We started on the brokering tables of LA's diamond district, and we still set both natural and lab-grown diamonds on Hill Street. So we don't have a side to sell you. Here's the honest version.
What's the same
- It's a real diamond. A lab-grown diamond is pure carbon in the same crystal structure as a mined one. Same hardness, same fire, same sparkle. The FTC removed the word "natural" from its definition of a diamond back in 2018.
- It's graded the same way. Cut, color, clarity and carat apply to both. Every Don Key stone is graded on our bench and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
- You can't tell by looking. Not with the naked eye, and not with a regular jeweler's loupe. It takes lab equipment to tell where a diamond was formed.
What's different
- Where it was formed. Natural diamonds formed deep in the earth over a very long time. Lab-grown diamonds are grown above ground by CVD or HPHT, in weeks.
- Price. For the same size and quality, lab-grown usually costs a fraction of mined. That's the whole reason most people choose it: more diamond for the money. Try our price checker to see the gap at your size.
- Rarity and resale. Natural diamonds carry the story of rarity, and that's what some people want for an heirloom. Lab-grown resale value is low, so buy it to wear, not to invest.
So which should you pick?
Ask yourself one question: is this about the look, or about the origin?
- Everyday studs, a first big pendant, a gift: lab-grown gives you a bigger, whiter stone for the same budget.
- An engagement ring or heirloom where origin matters to you: natural can be worth it. Many couples mix both, like a natural center with lab-grown accents.
Our ready-to-ship collection is lab-grown. For anything custom, you choose: natural or lab-grown diamonds, colored gemstones, any karat of gold. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll show you both side by side.