Diamond Guide
From natural diamonds to lab-grown diamonds, learn about what makes 302® Fine Jewelry dazzle.
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? Of course! If you are looking to learn more about these beautiful stones that add a sparkle to your style, you’ve come to the right place. From clarity and color to interesting shapes, we want to help cover every question you may have about diamonds.
Style With Standards
You can wear all pieces from 302® Fine Jewelry that use natural diamonds proudly and confidently, knowing we use conflict-free diamonds that comply with the Kimberley Process — an international standard for preventing conflict diamonds from entering the market.
Shop Natural Diamond Styles →
Natural Diamonds vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds
While natural diamonds have set the standard in the jewelry industry, lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular. 302 Fine Jewelry offers pieces set entirely with lab-grown diamonds in our Modern Brilliance® x 302® Fine Jewelry Collection. Pieces in other collections are set with natural diamonds. What does this mean? Let us answer your burning questions about natural vs. lab-grown diamonds.
Are lab-grown diamonds “fake” diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are 100% chemically, physically, and optically the same as natural diamonds. The only differences are in the origin, growth processes, and cost. Lab-grown diamonds are grown in a lab within weeks while natural diamonds grow over billions of years within the earth. It is also important to note that lab-grown diamonds are not the same as gemstone alternatives to diamonds, such as Moissanite, White Sapphire, or Cubic Zirconia.
How are they the same?
Natural Diamonds & Lab-Grown Diamonds
Both are one-of-a-kind gemstones featuring unique characteristics.
Both are made of pure carbon with a hardness rating of 10 out of 10.
Both are graded using the same universal standards for color, clarity, cut, and carat size—also known as the 4Cs.
Both produce scintillation (sparkle) and fire with 2.42 refractive index and dispersion of .044.
How do they differ?
Natural Diamonds
Originate from within the earth
Formed over billions of years
Premium luxury pricing
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Grown in a lab from a diamond seed
Formed over 4–6 weeks
Usually 30%–40% less expensive than natural diamonds
How can you tell if diamonds are natural or lab-grown?
It’s impossible to determine if a diamond is natural or lab-grown with the naked eye, or even with a jeweler’s loupe. Special screening and testing equipment is required. Rest assured that we store our lab-grown diamonds used in our Modern Brilliance® x 302® Fine Jewelry Collection in a separate location from our natural diamonds and follow strict manufacturing guidelines to guarantee against contamination.
How are lab-grown diamonds made?
Two different processes are used, sometimes together, to create lab-grown diamonds. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) applies high levels of pressure and heat — mimicking conditions in nature — to a diamond seed to accelerate the growth of a crystalized diamond. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) applies a chemical reaction to stimulate growth of crystalized diamond from a diamond seed. Understanding natural and lab-grown diamonds is only the beginning of grasping the beautiful world of diamonds. Check out more topics about the diamonds we use in 302 Fine Jewelry to make your style stand out.
