History of Lab-Grown Diamonds: How Long Have Lab-Grown Diamonds Been Around?
Lab grown diamonds might feel like the newest trend in custom engagement rings — but the science behind them is surprisingly older than you might think.
The Early Spark: 1950s
While the idea of man-made diamonds first sparked in the 1800s, it wasn’t until 1954 that General Electric successfully produced the first lab grown diamond. Using the HPHT method (High Pressure, High Temperature), the result was small, industrual-grade stones suited for tools and machinery - not jewelry.
By contrast, natural diamonds had already carried centuries of heritage, prestige, and enduring beauty. While lab-grown began as a technical experiment, natural diamonds remained the benchmark of romance and luxury.
From Industrial To Jewelry-Grade
For decades, lab grown diamonds stayed in factories and labs. Only in the 1980s and 1990s did scientists refine the process enough to create stones with the clarity and size fit for jewelry. The introduction of the CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method allowed diamonds to be grown layer by layer, eventually producing jewelry-grade diamonds.
Even with these advancements, natural diamonds retained something lab-grown stones could not replicate: their rarity, formed over billions of years deep within the Earth. That natural origin continues to give them unmatched symbolic and emotional weight.
2000s: A Market Revolution
By the early 2000s, lab grown diamonds entered the jewelry maket in small numbers. With improvements in carat, color, and cut, they gained traction as a modern, affordable alternative. Today, lab grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds in appearance and durability - making them an option for couples who want brilliance at a lower price point.
Yet for many, natural diamonds remain the elevated choice. Their scarcity, history, and ability to retain value make them more than just a beautiful gemstone - they are heirlooms in the making, passed down through generations.
How Long Do Lab Grown Diamonds Last?
One common myth is that lab-grown diamonds won't stand the test of time. The truth: they are chemically identical to natural diamonds and will last just as long.
But while both share durability, only natural diamonds carry the intrinsic rarity and timeless prestige that have made them symbols of love for centuries.
Why Today’s Couples Choose Both
Lab grown diamonds are appealing for their accessibility and certified quality (GIA or IGI). They provide sparkle, customization options, and avalue for couples looking for a modern alternative.
Still, natural mined diamonds remain unmatched when it comes to heritage, legacy, and emotional significance. They are as timeless as teh love stories they represent.
Your Diamond Story, Elevated
At The Diamond Guys, we guide couples through both options - giving you the knowledge to decide with condifence. Whether you're drawn to the modern appeal of lab grown or the enduring brilliance of natural, our experts will help you compare side by side.
Visit The Diamond Guys — in Scottsdale or Los Angeles — to explore custom engagement rings designed around your style, budget, and story.
The natural and lab grown diamond experts.
