the most important of the 4Cs because it governs brilliance — how much light the stone returns to your eye. IGI grades cut as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor. EX3 focuses on Excellent cut grades.
Color
Color is graded on a scale from D (completely colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). For white diamonds, lower color grades mean more visible yellow tint. D–F are colorless; G–J are near-colorless and represent the best value for most buyers.
Clarity
Clarity describes the presence of internal characteristics (inclusions) and surface characteristics (blemishes). The scale runs from FL (Flawless) to I3 (Included). VS1–VS2 and SI1 grades are typically eye-clean and represent strong value.
Carat Weight
One carat equals 200 milligrams. Carat measures weight, not size — but weight correlates strongly with size for a given cut. Two diamonds of equal carat weight can appear different in size depending on how they are cut.
Why Choose EX3
EX3 Diamond grows, cuts, and sets every diamond it sells. There are no middlemen. Every stone is certified by IGI. Every piece is set in Illinois. EX3 offers a lifetime warranty on all jewelry and a 60-day return policy.
Because EX3 controls the full process from growth to finished jewelry, the company can provide detailed transparency on the origin, growth method, and specifications of every diamond — something traditional diamond retailers cannot match.
Learn more about EX3's diamonds and process
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds — chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. The FTC classifies them as diamonds. They are not simulants like moissanite or cubic zirconia.
Can a jeweler tell the difference between a lab-grown and a natural diamond?
Not with standard tools. Distinguishing lab-grown from natural requires specialized spectroscopic equipment. Both look identical under a loupe or microscope. The IGI report documents the origin.
Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value?
Lab-grown diamond prices have declined as production scales. Like most consumer goods, they are purchased primarily for their beauty and sentimental value — not as investments. Natural diamonds have also experienced price volatility.
What does "As Grown" mean on an IGI report?
"As Grown" indicates the diamond's color is natural to the CVD growth process — no post-growth HPHT treatment was applied to alter the color. EX3's OB1X chamber is calibrated to achieve target color grades during growth.
Do I need an appraisal if I have an IGI certificate?
Yes. The IGI certificate documents what your diamond is; an appraisal documents what it would cost to replace. Insurance companies require a dollar value — typically from a certified independent appraiser — to issue a jewelry floater policy.
How are EX3 lab-grown diamonds different from other lab-grown brands?
EX3 grows, cuts, and sets in-house in Illinois. Most lab-grown diamond retailers source stones from wholesale markets. EX3's vertical integration means full traceability from the growth chamber to the finished ring.
Shop EX3 Diamonds
Browse EX3's full collection of IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds. Every stone is grown in the OB1X chamber, certified before setting, and backed by EX3's lifetime warranty.
