Does Diamonds Direct Sell Lab Grown Diamonds? A Comprehensive Guide
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds represent a revolutionary advancement in the jewelry industry, offering consumers an alternative to traditionally mined diamonds. These gemstones are created in controlled laboratory environments that replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the earth. Using either High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) processes, scientists can produce diamonds that are chemically, physically, and optically identical to their natural counterparts.
The key difference lies not in the diamond itself but in its origin story. While natural diamonds form over billions of years deep within the Earth’s mantle, lab grown diamonds can be created in a matter of weeks. Despite this accelerated timeline, lab grown diamonds possess the same carbon crystal structure as mined diamonds, making them genuine diamonds by all scientific measures—not simulants or imitations like cubic zirconia or moissanite.
Lab grown diamonds have gained significant popularity in recent years due to several compelling factors. They typically cost 20-40% less than comparable natural diamonds, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers. Additionally, they appeal to environmentally and ethically minded consumers who may have concerns about the environmental impact of mining or issues related to conflict diamonds.
These diamonds come with the same grading standards as natural diamonds, evaluated by the same 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Reputable gemological laboratories like the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute) now provide certification for lab grown diamonds, lending further legitimacy to these gemstones as a mainstream jewelry option.
As consumer awareness and demand for these alternative diamonds continue to grow, major jewelry retailers have had to consider whether to incorporate them into their inventory—which brings us to the question at hand regarding Diamonds Direct’s offerings.
Diamonds Direct’s Offerings – Do They Include Lab Grown?
Yes, Diamonds Direct does sell lab grown diamonds as part of their product offerings. After initially focusing exclusively on natural diamonds, Diamonds Direct has evolved with the market to include lab grown options in response to growing consumer demand and changing preferences in the jewelry industry.
Diamonds Direct began integrating lab grown diamonds into their inventory around 2019-2020, marking a significant shift in their business model. This addition reflects the company’s recognition of the expanding market segment interested in these alternative diamonds. Their lab grown collection now includes a wide range of diamond shapes, sizes, and qualities available for various jewelry pieces—from engagement rings to fashion jewelry.
The company’s approach to lab grown diamonds is noteworthy for its transparency. Diamonds Direct clearly distinguishes between natural and lab grown diamonds throughout their stores and online platform, ensuring customers understand exactly what they’re purchasing. Each lab grown diamond comes with proper certification, typically from respected grading authorities like IGI, which specializes in lab grown diamond certification.
In their showrooms, Diamonds Direct often dedicates specific sections to their lab grown collection, allowing customers to compare these options alongside natural diamonds. This side-by-side presentation enables shoppers to make educated decisions based on their personal preferences, budget constraints, and values.
It’s worth noting that while Diamonds Direct has embraced lab grown diamonds, they maintain a substantial inventory of natural diamonds as their primary offering. The company positions lab grown diamonds as an alternative option rather than a replacement for their traditional diamond business. This balanced approach allows them to serve a broader customer base while maintaining their reputation as a traditional diamond retailer with decades of expertise in the natural diamond market.
Comparing Natural vs Lab Grown at Diamonds Direct
When shopping at Diamonds Direct, customers encounter thoughtfully presented options for both natural and lab grown diamonds, allowing for meaningful comparisons between these two categories. The company’s dual offering provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the differences firsthand, with knowledgeable consultants available to guide the decision-making process.
Visual comparison reveals the remarkable similarity between natural and lab grown diamonds. To the naked eye—and even under standard jeweler’s loupes—these diamonds appear identical. Both types exhibit the same brilliance, fire, and scintillation that define a diamond’s visual appeal. Only specialized equipment can detect the subtle growth pattern differences that distinguish lab grown from natural diamonds. Diamonds Direct often demonstrates this similarity to customers, emphasizing that the choice between natural and lab grown primarily concerns origin rather than appearance.
Regarding quality standards, Diamonds Direct applies the same rigorous criteria to both categories. Their lab grown diamonds undergo the same grading process using the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) as their natural diamonds. This consistent evaluation framework ensures that a G-color, VS1-clarity lab grown diamond meets the same specifications as a natural diamond with identical grades. The company typically offers IGI certification for their lab grown diamonds, which provides detailed quality documentation comparable to the GIA certifications commonly used for their natural diamonds.
The most significant difference emerges in pricing structure. At Diamonds Direct, lab grown diamonds typically cost 30-40% less than their natural counterparts of equivalent quality and size. This substantial price differential allows customers to either save considerably on their purchase or obtain a significantly larger diamond within the same budget when choosing the lab grown option.
Another key comparison point involves long-term value considerations. Diamonds Direct’s sales consultants typically discuss the different market dynamics affecting each type of diamond. Natural diamonds, with their billions of years of history and limited supply, have traditionally held value over time. The newer lab grown market continues to evolve, with prices influenced by advancing production technologies. This transparent conversation helps customers align their purchase with their personal priorities regarding immediate affordability versus potential resale value.
Pricing Differences Between Natural and Lab Grown
The pricing structure at Diamonds Direct reveals one of the most compelling distinctions between natural and lab grown diamonds. Lab grown diamonds at Diamonds Direct typically cost 30-40% less than natural diamonds of comparable quality and specifications. This significant price difference has made lab grown diamonds an increasingly popular choice for consumers seeking value without compromising on the authentic diamond experience.
For perspective, consider a typical 1-carat, G-color, VS1-clarity round brilliant cut diamond. In natural form at Diamonds Direct, such a stone might retail for approximately $5,000-$6,000. The lab grown equivalent with identical specifications would likely be priced around $3,000-$3,500. This price advantage becomes even more pronounced at larger carat weights, where the absolute dollar savings increase substantially. A 2-carat natural diamond might cost $15,000-$20,000, while its lab grown counterpart could be available for $9,000-$12,000.
The value proposition extends beyond simple cost savings. Many customers at Diamonds Direct leverage this price difference to “upgrade” in other aspects of their purchase. Common strategies include selecting a larger carat weight, higher clarity grade, or better color grade than would be affordable with a
