All of our made-to-order designs are now available in your choice of lab-grown or natural diamonds—a first for us, since we’ve traditionally worked exclusively with natural diamonds. This shift is something we've been thoughtfully building toward and one we’re genuinely excited about. It’s a chance to meet the moment and give our clients even more freedom in how they shop our designs. 

If you want a deep dive on what lab-grown diamonds actually are and how they’re made, we've got you covered here. Once you understand your options, this guidance can help you decide which diamond is right for you.

What’s your budget?

Lab-grown diamonds generally cost 30-40% less per carat than natural diamonds. That means for the same investment, you can get a larger, clearer, and/or more colorless diamond if you choose lab-grown over natural. 

If getting the most bang for your budget matters most to you, lab-grown is a great option. Even if you don’t want an overly large stone, lab-grown is the most affordable option while still equally as stunning.

Does the backstory matter to you?

Natural diamonds formed near the Earth’s crust billions of years ago, long before any of us were here. Mined diamonds have a unique history and rarity that sets them apart. Fun fact: they're some of the oldest natural materials on Earth!

In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are created in a matter of weeks or months, using the same carbon that natural diamonds are made with and under conditions that mimic natural diamond formation. But the timeline here is much quicker—weeks to months instead of millions (or billions) of years.

Some people love that their diamond has been around for so long (before dinosaurs existed!) which brings a new meaning to “forever”. But some people love that their diamond was made specifically for them and the moment they’re in. This decision really comes down to feeling: which story resonates most with you?

Are you considering resale or heirloom?

Natural diamonds are rare and truly one of a kind. No two are exactly alike, and they tend to hold their value better over time. If resale value is something you care about, that's worth factoring in.

Lab-grown diamonds can be produced on demand, so they don't carry the same rarity, and their resale value has declined as production has scaled. But physically, they're identical to natural diamonds and just as durable, so they make wonderful heirloom pieces too.

Whether you go lab-grown or natural, a well-made piece is built to last generations. The real question is just how much resale value factors into your decision.

Do you prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing?

Lab-grown diamonds skip mining entirely, avoiding the ecological disruption that comes with it, which makes them the more sustainable choice. They're often the more ethical choice too. 

We work with natural diamonds from trusted partners who follow Kimberley Process standards, ensuring they're ethically sourced and conflict-free, but that standard isn't universal. If you're buying natural diamonds elsewhere, it's worth asking how your jeweler sources theirs.

If sustainability is genuinely your top priority, antique diamonds are also worth considering. They're already in circulation, which makes them the most sustainable option.