If you’re searching for the best place to buy lab grown diamonds online, you’ve come to the right place.
Finding the perfect lab diamond can feel overwhelming — dozens of brands, prices all over the place, and endless reviews that make it hard to know who to trust.
Over the past few years, I’ve personally explored and compared top-rated jewelry retailers to uncover the most trusted, affordable, and transparent places to buy lab grown diamonds.
Whether you’re choosing an engagement ring or simply adding brilliance to your jewelry collection, this guide will show you where to buy certified lab diamonds online with confidence — combining beauty, ethics, and great value.
Read Also : When Did Lab-Grown Diamonds Start?
Why You Should Trust Us
At LearningJewelry.com, trust and transparency are at the heart of everything we do. Our content is written by certified experts with years of hands-on experience in the diamond industry.
Our lead author, Juli Church, is a certified diamontologist who has worked with major retailers like Kay and Zales, bringing insider expertise to every review.
With our professional knowledge and honest approach, you can rely on us to guide you toward the best place to buy lab grown diamonds online.
Lear About : HPHT vs CVD Diamonds
Top 3 Online Stores for Lab-Created Diamonds :
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of the top recommendations :
Best Overall: James Allen
Best Ethical Choice: Brilliant Earth
Best Upgrade Policy: Blue Nile
1. James Allen
James Allen is the best place to buy lab grown diamonds for brides.
James Allen is widely recognized as one of the most trusted online jewelers for lab grown diamonds — especially for brides who care about quality, variety, and full transparency.
With over 51,000 loose lab-created diamonds ranging from 0.30-carat to over 6-carats, James Allen offers one of the largest online selections available. Each diamond can be viewed in 360° HD, allowing you to see every detail before you buy.
Every stone is 100% real lab-grown diamond, not a simulant like cubic zirconia, and comes with IGI certification — the most recognized grading authority for lab-grown gems. This ensures the same brilliance, fire, and sparkle you’d expect from a top-tier natural diamond.
👉 If you’re looking for a sustainable, high-quality diamond with complete transparency, James Allen remains one of the best places to start your search.
More About This : How to Identify Lab Grown Diamonds (Step-by-Step Guide)
Lab grown diamonds from James Allen under $500
💎 Price is another big win for James Allen. Their lab-grown diamonds cost about 20–30% less than mined diamonds of the same quality — without compromising brilliance or sparkle.
When you combine those savings with James Allen’s competitive pricing and 360° viewing experience, it’s easy to see why this brand remains a top choice for budget-smart, quality-driven shoppers.
In short, James Allen offers unmatched value, transparency, and trust, making it one of the most affordable and reliable places to buy lab-grown diamonds online.
👉 Browse their lab diamond collection to compare prices and see the difference yourself.
(Related Guide) Lab Grown Diamonds Certification & Why It Matters
Check out the difference below to see what I mean:
Impressive, isn’t it? What makes it even better is that no one will ever notice the difference — except your wallet. 💎 Every dollar you spend on James Allen’s lab-grown diamonds goes toward genuine brilliance, ethical sourcing, and lasting value.
And here’s something shoppers love: James Allen’s customer support team isn’t just friendly — they’re trained gemologists who can help you find the perfect lab diamond for your budget, style, and personal taste.
Whether you’re confused about cut, clarity, or HPHT vs. CVD growth methods, their team walks you through every step.
I personally reached out to their gemologists to discuss quality grading, durability, and long-term value — and their detailed, transparent responses truly stood out.
👉 That’s one more reason James Allen remains among the most trusted and best places to buy lab-grown diamonds online.
Aura Dangle lab grown diamond bracelet from James Allen
In summary, James Allen remains one of the most reliable jewelry retailers for both natural and lab-created diamonds. Their gems are conflict-free, beautifully cut, and come with a lifetime warranty covering wear and maintenance.
Visit their official website below to explore their collection and find the lab diamond of your dreams.
Read More: James Allen Full Review
2. Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth is widely recognized as one of the best places to buy lab-grown diamonds online, especially for shoppers who care about ethics and sustainability.
Like James Allen, they feature a stunning collection of both natural and lab-created diamonds, each one carefully sourced and transparently documented for complete peace of mind.
What truly makes Brilliant Earth stand out is its Beyond Conflict Free™ mission — a promise that goes far beyond the standard Kimberley Process. Every diamond’s origin, history, and journey are fully traceable, ensuring it’s not only conflict-free but also environmentally responsible and socially fair.
In fact, Brilliant Earth even trademarked the term Beyond Conflict Free™ to highlight its leadership in ethical jewelry. All their diamonds and metals are mined and crafted under fair-labor, eco-friendly practices, giving you jewelry you can feel genuinely good about wearing.
👉 If sustainability and transparency matter to you, Brilliant Earth remains one of the top trusted destinations for lab-grown diamonds in 2026
Discover: What Lab Grown Diamonds Are Worth on the Resale Market
Lab grown diamond pendants from brilliant earth
With its deep transparency, ethical sourcing, and stunning craftsmanship, Brilliant Earth stands out as the best place to buy lab grown diamonds for conscious shoppers who value both beauty and integrity.
Thankfully, lab-created diamonds aren’t mined, meaning
brides can easily trace the entire supply chain and be confident that their
purchase wasn’t used to fund conflict or unethical labor practices.
Here’s where Brilliant Earth truly shines — their selection
is unmatched. They offer lab-grown diamonds ranging from 0.25 carats to an
impressive 25 carats, making them one of the best place to buy lab grown
diamonds for variety and customization. In fact, their collection includes
over 199,000 lab-created diamonds, more than the other three retailers
combined.
Read Also : How to Clean Lab-Created Diamonds
Lab grown diamond Wedding Rings
Another reason shoppers love Brilliant Earth is its rare collection of colored lab-grown diamonds — featuring elegant shades of blue, pink, and orange that add a truly personal touch to any piece.
These fancy lab diamonds are ideal for those who want something meaningful, modern, and undeniably unique.
That said, there’s one small drawback to consider: their warranty coverage is limited. The standard manufacturer’s warranty only applies to design defects, and there’s a $50 shipping fee for evaluations.
They also offer an Extended Service Plan, but it lasts just three years and must be purchased by phone — a bit less convenient compared to other top retailers.
Still, despite these minor limitations, Brilliant Earth remains one of the best places to buy lab-grown diamonds for shoppers who value sustainability, transparency, and ethical sourcing — along with the chance to own beautiful colored gems backed by their Beyond Conflict Free™ commitment.
👉 If you love jewelry that tells a story — and reflects your values — Brilliant Earth is a brand worth exploring.
Discover : Lab Grown Blue Diamonds
3. Blue Nile :
Blue Nile stands out as one of the most trusted online jewelers for lab-grown diamonds — the perfect choice for shoppers who value certified quality, reliability, and decades of proven expertise.
Founded in 1999, Blue Nile has built a global reputation for transparency, craftsmanship, and customer trust, blending traditional diamond expertise with cutting-edge technology.
While they’re best known for their massive natural-diamond inventory — more than 200,000 stones — their lab-grown diamond collection has quickly become one of the most impressive online.
With over 10,000 certified loose diamonds in every imaginable cut, clarity, and color, Blue Nile offers something for both classic romantics and modern minimalists.
Each stone is GIA or IGI certified and backed by Blue Nile’s lifetime warranty, giving buyers total confidence from purchase to delivery.
👉 If trust, certification, and timeless craftsmanship are what you’re after, Blue Nile remains a top destination for lab-grown diamonds that truly shine.
Blue Nile lab grown diamond tennis bracelets
What truly sets Blue Nile apart is that all of their lab-grown diamonds are GIA certified, ensuring world-class grading and
quality assurance. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) remains
the gold standard in diamond certification, and Blue Nile’s ability to offer
such a large inventory of GIA-graded lab-created diamonds gives them a clear
edge over many competitors.
In short, Blue Nile has mastered the craft of merging luxury
with technology. With their history, trusted customer base, and commitment to
authenticity, they stand tall as the best place to buy lab grown diamonds
for those seeking unmatched credibility and consistent excellence.
Blue Nile is that retailer:
But here’s where the disadvantages come in:
Despite customer feedback requesting a service warranty, Blue Nile
continues to provide only a standard manufacturer’s warranty, which covers
design defects or ongoing issues with your lab grown diamond engagement ring.
While they do offer free cleaning and inspection, you must cover the shipping
cost to send the ring, though they handle the return shipping. Services like
retipping prongs, rhodium plating, or tightening stones come at an additional
cost.
To protect your investment, Blue Nile recommends getting
jewelry insurance through their trusted partner, Jewelers Mutual, which
is widely regarded as the best jewelry insurance provider. You can even get a
quote directly from Blue Nile’s website. Plus, every diamond purchased through
their Build Your Own Diamond feature includes a detailed appraisal,
simplifying the insurance process.
Read Also : 6 Reasons Why You Should Buy Lab Diamonds .
Blue Nile lab grown diamond stud earrings
Here’s something unique — unlike most diamond retailers,
Blue Nile offers an upgrade policy for lab-grown diamonds, a rare
benefit that solidifies their reputation as the best place to buy lab grown
diamonds. With flexible upgrade options, excellent GIA-certified stones,
and reliable after-sales support, Blue Nile stands out as one of the most
trustworthy and customer-focused choices for buying lab-created diamonds
online.
💎 One of Blue Nile’s most impressive features is its diamond upgrade policy — now available for both natural and lab-grown diamonds.
You can even switch from natural to lab (or vice versa) with full credit toward your new purchase, as long as the new diamond is at least twice the value of the original. It’s a rare level of flexibility that few online jewelers offer, blending luxury-store benefits with the ease of online shopping.
Beyond that, Blue Nile continues to shine with transparent pricing, GIA-certified lab diamonds, and advanced 360° viewing tools, giving buyers complete confidence in every detail before checkout. These features make it a top choice for anyone seeking clarity, trust, and long-term value.
While their warranty is somewhat limited, Blue Nile’s strong reputation, ethical sourcing, and standout upgrade program more than make up for it — firmly positioning it among the best places to buy lab-grown diamonds for shoppers who value certified quality, reliable service, and exceptional value.
👉 For a jeweler that blends tradition, trust, and innovation, Blue Nile remains a go-to destination for lab-grown diamond lovers around the world.
Read also: The Full Blue Nile Review
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds
The Process of Growing Lab-Grown Diamonds
Ever wondered how lab-grown diamonds are made?
These gems begin with a small carbon seed — the same element as natural diamonds — and grow inside high-tech labs using either HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition).
Both methods recreate the Earth’s natural diamond-forming process in a controlled, sustainable way, without mining or environmental harm.
Over several weeks, carbon atoms bond layer by layer to form a crystal identical to one found deep underground.
🎥 Watch the video below to see the full journey — from carbon seed to a brilliant, eco-friendly diamond.
How We Selected the Best Lab Grown Diamond Stores :
Selection
To find the best place to buy lab-grown diamonds, I spent weeks comparing top jewelry retailers both online and in-store. My evaluation centered on the Four Cs — cut, clarity, carat, and color, along with overall variety and transparency.
I reviewed thousands of listings, customization tools, and unique shapes — from classic rounds and princess cuts to colored lab-grown diamonds in yellow and pink.
Quality
True quality starts with certification. I focused on retailers offering stones graded by trusted authorities such as IGI and GIA, which since 2020 has become the gold standard for lab-grown diamond grading.
Any store claiming to be among the best must provide verifiable certificates to guarantee authenticity and accuracy.
Settings & Jewelry
A great diamond deserves an equally great setting. I analyzed collections crafted in platinum, yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, covering engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, and bracelets.
Retailers that offer customization and a mix of timeless and modern designs truly stand out as leaders in the market.
Pricing
Transparent, fair pricing is essential. I prioritized retailers that combine competitive prices, clear return policies, and flexible financing — proving that finding the best place to buy lab-grown diamonds doesn’t have to break the bank.
Read Also : Lab Grown Diamond Price: Cost Comparison
Website Experience
The best online diamond stores deliver a smooth, trustworthy experience: detailed filters, 360° diamond views, mobile optimization, and verified customer reviews. Only user-friendly and transparent platforms made the final list.
In-Person Experience
Although online shopping dominates, I also evaluated physical showrooms with high customer ratings. I looked for knowledgeable staff, certified gemologists, and an inviting atmosphere.
Brands like Tiffany & Co., Macy’s, Jared, and Helzberg Diamonds now combine traditional luxury with modern, ethical sourcing.
Customer Service
Exceptional service goes beyond the purchase. The top retailers provide 30-day returns, lifetime warranties, and 24/7 support — building long-term trust through care, not just sales.
Lab Grown Diamonds 101
Despite sometimes being labeled synthetic, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds — identical to mined ones in chemical, optical, and physical properties.
They’re created through two advanced methods:
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature): A diamond seed is exposed to intense heat and pressure, causing carbon to crystallize just as it does deep within Earth.
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): A seed is placed in a chamber filled with carbon gases that ionize into plasma, allowing carbon atoms to build layer by layer.
Both methods yield brilliant, durable, and sustainable gems — the same sparkle, but with a cleaner origin and a smaller environmental footprint.
Read Also: Natural Diamonds Vs Lab Created Diamonds – which is better?
What Reddit Says About Lab Grown Diamonds
Reddit has become a go-to hub for honest, real-life discussions about engagement rings and jewelry shopping. In the Engagement Rings subreddit, everyday buyers, gem enthusiasts, and even professional jewelers openly share their experiences with lab-grown diamonds.
Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Many Redditors report saving thousands of dollars while getting the same sparkle, durability, and beauty as mined diamonds. Most agree that the visual difference between lab-grown and natural stones is virtually undetectable — even to trained eyes without special tools.
A recurring theme on Reddit is the price advantage. While most retailers claim lab diamonds cost 20%–40% less than mined ones, users often find even bigger discounts from trusted online stores. The most frequently mentioned names? James Allen, Blue Nile, and Brilliant Earth — consistently highlighted as the best places to buy lab-grown diamonds for quality and transparency.
Since 2022, Reddit users have noted that lab-grown diamond prices have dropped even further as production scales up and competition increases. With more manufacturers entering the market, premium-quality stones are now more affordable than ever — a shift accelerated by post-pandemic supply chain changes that made natural diamonds pricier.
However, Redditors also warn that not all lab-grown diamonds are created equal. Some lower-quality stones may have visible inclusions or poor cuts. That’s why experienced users always recommend buying from reputable retailers that offer certification, transparency, and expert craftsmanship.
In short: Reddit’s jewelry community agrees that lab-grown diamonds are a smart, ethical, and budget-friendly choice — as long as you buy from a trusted retailer that balances affordability with authenticity and long-term beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lab-Grown Diamonds
1-Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes — lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural ones. The only difference is their origin: they’re created in a lab instead of mined from the earth.
2-What are the benefits of buying lab-grown diamonds?
The key benefits include:
💎 Affordability: typically 20–40% cheaper than mined diamonds.
🌱 Ethical & eco-friendly sourcing: no mining or environmental harm.
💍 High quality & durability: identical hardness and brilliance to natural diamonds.
These factors make lab-grown diamonds an increasingly popular and responsible choice for modern jewelry buyers.
3-What are the most popular cuts for lab-grown diamonds?
The most loved cuts are round, princess, cushion, and emerald — with round brilliant being the top choice for engagement rings due to its unmatched sparkle and symmetry.
4-What percentage of people buy lab-grown diamonds?
According to a 2021 study by the Natural Diamond Council, about 16% of engagement ring buyers chose a lab-grown diamond — up from 5% in 2019. This percentage continues to rise, especially among younger, eco-conscious couples.
5-How do I choose the best retailer for lab-grown diamonds?
Look for:
A trusted reputation and verified reviews.
Transparent pricing and clear return policies.
Third-party certification from IGI, GIA, or GCAL.
A wide selection of shapes, sizes, and settings.
Responsive customer service and lifetime warranty options.
Retailers like James Allen, Brilliant Earth, and Blue Nile consistently rank among the best places to buy lab-grown diamonds for their certified quality, variety, and ethical standards.
