Who Makes Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Anatomy of a Ring: Who Makes Lab-Grown Diamonds?

When couples in Chicago begin their search for the ideal engagement ring at Wedding Band & Co they typically ask:

"From where do lab-grown diamonds originate and which companies manufacture these stones?"

Our signature "Anatomy of a Ring" series dissects every ring component to deliver essential knowledge for our customers. We explore the origins of the stone by delving into the lab-grown diamond in this edition.

The lab-grown diamond stands as a contemporary love tale because it provides both ethical and budget-friendly options beyond traditional diamond choices. This blog explains the manufacturing process of lab-grown diamonds and their makers while discussing their transformative influence on custom Chicago engagement ring designs.

What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

The center stone of every ring becomes more popular with clients who select lab-grown diamonds for their essential element. Lab-grown diamonds match the chemical and optical and physical characteristics of mined diamonds but emerge through laboratory processes instead of natural geological extraction.

Controlling the environment through greenhouse conditions allows you to develop flowers just like you would naturally in the wild while maintaining ethical sustainability.

How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Created?

Every detail in a ring's structure reveals a narrative and the diamond's origin story starts with advanced scientific processes. Lab diamond production uses two principal technological methods:

1. HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature)

Modern technology duplicates the high temperatures and pressures which exist beneath deep Earth layers. It involves:

• Placing a small diamond seed into an environment rich in carbon
• The heating process reaches temperatures above 1,500°C in the environment.
• The pressure system applies more than 700,000 pounds per square inch of force.

During multiple weeks carbon atoms attach to the seed leading to the formation of a diamond crystal. HPHT is used primarily for generating larger stones as well as color-enhanced diamonds in wedding rings.

2. CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)

CVD functions similarly to 3D printing by using carbon in its process.

• A diamond seed receives placement inside a vacuum environment.
• Carbon-rich gases become ionized before introduction.
• The carbon accumulates into a diamond structure through sequential layer formation.

CVD diamonds grow as thin slabs and work best in solitaire engagement ring settings as well as pavé-style settings.

Who Makes Lab-Grown Diamonds? The Key Players

The production of lab-grown diamonds requires specialized companies that focus on different styles of rings just like unique jewelers specialize in different ring designs. The following names appear regularly when consumers look for custom jewelry in Chicago either online or in-store:

1. Lightbox (by De Beers)

The historic natural diamond giant De Beers surprised the market by launching their lab-grown diamond brand under the name Lightbox. Their jewelry items primarily use Lightbox stones but they do not issue grading reports while maintaining transparent pricing practices and quality standards.

2. Diamond Foundry

The San Francisco-based company Diamond Foundry creates premium lab-grown diamonds through CVD technology. The company stands out for its sustainability practices by providing carbon-neutral diamond manufacturing. Their stones frequently appear in bespoke rings and luxury settings.

3. Scio Diamond Technology Corporation

Scio operates from the United States by implementing HPHT technology to develop commercial lab-grown diamonds after becoming one of the first companies to enter the market. The company distributes both standard industrial-grade and premium gem-quality diamonds.

4. New Diamond Technology (NDT)

Russian-based New Diamond Technology (NDT) uses HPHT technology to produce big and clear lab-grown diamonds. Their diamonds achieve peak brilliance through cutting techniques and are used in premium designs.

5. IIa Technologies

The Singapore-based IIa Technologies specializes in producing high-purity diamonds through CVD technology. The diamond grade designation "IIa" signifies the highest possible purity level which means stones without nitrogen or boron impurities. Couples who want luxury diamond rings in Chicago will find perfect solutions at this company.

Local Insight: Why Chicago Couples Are Choosing Lab-Grown

Couples across Chicago neighborhoods of River North to Lincoln Park now choose custom engagement rings that align with their personal beliefs together with their financial capabilities.

People choose lab-grown diamonds for four key reasons.

• Ethical sourcing: No conflict mining
• Eco-conscious: Reduced carbon footprint
• Better value: Often 30-50% less expensive than mined diamonds
• Design freedom: Spending less on the stone allows you to allocate more funds to custom settings.

At Wedding Band & Co., our team will help you select the ideal lab-grown diamond which can be paired with any ring design from vintage halo styles to modern bezel-set bands.

Certification and Quality Assurance

Lab-grown diamonds receive the exact same grading assessment that mined diamonds do. Reputable growers from the industry submit their stones for evaluation at three major laboratories:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
• IGI (International Gemological Institute)
• GCAL (Gem Certification & Assurance Lab)

Every lab-grown diamond we sell in Chicago includes a complete grading report that evaluates the 4C's of cut, clarity, color, and carat.

The Future of Lab-Grown Diamonds in Jewelry

The ongoing technological progress of CVD and HPHT systems will bring about the following developments.

• Even higher clarity and color grades
• Bigger stones at better prices
• More mainstream adoption in luxury and bridal jewelry

Chicago stands as both an innovation center and romance capital so we expect lab-grown diamonds will become increasingly popular for wedding bands and engagement rings.

The Final Step: Crafting the Perfect Ring

After choosing your lab-grown diamond it becomes time to design a ring which will be the finishing touch of your ring anatomy.

Our team at Wedding Band & Co. collaborates directly with customers to develop bespoke rings which express their personal narratives. Each ring choice from platinum and yellow gold and rose gold metals to side stones and special engravings will result in a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your relationship's uniqueness.

Let’s Create Your Dream Ring in Chicago

At Wedding Band & Co., we create more than ring sales because we design commitment symbols. We welcome all customers who want to learn about lab-grown diamonds or build their custom engagement ring in Chicago at our location.

Our free consultation sessions are available for booking now which eliminates ring hunting stress. Our design professionals will lead you through finding the perfect diamond whether it's lab-grown or natural before crafting a singular masterpiece that will endure through time.

Your love is unique. Your ring should be too. We will guide you in creating a ring which embodies beauty while maintaining ethical standards and uniqueness for your individual needs.

Visit 43 E Oak Street in Chicago for Wedding Band & Co. to get excellent service throughout Chicago and all surrounding areas

You can contact us by phone: (+1 312-920-0726)

By: Koorosh Daneshgar CEO/Design Chief

We'll help you to design your dream engagement ring without stress and spending countless hours searching for your perfect ring. All you need to do is click on "Free Consultation" to get started.