How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Made — And How They End Up in Pittsburgh
For many couples in Pittsburgh searching for an engagement ring, the term “lab-grown diamond” sparks curiosity. How exactly are these diamonds created? And how do they make their way from a high-tech laboratory to a jewelry case in Pittsburgh? At Chapel Hills Jewelry, we believe in giving you clear, honest answers so you can make the right decision.
The Two Main Methods of Creating Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are not mined from the earth like natural diamonds — they are produced in laboratories using advanced technology. There are two primary methods:
1.
High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT)
This method mimics the way diamonds form naturally underground. Carbon is exposed to extreme pressure (over 1.5 million pounds per square inch) and heat (over 2,000°F) until it crystallizes into a diamond.
2.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
CVD uses a small diamond “seed” placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. The gases are heated until carbon particles stick to the seed layer by layer, eventually forming a larger diamond crystal.
Both processes create a stone that is chemically identical to a natural diamond, though often with subtle inclusions or growth patterns unique to the lab environment.
From Lab to Jewelry Store
Most lab-grown diamonds are not produced locally. In fact, the majority come from high-tech facilities overseas, particularly in China, India, and Singapore, as well as a handful of laboratories in the United States. Once grown, they are:
-
Cut and polished by diamond cutters (often the same cutting houses that work with natural diamonds).
-
Certified by gemological labs such as GIA or IGI, which grade the diamond’s cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
-
Distributed through diamond suppliers, eventually making their way to jewelers in cities like Pittsburgh.
By the time a lab-grown diamond arrives in a jewelry store here, it has traveled through a global supply chain similar to natural diamonds — but with one key difference: unlike natural stones, there is no rarity factor, which is why their long-term value does not hold.
Why This Matters for Pittsburgh Buyers
It’s important to understand that lab-grown diamonds can be reproduced indefinitely. As technology improves, production becomes faster and cheaper — and prices continue to fall. This is why at Chapel Hills Jewelry, we do not buy back or offer trade-ins for lab-grown diamonds.
Natural diamonds, on the other hand, are rare, formed over billions of years, and carry enduring value. They are not just beautiful; they are lasting.
Making an Informed Decision
If you’re considering a lab-grown diamond in Pittsburgh, knowing how it was created helps you understand what you’re truly buying. While these diamonds can be a good option for those who want size at a lower price, they should be chosen with the understanding that they do not appreciate or retain value the way natural diamonds do.
Visit Chapel Hills Jewelry
We’ve been serving Pittsburgh since 1989, guiding couples through one of the most important purchases of their lives. Whether you’re exploring lab-grown or natural diamonds, we’ll explain the full story — including how they’re made, what they’re worth, and what’s best for your future.
📍 Chapel Hills Jewelry – Pittsburgh, PA
💍 Where Pittsburgh Gets Engaged Since 1989