Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds — identical in every way to mined diamonds, but ethically created and priced up to 80% less. At Variation, explore our certified collection of lab grown diamonds across all cuts, shapes, and carat weights. Conflict-free, IGI/GIA certified, and crafted for those who demand both beauty and conscience.
About Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are revolutionizing the world of fine jewelry — offering the same extraordinary beauty, durability, and brilliance as mined diamonds, at a fraction of the cost. At Variation, we specialize exclusively in lab grown diamonds, bringing you a carefully curated collection of certified stones across every cut, shape, and carat weight imaginable.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. Created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond-forming process, lab grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to earth-mined diamonds. The only difference is their origin.
Every lab grown diamond at Variation is graded and certified by the world's most trusted gemological laboratories — IGI and GIA — to the exact same standards applied to mined diamonds.
Lab Grown vs Mined Diamonds — What Is the Difference?
The difference between a lab grown diamond and a mined diamond is origin alone. A trained gemologist cannot tell them apart without specialized equipment. Here is how they compare:
- Composition — both are pure carbon crystal, identical at the atomic level
- Hardness — both score 10 on the Mohs scale, the hardest substance on earth
- Brilliance — identical fire, scintillation, and light performance
- Certification — both graded by IGI and GIA using the same 4C standards
- Price — lab grown diamonds are priced up to 80% less than mined diamonds
- Ethics — lab grown diamonds are conflict-free with significantly lower environmental impact
Why Choose Lab Grown Diamonds from Variation?
At Variation, lab grown diamonds are all we do — and that focus means every stone in our collection is held to the highest standards of quality, certification, and value.
- Up to 80% more affordable than equivalent mined diamonds
- IGI & GIA certified — every stone comes with a full grading report
- Conflict-free & ethically created — always
- Eco-friendly — significantly lower carbon footprint than earth-mined stones
- Expert guidance — our team helps you find the perfect stone with confidence
Shop Lab Grown Diamonds by Cut & Shape
Every diamond cut has its own character, personality, and brilliance. At Variation, our lab grown diamond collection spans every major cut and shape:
- Round Cut — the world's most popular and brilliant diamond cut
- Princess Cut — sharp corners and modern elegance
- Oval Cut — elongated brilliance that flatters every hand
- Cushion Cut — soft corners and romantic vintage appeal
- Emerald Cut — architectural lines and understated sophistication
- Pear Cut — a unique teardrop silhouette with exceptional sparkle
- Radiant Cut — the brilliance of a round in a rectangular form
- Asscher Cut — step-cut elegance with art deco character
- Marquise Cut — dramatic elongated shape with maximum perceived size
- Heart Cut — the ultimate romantic diamond shape
- Portuguese Cut — 160+ facets for extraordinary, unmatched brilliance
How to Choose the Right Lab Grown Diamond
1. Start With Cut
Cut is the most important of the 4Cs. A well-cut diamond will appear more brilliant and larger than a poorly cut stone of the same carat weight. Always prioritize Excellent or Very Good cut grades.
2. Choose Your Shape
Shape is a matter of personal style. Round cuts maximize brilliance. Elongated shapes like oval, pear, and marquise create the illusion of a larger stone. Step cuts like emerald and asscher emphasize clarity and elegance over sparkle.
3. Select Your Carat Weight
Carat measures a diamond's weight, not its size. Different shapes face up differently — an oval or marquise cut will appear larger than a round of the same carat weight. Choose based on visual size, not carat number alone.
4. Color Grade
For white gold or platinum settings, D–F color grades deliver a pure white appearance. For yellow or rose gold, G–I grades pair beautifully and offer excellent value with no visible color difference.
5. Clarity Grade
VS1–VS2 clarity is the sweet spot for most buyers — eye-clean to the naked eye while offering meaningful savings over Flawless grades. For step cuts like emerald and asscher, consider VS1 or higher as their open facets make inclusions more visible.
6. Always Check the Certificate
Every lab grown diamond at Variation comes with an IGI or GIA certificate — the two most trusted grading laboratories in the world. Never purchase a diamond without a certificate from a recognized laboratory.
Lab Grown Diamonds for Every Occasion
- Engagement rings — a brilliant, ethical, and affordable center stone for the most important moment
- Wedding bands — accent stones with the same brilliance as mined diamonds
- Solitaire pendants — timeless everyday elegance
- Stud earrings — classic and versatile for any style
- Anniversary gifts — a meaningful symbol of enduring love
- Custom jewelry — work with our team to create a one-of-a-kind piece
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They are physically, chemically, and optically identical to mined diamonds and are certified by the same internationally recognized grading laboratories — IGI and GIA.
Do lab grown diamonds hold their value?
Lab grown diamonds, like mined diamonds, are luxury purchases rather than investments. Their primary value is in their beauty, meaning, and the joy they bring — not resale value. For those prioritizing size, quality, and ethics over resale, lab grown diamonds offer exceptional value.
Are lab grown diamonds eco-friendly?
Yes — lab grown diamonds have a significantly lower environmental impact than mined diamonds. Diamond mining requires massive land disruption, water usage, and carbon emissions. Lab grown diamonds eliminate these concerns entirely.
How are lab grown diamonds certified?
Lab grown diamonds are graded and certified by IGI and GIA — the same laboratories that certify mined diamonds — using the same 4C standards of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
Are lab grown diamonds cheaper than mined diamonds?
Yes — lab grown diamonds are priced up to 80% less than equivalent mined diamonds, with no difference in beauty, hardness, or certification.
What is the best cut for a lab grown diamond?
The round brilliant cut is the most brilliant and popular choice. However, the best cut is ultimately the one that matches your personal style — every cut in our collection is available in lab grown form at Variation.
Explore our full collection of lab grown diamonds above and find the stone that speaks to you. Questions? Our diamond experts are here to help.