DIAMONDS
Diamonds
Engagement Rings
Everything You Need to Know About Lab-Created Diamonds
Today’s diamond market offers more options than ever, including lab-grown diamonds, which are crafted through innovative, high-tech methods. Instead of forming underground over millions of years, lab diamonds are grown in controlled environments using advanced technology. They’re a more sustainable alternative to their natural counterparts and competitively priced, making luxury more accessible without compromising on quality.
Are Lab-Created Diamonds Real?
The short answer is yes: lab-created diamonds are absolutely real. The longer answer is that there are two types of diamonds: lab-created and earth-mined. They’re identical in brilliance, sparkle, and hardness. In fact, lab diamonds are made of the exact same atoms and have the same physical structure as natural ones.
The only real difference is how they’re formed. Natural diamonds come from deep within the earth, while lab diamonds are grown in high-tech labs using advanced methods that mimic nature. This difference not only makes lab diamonds more affordable, but also a more sustainable choice.
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
Origins
Lab-created diamonds offer something natural diamonds simply can’t: complete peace of mind. Grown in just a few weeks using advanced technology, they come from controlled environments where working conditions are fair and transparent. This guarantees ethical sourcing and a significantly lower environmental impact. At Luxumoon, we make a concerted effort to make sure all of our diamonds are conflict-free. This is a guarantee that always comes with lab diamonds.
Price
Lab-created diamonds offer unmatched value, without compromise. Because they’re produced consistently in labs, supply always meets demand. That means no artificial scarcity, no supply chain delays, and most importantly, no inflated pricing. On average, lab diamonds cost 60–85% less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality, giving you the freedom to choose a larger, more brilliant stone while staying within budget.
Some argue that mined diamonds have better resale value, but that only applies to very large stones. Unless you're investing in a bigger diamond (think $20,000 or more), you’re unlikely to see a significant return. So instead of banking on resale, why not enjoy a bigger, brighter lab-created diamond right now? With lab diamonds, you get the same beauty, brilliance, and lasting quality, for a fraction of the price.
Let's Get Technical
Diamonds are made in three different ways: earth mined, high pressure-high temperature, and chemical vapor deposition. Let's get into it.
Natural Earth Mined Diamonds: Natural mined diamonds were formed billions of years ago deep beneath the earth's crust. The extreme heat and pressure beneath the mantle crushed carbon atoms together into the shiny, beautiful gems we know and love today.
High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT): HPHT diamond formation works by exposing carbon to extreme heat and pressure. A tiny piece of diamond, called a diamond seed, is placed in a high-pressure chamber that’s specifically designed to mimic the extreme conditions deep beneath the earth's crust.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): The second way lab diamonds are grown is CVD. This method uses a mixture of chemical gasses to break down carbon atoms and crystalize them. Here hydrogen and hydrocarbon gas (like methane) are mixed in a low-pressure vacuum chamber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Hold Their Value?
Lab-grown diamonds usually depreciate after purchase, just like natural ones. However, they cost 60–85% less upfront, making them a smarter value for those buying for meaning, not resale.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds More Ethical?
Lab-grown diamonds are an ethical and eco-friendly option. They avoid conflict sourcing and use far less land and water than mining. For the most sustainable choice, look for brands like Luxumoon.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Get Cloudy?
No, lab-grown diamonds do not get cloudy over time. They have the same chemical structure and durability as natural diamonds, meaning they maintain their brilliance indefinitely.
Conclusion
Lab-created diamonds are a brilliant blend of science and style. They’re identical to natural diamonds in look, feel, and sparkle, just without the billion-year wait or the hefty price tag. Grown in controlled environments with no mining required, lab diamonds are a more eco-friendly choice that’s easier on the planet and your budget. You get more size, more quality, and more shine for less.
Everything You Need to Know About Pear Cut Diamonds
Sometimes called a teardrop diamond, the pear cut has a unique shape that dates back to the 15th Century. Pear cut diamonds are known for their characteristic sparkle, which results from the immense light refraction coming off the large surface area of the stone. Their increased surface area also makes pear cuts appear larger than other diamond cuts of the same carat weight. This means you get more “bling for your buck.”
What is a Pear Cut Diamond?
The pear diamond has an elongated teardrop shape. It looks like a brilliant round on one end and a marquise on the other and can be cut with varying length-to-width ratios, typically in the 1.3 - 1.7 range. Traditionally, a pear cut has 56 facets (though this can vary). Pear-shaped diamonds are occasionally given anatomical descriptions, including head; shoulder; belly; wing; point (also called the apex).
History of the Pear-Shaped Diamond
The first pear-cut diamond was created by the Flemish diamond cutter Lodewyk Van Berquem in 15th Century Flanders (which is in present-day Belgium). Some of the world's most famous diamonds are pear cuts, including the Star of South Africa (also called the "Dudley Diamond") and the Star of the Season.
While generally viewed as one of the more traditional fancy shapes, pear cuts have been rising in popularity over the past few years. Pear-shaped diamond engagement rings have been spotted on the hands of celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Cardi B, Victoria Beckham, and Ariana Grande.
Why choose a Pear-Shaped Diamond?
Beyond its distinctive shape, a pear-shaped diamond is one of the best-value diamonds out there. A properly cut pear-shaped diamond can appear 20% - 30% larger than brilliant cut diamonds of the same carat weight. It also results in a higher yield than other shapes when cut from raw diamond stone. As a result, they tend to cost approximately 20% less than comparable round brilliant cut diamonds.
Pear cut diamonds tend to hide imperfections well given that it’s difficult to see flaws through the sparkle. As a result, you can choose a diamond with a lower clarity grade in order to maximize budget (without sacrificing appearance!).
How To Wear a Pear Cut
Like with any diamond shape, there's no right or wrong way to wear a pear-cut diamond. Traditionally, as a center stone, pear cuts are worn north-south for engagement rings with the point facing down (towards the fingernail). Many believe this orientation makes the ring finger appear more slender. When worn as a pendant necklace, it is also worn north-south, but typically with the point facing up.
How to Choose a Pear Cut Diamond: Start With a Ratio
Pear cut diamonds come in different length-to-width ratios. These ratios typically range from 1.3 on the low end to 1.7 on the high end, with most preferring a cut that falls in the 1.4-1.6 range.
Lower ratios have a tendency to look too "stubby," whereas higher ratios can appear too "skinny." A pear cut ratio can practically only be cut up to about 1.75. At that point, it's challenging to keep the tip intact and functional. Also consider the depth of cut, as too deep a cut can lead to light leakage. Deeply cut diamonds don’t refract light outwards properly, resulting in less sparkle.
Guard Your Pear-Cut Diamond From Damage
Given their unique shape, pear cuts can be more fragile than other diamonds. The more elongated the stone shape, the higher chance of chipping or point breaking.
At Luxumoon, we specifically set prongs in a way that covers the delicate point of the pear cut stone to help protect them from damage and breakage. Halo settings can also provide added protection and help prevent the point from snagging on clothing, as can a bezel setting.
Conclusion
The pear cut diamond’s unique shape gives off a distinctive sparkle that helps the diamond appear larger than other cuts of similar carat weights. A great value stone, a pear diamond typically costs 20% less than brilliant round cuts of the same carat weight. Purchasing from a reputable jeweler like Luxumoon will help ensure you find your perfect pear and don't run into problems such as asymmetrical shape or poor optical performance.
