Even the best lab-grown diamonds can stir up a bit of skepticism in shoppers—and for good reason. You might wonder: How can anything concocted in a laboratory compare to what’s organically found in nature? But with new technologies and sustainable practices, there are a lot of benefits to lab-created diamonds, which are very much “real.” Based on my extensive research, I determined the seven online retailers that offer the best lab-grown diamonds; my top pick overall is Blue Nile, which offers high-quality pieces at reasonable prices, along with complimentary ring resizing and polishing services.
The best lab-grown diamonds come from top online retailers that put an emphasis on sustainability.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Perhaps the biggest upside to choosing lab-grown is that there’s no mining involved, and many brands—including Vrai and Clean Origin—create these stones with renewable energy, leaving behind very little (or zero) emissions. To make my selections, I tapped into my own jewelry knowledge as both a fashion and gem expert; I also consulted with Ankur Daga, the founder and CEO of Angara, a leading online jeweler. In addition to recommending trusted retailers, I’ve selected standout pieces to buy—from timeless engagement rings to shimmering tennis bracelets—if you’re on the search for some sparkle.
Best Lab-Grown Diamonds For Easy Shopping:With Clarity
Best Lab-Grown Diamonds Overall
Blue Nile: Beautiful Rings That Won’t Break The Bank
Blue Nile
Blue Nile French Pavé Diamond Eternity Ring (1/2 Carat)
Price range: Pieces start at $365 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns within 30 days; full return policy | White-glove services: Complimentary ring resizing for 1 year; free polishing, cleaning, prong inspection every 6 months
Blue Nile has been around for over 20 years, so it’s a trusted authority in an otherwise newer space. All of its loose diamonds are analyzed and graded for quality by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), one of the most accurate labs in the diamond industry. Since the brand sells direct to consumer, it’s able to offer high-quality stones with low overhead costs and, as a result, attainable pricing. In addition to rings, Blue Nile also offers a gorgeous selection of bracelets, earrings and necklaces—its simple studs earned the top spot on our list of the best lab-grown diamond earrings.
The brand provides plenty of opportunities for customization, so you can create a bespoke ring, pendant or earrings with lab-grown diamonds. For wedding rings, I love the French Pavé Diamond Eternity Ring; and for gifts, I’d suggest the half-carat diamond earrings or classic tennis bracelet. The prices are great and you get nice extras—like a free gift box and notecard with purchases.
Price range: Pieces start at $110 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns within 30 days; full return policy | White-glove services: Free engraving for rings, prong tightening, re-polishing; real-time diamond viewing with expert gemologist online
Located in the diamond district in New York, James Allen carries both natural and lab-grown diamonds. The jeweler is best known for its massive selection of stones in every cut, at every price point—it has an excellent reputation for quality, service and expertise. Plus, it offers a virtual service for custom-made rings, and you can inspect your diamonds in real time, with a 360-degree view and advice of an in-house gemologist. Typically, if you shop for lab-grown diamonds, you can get up to 30% more size for the same cost—which really helps maximize your budget.
Grown Brilliance: Design Your Dream Rings, Necklace And More
Grown Brilliance
Grown Brilliance Badgley Mischka Pear Diamond Solitaire Pendant
Price range: Pieces start at $170 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns within 45 days of ship date; full return policy | White-glove services: Design your own ring, necklace, bracelet or earrings; price match guarantee
Grown Brilliance sources all of its lab-grown diamonds directly from trusted diamond growers, and sends them directly to a manufacturing facility that works exclusively on Grown Brilliance jewelry. There, expertly trained artisans customize your piece—in addition to engagement rings, you can also customize earrings, necklaces and bracelets—or you can shop the ready-to-ship pieces, including diamond studs, solitaire pendants and bangles.
I love the convenience of being able to shop both pre-set and custom-designed jewelry, since it can be overwhelming to know where to start. If you decide to go the pre-set route, the brand partnered with wedding designer Badgley Mischka on a jewelry collection that’s truly one of a kind and very special.
Best Premium Cut Lab-Grown Diamonds
Vrai: Gorgeous Diamond Selection Polished By Hand
Vrai
Vrai Tennis Bracelet (Petite)
Price range: Pieces start at $125 | Shipping and returns: $10 flat rate for 2-day shipping. Free returns for in-stock jewelry under $700 within 30 days of delivery; full return policy | White-glove services: 1 complimentary ring resizing (up or down one full size), virtual appointments
Known for its commitment to sustainability, Vrai exclusively works with lab-grown diamonds. Stones are created in its zero-emissions diamond foundry, which is based in the Pacific Northwest and run on 100% hydropower. Leonardo DiCaprio is an investor in this forward-thinking jeweler, and all lab-grown diamonds come with certification that includes country of origin (not all brands offer this), along with a lifetime warranty.
Aside from preserving the environment, Vrai prides itself in hand-chiseled and polished diamonds by artisans. The attention to detail shows: Vrai’s diamonds have some of the best, sparkling cuts on the market. Some of my favorites include the knife-edge solitaire setting, solitaire studs and tennis bracelet. I also like how transparent the brand is about prices and policies, which are listed right on every product page.
Best Lab-Grown Diamonds For Price Transparency
Ritani: Full Breakdown Of All Costs, No-Hassle Returns
Ritani
Ritani Eternity Hoop Earrings (1 Inch)
Price range: Loose lab diamonds start at $50 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns within 30 days of delivery; full return policy | White-glove services: Free FedEx pick-up from your home or office for returns; free lifetime care and cleanings
New York-based Ritani lets you start with your choice of diamond (lab-grown or natural) and shape, including classic options like round, cushion and princess cuts. The family-owned jeweler is transparent about pricing, giving a breakdown of costs, and also analyzes the prices of nearly 200,000 diamonds on the market daily. If a comparable diamond in its inventory has a lower price from another jeweler, it’s price matched. Ritani’s Petite 6-Prong Knife-Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring is one of its most popular items, and it’s stunning and classic. I also love the bezel-set diamond bar necklace and eternity hoop earrings.
Best Eco-Friendly Lab-Grown Diamonds
Clean Origin: Practices That Help The Planet
Clean Origin
Clean Origin Solon Ring
Price range: Pieces start at $225 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns within
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