Frequently Asked Questions

Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes, in every sense of the word.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has just released a new definition of diamond; “A diamond is a mineral consisting essentially of pure carbon crystallized in the isometric system”.  We use Cultured as a gemological 5th “C”.  Of the original 4 C’s of Carat Weight, Color, Clarity and Cut only the cut was controlled by man.  Today we add the 5th C of Cultured which is also controlled by man.  Our Diamonds our graded using the exact same four C’s as mineddiamonds.

How are lab grown diamonds different from mined diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are real genuine diamonds that are made in proprietary high-tech laboratories, where we replicate either HPHT (high pressure high temperature) or CVD (chemical vapor deposition) methods to grow fine gem quality diamonds from less than one point to 5 carats finished weights.  All diamonds have essentially the same optical, physical and chemical properties and consist of pure carbon crystalized in the isometric system.    Quite simply the only difference is origin, as our diamonds grown super terrestrial (above ground) rather than mined sub terrestrial (below ground).

How much time does it take to grow a diamond in the laboratory?

While this may seem to be a simple question there are many factors that go into successfully growing a diamond in the laboratory, and then planning, cutting and polishing that diamond.  The actual grow time currently takes from under one week to about three weeks.  When growing is completed the planning, preparation, cutting and polishing process usually takes another six to eight weeks.  So depending on the diamonds intended size, shape, clarity and color we share that the entire process takes from 60 to 120 days to complete.

What are the environmental implications of selecting a lab grown diamond?

We believe in sustainability.  We define sustainability as maintaining the conditions under which humans and nature coexist in productive harmony while fulfilling the social, economic and environmental requirements of today and all future generations.  All our diamonds are produced with renewable energy provided by our wind turbines and solar generators.  By growing our diamonds in modern, high tech above ground laboratories we can control and minimize the effect on our environment concerning land, water, power and human capital.  These are all significantly less than the effects of mining.  Even the methane gas used in our reactors is a by product of oil and gas extraction which would be “burned off” or wasted if not for our usage.   

How do you disclose that your diamonds are lab grown?

All of our Diamonds are carefully handled in completely separate facilities and chains of command from conception to delivery.  After each diamond is grown, cut and polished all diamonds 1/2ct and larger are sent to world class gemological laboratories to be evaluated for the 5 C’s.  The words LAB GROWN are laser engraved on the girdle followed by the laboratory certificate number.  All diamonds over 1/5th carat are laser engraved with the words LAB GROWN.   

Why The Diamond Vine?

Our love for diamonds transcends FOUR generations of our family.  From a small trade shop, to a traditional large chain, to wholesale and now to Lab grown.  We've been entrusted for FOUR generations to help our clients find and select the best diamonds.  We embrace technology and want to be good stewards of the Earth.  That's why The Diamond Vine is your best choice for a beautiful lab grown diamond (or an entire collection).

Are the diamonds and items shown, all you offer?

Absolutely NOT! ;-) We have new production coming in every week. We try to list as much as we can, but it’s hard to keep up (thankfully)! We have new diamonds and items being created daily! We LOVE to do custom designs with our cultured diamonds. Send us a picture, and we can provide a quote! Or send us an email with a certain size and/or shape diamond, and hopefully, one is available.