What Are Cultured Diamonds?

Hands with old mine cut diamond solitaire ring

 

Because you’ve made it here, it’s probably safe to say you’re looking for one thing: a quality diamond. And not just any quality diamond. A diamond that also reflects your values. That subtle nuance is why couples are turning to cultured diamonds. 

But what exactly is a cultured diamond? Is it real? And how exactly can it reflect one's values? In this article, we’re answering your pressing questions about the growing interest in cultured diamonds. 


Is A Cultured Diamond A Real Diamond? 

Yes. Cultured diamonds are 100% real diamonds. It has the same chemical properties, physical structure, and sparkle as a mined diamond. The difference? Their origin story. Instead of forming deep underground, cultured diamonds are grown in a high-tech lab over several weeks. This is why they are also called lab diamonds or lab grown diamonds. 

The term “cultured” is borrowed from the popularity of cultured pearls but is largely only used by professionals in the industry. For consumers like yourself, the term lab grown diamonds has become the most common way to refer to the diamond alternative. Never to be mistaken for simulants like Moissanite or cubic zirconia, cultured diamonds are graded by the same independent labs, like IGI and GIA, using the same standards that mined diamonds are held to. 

Asscher cut solitaire ring on hand

How Are Cultured Diamonds Made? 

Cultured diamonds, or lab diamonds, are the only diamonds that are grown with sustainability in mind. Using innovative technology, the pressure and heat conditions that create mined diamonds are replicated to create them. Because they are created in a controlled environment using either the HPHT or CVD method, you get the same level of quality without the negative environmental impact or ethical compromise. 

The result is a rough diamond crystal that’s then cut, polished, and graded, just like a mined diamond. 

Why More People Are Choosing Cultured Diamonds

The intention behind deciding to spend the rest of your life with someone shouldn’t be taken lightly - and neither should the ring that symbolizes that union. That’s why cultured diamonds have quickly become the ideal choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. 

According to The Knot, 52% of engagement rings purchased in 2024 had a cultured diamond. Proving that couples are looking for better for the planet, conflict-free diamonds that also don’t stretch your budget. Because cultured diamonds are made in a lab, they’re not constrained by the limited supply chains of mined stones. That translates to couples having more flexibility when choosing larger or higher-quality diamonds, without increasing the cost of the diamond. In many cases, cultured diamonds can cost up to 80% less than mined diamonds of the same size and grade. 

With cultured diamonds, you simply get more of what you want when it comes to quality and beauty. 

 

What To Look For In A Cultured Diamond

Because cultured diamonds are real diamonds, your search for a quality one follows the same standards. That means you should understand how the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat) impact how your diamonds look and cost. And you’ll want to have an IGI or GIA certification to verify the quality of your cultured diamond. Then there’s the fun part, choosing your desired setting. 

If you’re new to diamond shopping, here’s a better breakdown of what those 4Cs are:

  • Cut:  Impacts brilliance. Look for ideal or excellent grades for round diamonds. 

  • Color: D-F is colorless, G-H is near-colorless, and often more value-friendly.

  • Clarity: VS1-VS2 or better ensures a clear look without visible flaws.

  • Carat:  Affects size. 

  • Certification: Choose IGI or GIA grading to confirm quality and lab origin.

GIA diamond certificate

Ultimately, when shopping for a cultured diamond, you’re shopping with purpose. The purpose of finding a premium product while skipping the premium pricing and unethical practices that mined diamonds are known for. 

 

Cultured Diamonds Are Diamonds You Can Feel Good About

Cultured diamonds are authentic diamonds created with integrity. They provide the same quality, brilliance, and beauty as mined diamonds, while giving you more transparency on where and how they were made. 

At Plum Diamonds, we understand that choosing a diamond, especially one for an engagement ring, is a deeply personal experience. That’s why we’ve taken a more sustainable approach to creating fine jewelry. Our cultured diamonds are carefully created and hand-selected to meet the standards you and the industry expect from quality diamonds. That commitment is the inspiration behind our collection of engagement rings with cultured diamonds.  

Explore the collection to find a cultured diamond engagement ring that aligns with your values. Or, learn how you can create an engagement ring from scratch. 

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