FAQ

Robert Michael Diamonds – Lab-Grown Diamond FAQ

1. What are lab-grown diamonds, and how are they made?

Answer:
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created in advanced laboratories using high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology. These processes replicate the same natural conditions that form diamonds underground, producing a diamond that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. At Robert Michael Diamonds, we specialize in IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds with F+ color and VS+ clarity, ensuring brilliance and quality without compromise.

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2. Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Answer:
Yes — lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They are not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recognizes lab-grown diamonds as genuine diamonds because they have the same crystal structure, durability, and sparkle as mined diamonds. Every center diamond at Robert Michael Diamonds is IGI certified, so you can trust its authenticity and quality.

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3. How durable are lab-grown diamonds compared to mined diamonds?

Answer:
Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable as mined diamonds, ranking 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the hardest natural material known to man. This makes them ideal for everyday wear, especially in engagement rings and wedding bands. At Robert Michael Diamonds, our lab-grown stones are selected for their VS+ clarity, ensuring long-lasting brilliance and beauty.

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4. What color and clarity grades are best for lab-grown diamonds?

Answer:
For maximum brilliance, most experts recommend colorless to near-colorless grades (D–F) and clarity grades of VS or higher. This balance ensures your diamond looks flawless to the naked eye while maintaining exceptional sparkle. At Robert Michael Diamonds, every center stone is IGI certified with F+ color and VS+ clarity, so you’re guaranteed an extraordinary diamond.

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5. How much do lab-grown diamonds cost compared to mined diamonds?

Answer:
Lab-grown diamonds typically cost significantly less than comparable mined diamonds, making them a smart choice for buyers who want more carat weight or higher quality without overspending. Robert Michael Diamonds delivers affordable luxury by offering IGI-certified stones with superior quality at a fraction of the cost of mined diamonds.

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6. Are lab-grown diamonds eco-friendly and ethically sourced?

Answer:
Yes — lab-grown diamonds are a sustainable alternative to mined diamonds. They require no large-scale mining, reduce environmental impact, and are free from conflict concerns. At Robert Michael Diamonds, we’re proud to provide eco-friendly diamonds that combine timeless elegance with responsible sourcing.

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7. Do lab-grown diamonds come with certification?

Answer:
Absolutely. Every Robert Michael Diamonds center stone is certified by the International Gemological Institute (IGI), one of the most respected diamond grading authorities. This certification verifies your diamond’s color, clarity, carat weight, and cut quality, giving you peace of mind and trusted value.

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8. Do lab-grown diamonds have resale value?

Answer:
Like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds do have resale value, though the secondary market for lab-grown stones is still growing. The real advantage is in the upfront savings, as lab-grown diamonds allow you to purchase a larger or higher-quality stone for the same budget. With Robert Michael Diamonds, you’re investing in both brilliance and affordability.

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9. Can you insure a lab-grown diamond?

Answer:
Yes — lab-grown diamonds can be fully insured just like mined diamonds. Insurance companies recognize them as genuine diamonds, and coverage typically includes loss, theft, or damage. With Robert Michael Diamonds, your IGI certification ensures accurate valuation for insurance purposes.

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10. Why choose Robert Michael Diamonds for lab-grown diamond jewelry?

Answer:
Robert Michael Diamonds stands apart by offering only IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds with F+ color and VS+ clarity — guaranteeing superior sparkle, trusted quality, and timeless beauty. Our jewelry combines affordable luxury, sustainable sourcing, and unmatched craftsmanship, so you can celebrate life’s biggest moments with brilliance that lasts forever.

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are genuine diamonds, meticulously created through advanced technology that replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds form deep within the Earth's crust. While mined diamonds require 1 to 3 billion years to grow under extreme heat and pressure, lab-grown diamonds are created in a matter of weeks to a few months using two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

These processes replicate the Earth’s natural diamond-forming environment, producing diamonds that are chemically, physically, and optically identical to their mined counterparts. The key distinction lies in the creation process: lab-grown diamonds are

produced in a controlled, ethical, and environmentally responsible manner, free from the ecological impact, mining waste, and ethical concerns often associated with traditional diamond extraction.

Certified Quality You Can Trust

At Robert Michael Diamonds, we are committed to offering diamonds of exceptional quality, backed by the highest standards of certification and transparency. Our lab-grown diamonds are independently graded by the International Gemological Institute (IGI), a world-renowned authority in gemological certification and evaluation.

We uphold a strict quality standard, guaranteeing that every diamond is F color or better and possesses a clarity grade of VS2 or higher. These grades ensure that each gemstone exhibits remarkable brilliance, clarity, and visual appeal, rivaling even the rarest mined diamonds.

It is a common misconception that lab grown diamonds are similar to alternative white gemstones such as moissanite or cubic zirconia. In fact, lab grown diamonds are genuine diamonds in every aspect — sharing the same physical, chemical, optical, and atomic properties as those grown in the Earth over billions of years.

Like earth grown diamonds, lab grown diamonds are assessed using the industry-standard 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Each gemstone is accompanied by a comprehensive independent grading certificate, offering verified details of its unique characteristics and ensuring complete confidence in its authenticity and value.

At Robert Michael Diamonds, we take pride in delivering diamonds that combine technological innovation with time-honored craftsmanship — offering our clients the refined elegance of an earth grown diamond, with the assurance of ethical and environmental responsibility.

ECO-Conscious and Sustainable

Selecting a lab grown diamond from Robert Michael Diamonds signifies a conscious and ethical choice. Our diamonds are meticulously created in controlled laboratory environments, utilizing significantly fewer natural resources compared to traditional mining methods. This process eliminates the need for excavation, land disruption, and other environmentally harmful practices—resulting in diamonds of exceptional quality and brilliance, created with intention and respect for the environment. By choosing lab grown, you are embracing a more sustainable path—one that minimizes ecological impact while upholding the beauty and integrity of a diamond. It is a discerning decision that reflects both modern economic values and your personal social values.

Exceptional Value

One of the advantages of selecting a lab grown diamond from Robert Michael Diamonds lies in its exceptional value. Lab grown diamonds cost significantly less than natural mined diamonds of comparable quality. This cost efficiency allows clients the opportunity to choose a larger carat weight or higher grade without compromising their budget. Importantly, this price differential does not reflect any sacrifice in quality or authenticity. Each diamond maintains the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as its mined counterpart, ensuring that you receive a genuine, independently certified diamond of lasting beauty and craftmanship.

Peace of Mind with Modern Beauty

With a traceable origin and certified quality, our lab-grown diamonds provide the assurance that comes with a transparent and ethical purchase. Each gemstone embodies timeless beauty and sophistication, while also aligning with the values of today’s discerning and environmentally conscientious generation. It is a refined way to embrace modern luxury while upholding the integrity you hold dear.

Martini-Set

Elegant and timeless, these 3 carat total weight lab-grown diamond studs are set in a classic martini-style setting, offering maximum sparkle and a refined silhouette

3 CTW Lab-Grown Martini Studs