What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds created in advanced laboratories rather than mined from the earth. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, hardness, and optical properties as natural diamonds. In other words, they sparkle, test, and perform exactly like mined diamonds.

The only difference is how they’re formed. Natural diamonds develop underground over billions of years, while lab grown diamonds are produced in controlled environments that replicate the same pressure and heat conditions.

For many people visiting our showroom in Tarentum, PA, the question isn’t whether they’re real — they are. The more practical question is whether a lab grown diamond is the right choice for your ring, your budget, and the moment you’re celebrating.

Understanding how they work — and when they make sense — helps you make that decision with confidence.

How Lab Grown Diamonds Are Created

Lab grown diamonds are produced using highly specialized technology that recreates the natural diamond-forming environment.

There are two primary methods used in modern diamond laboratories.

HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)

This method recreates the intense pressure and heat conditions found deep inside the earth.

A small diamond seed is placed inside a chamber where it’s exposed to extremely high temperatures and pressure. Carbon atoms bond to the seed and gradually grow into a diamond crystal.

CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)

CVD diamonds are grown in a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gas.

The gas is heated until carbon atoms separate and attach themselves to a diamond seed, slowly building the diamond layer by layer.

Both processes produce true diamond crystals, which are later cut and polished just like natural diamonds.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds.

They have the same:

• Carbon crystal structure

• Hardness (10 on the Mohs scale)

• Optical properties and brilliance

• Ability to pass professional diamond testers

Because of this, they are graded using the same 4Cs — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — used for natural diamonds.

In everyday wear, a lab grown diamond ring behaves exactly the same as a natural diamond ring.

Gem Fact

A diamond tester measures thermal conductivity, which is identical in both lab grown and natural diamonds. This is why lab diamonds pass standard diamond testers without issue.

Why Many People Choose Lab Grown Diamonds

When clients visit our Tarentum showroom looking for engagement rings or diamond jewelry, lab grown diamonds often appeal for practical reasons.

The biggest difference most people notice is price relative to size.

Lab grown diamonds typically cost less than natural diamonds of comparable quality. That means you can often choose:

• A larger center diamond

• Higher color or clarity grades

• A more elaborate setting

For example, someone considering a 1-carat diamond may find that a lab grown option allows them to select a larger stone while staying within the same budget.

This flexibility is one reason lab diamonds have become increasingly popular for engagement rings throughout Western Pennsylvania.

How Lab Grown Diamonds Compare To Natural Diamonds

To understand how lab diamonds fit into the jewelry world, it helps to see the differences side by side.

Both types of diamonds can create stunning engagement rings and heirloom jewelry.

The choice usually comes down to personal priorities rather than quality differences.

From The Jeweler’s Bench

When people compare diamonds in person, the conversation usually shifts away from “real vs. not real.” Instead, the discussion becomes how the diamond looks in the setting and what size feels right for the ring.

Seeing diamonds side-by-side often clarifies the decision very quickly.

When A Lab Grown Diamond Makes Sense

Lab grown diamonds are especially appealing in certain situations.

Engagement Rings With Larger Center Stones

If you love the look of a bold center diamond, lab grown diamonds allow many couples to select larger carat sizes while staying within a comfortable budget.

Fashion Diamond Jewelry

Lab diamonds are often chosen for:

• Diamond stud earrings

• Tennis bracelets

• Anniversary rings

Because the price difference can be significant when multiple diamonds are involved.

Custom Jewelry Projects

At Seita Jewelers, custom designs often include lab grown diamonds when the goal is to maximize visual impact while maintaining design flexibility.

Expert Tip

If you’re deciding between lab grown and natural diamonds, focus on how the diamond looks in the setting you love. Cut quality, proportions, and craftsmanship often influence beauty more than the origin of the stone.

How Lab Grown Diamonds Are Graded

Just like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are graded by independent gemological laboratories.

The grading report evaluates:

• Cut – how well the diamond reflects light

• Color – how colorless the diamond appears

• Clarity – internal inclusions or surface marks

• Carat Weight – the diamond’s size

When selecting a diamond for an engagement ring, cut quality often has the greatest influence on brilliance.

A beautifully cut diamond — whether lab grown or natural — will always appear brighter and more lively.

Our Perspective As A Family Jeweler

As a third-generation jewelry store serving Tarentum and Western Pennsylvania, we’ve seen diamond preferences evolve over the decades.

What hasn’t changed is how people approach important purchases like engagement rings.

Some couples prefer the geological story and rarity of natural diamonds. Others appreciate the flexibility that lab grown diamonds provide when designing their ideal ring.

Neither choice is inherently better — they simply reflect different priorities and personal preferences.

Our role is to help you explore both options side-by-side so you can choose the diamond that feels right for you.

Seeing The Difference In Person

Reading about diamonds is helpful, but seeing them in person often makes everything clearer.

When you compare natural and lab grown diamonds side by side, you can evaluate:

• How different carat sizes look on your hand

• Which shapes complement your style

• How various settings enhance the diamond

That hands-on experience is what allows you to move from research to confidence.

Visit Seita Jewelers In Tarentum, PA

Choosing a diamond is about more than understanding the science behind it. It’s about selecting a stone that represents an important moment in your life.

For generations, families throughout Tarentum, Allegheny County, and the greater Pittsburgh area have trusted Seita Jewelers to guide them through those decisions.

Whether you’re comparing natural and lab grown diamonds or designing a custom engagement ring, our team is here to help you explore your options with clarity and confidence.

Visit Seita Jewelers at 215 E 6th Avenue, Tarentum, PA 15084.

Call (724) 224-9114 or email info@seitajewelers.com to schedule a personalized appointment.

We’d be honored to help you find — or create — the diamond that tells your story.