Which Lab-Created Diamond is Best?
Posted by wedding bands team on
The Best Lab-Created Diamonds for Chicago Jewelry Enthusiasts
More and more couples in Chicago are asking the same question: Which lab-created diamond is the best choice for my engagement ring or wedding band? At Wedding Band & Co., we help clients compare lab-grown and natural diamonds every day, giving them the knowledge to make an informed and confident decision.
Lab-created diamonds have surged in popularity because they offer the same beauty and durability as natural diamonds, often at a lower price point, while also being a sustainable and ethical choice. Understanding how they’re made, what qualities to look for, and how they compare to natural stones will help you find the perfect diamond.
How Lab-Created Diamonds Are Made
Two processes are used to create lab-grown diamonds:
1. HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
This method mimics how diamonds form underground by applying extreme heat and pressure to carbon. The result is a durable, brilliant stone that is chemically identical to a natural diamond.
2. CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
This process grows diamonds layer by layer in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. CVD diamonds are often cleaner, with fewer inclusions, and may need less post-growth treatment.
Both HPHT and CVD diamonds are real diamonds, not simulants like cubic zirconia. They share the same carbon crystal structure and the same Mohs hardness rating of 10, making them perfect for everyday wear.
Lab-Created vs. Natural Diamonds
Lab-grown and natural diamonds are visually and structurally identical:
- Both are pure carbon crystals with unmatched hardness.
- Both deliver the same sparkle and brilliance.
- Lab-grown diamonds are 30–40% more affordable.
- Lab-created stones avoid the environmental and ethical concerns of mining.
For many Chicago couples, lab-grown diamonds represent a balance of beauty, value, and responsibility.
Which Lab-Created Diamond Is Best?
The “best” diamond comes down to your priorities:
- HPHT Diamonds – Known for their exceptional durability.
- CVD Diamonds – Praised for their clarity and affordability.
- Both – Offer timeless brilliance, ethical sourcing, and excellent value compared to mined stones.
At Wedding Band & Co., we guide you through the differences to help you select the diamond that aligns with your style, values, and budget.
The Four Cs Still Matter
Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown stones are evaluated by the Four Cs:
- Carat – Size matters, but should be balanced with cut quality.
- Cut – The most important factor for sparkle. Round brilliant remains a favorite, but oval and emerald cuts are on trend.
- Color – Most buyers prefer colorless or near-colorless stones for maximum brilliance.
- Clarity – Look for stones with inclusions that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
Creating Your Custom Engagement Ring
Choosing the diamond is just the beginning. A custom ring brings together every element into a design that tells your story:
- Shank (Band): Platinum, white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold.
- Head (Setting): Prong, bezel, halo, or tension.
- Center Stone: Your choice of HPHT or CVD diamond.
- Accents: Side stones, pavé, or custom engravings for added meaning.
Our master designer, Koorosh Daneshgar, and the Wedding Band & Co. team work with you to bring your vision to life.
Caring for Your Lab-Created Diamond
A diamond is forever, but it still needs care:
- Remove your ring before strenuous activity or swimming.
- Clean gently with a soft cloth and jewelry-safe solution.
- Schedule professional cleanings and inspections.
- Get your diamond appraised and insured.
We also provide expert jewelry repair and maintenance services at our Chicago location.
Why Chicago Couples Choose Wedding Band & Co.
- One of the most trusted jewelers in Chicago’s Gold Coast.
- Custom engagement rings designed by master craftsman Koorosh Daneshgar.
- Certified diamonds with full documentation.
- Personalized service for couples, professionals, and families across the city.
Explore Our Local Jewelry Store in Chicago for Custom Wedding Rings
Enjoy a uniquely tailored experience with us. At Wedding Band & Co., recognized among the top Chicago jewelers and jewelry stores in Illinois, we take pride in offering custom wedding rings and unique pieces that reflect your personal story. Visit us in person. Enjoy, cherish, and trust that the ring you pick from us will symbolize your lifelong commitment.
Discover Custom Wedding Rings in Chicago with Wedding Bands Company
At Wedding Bands Company, we've been making personalized engagement rings for 25+ years, making us one-of-a-kind. Our team, led by Koorosh Daneshgar, understands that our clients want unique jewelry. They desire something that stores or online platforms do not commonly offer.
We provide information about diamonds and explain the four Cs: Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity. We do this using real diamonds, rather than relying on salespeople who earn commissions.
What truly sets us apart is our design process. We collaborate with you to make your ideas real, crafting a unique masterpiece exclusively for you.
We promise good work at a fair cost, with no concessions. We control every step of the process, from design to printing, casting, setting stones, and inspecting the final product.
We make every ring ourselves, not outsourcing. Each design has a one-year warranty, better than what others offer. We offer yearly maintenance to keep your ring in perfect condition. Start your journey with us today and experience the difference of creating a truly custom engagement ring.
Let’s Design the Perfect Ring, Just for You
Every ring at Wedding Band and Co. should express your love together with your personal values and your individual style. Our Chicago-based workshop creates custom engagement rings and wedding bands and other jewelry pieces through expert craftsmanship and careful attention to detail and creative approaches.
✅ Book your free consultation
✅ Explore hundreds of ring styles in person or virtually
✅ Design a ring that tells your story, one detail at a time
Our Chicago location welcomes you to visit in person or you can start your ring journey online to make your dream ring become reality.
Come see us on the floor of 43 E Oak St, in Chicago's IL 60611.
Reach out to us by dialing our number at +13129200726.
Feel free to reach out to us via email at info@weddingbandscompany.com
