Lab-Grown Diamond 101: Your Complete Guide

Jul 16, 2026

When you start shopping for an engagement ring, one of the first things you think about is the budget. It’s a conversation every couple has. What if you could get a bigger, more brilliant diamond without increasing that budget? That’s the simple, powerful promise of a lab-grown diamond. Because they are created in a lab instead of being mined, they are significantly more affordable than a natural diamond of the same size and quality. This isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about making a smart, value-driven choice that allows your money to go further. It means that show-stopping ring you’ve been dreaming of might be more attainable than you think.

Key Takeaways

They're Real Diamonds, So Judge Them That Way: Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and visually identical to natural ones, meaning the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) are just as important. Prioritize an excellent cut for the best sparkle and always confirm the quality with a certificate from a trusted lab like IGI or GIA.
Get More for Your Money, But Know the Trade-Off: The biggest benefit is the price, which is often 20% to 40% lower than a comparable natural diamond. This lets you get a larger or higher-quality stone for your budget, but remember that lab-grown diamonds do not retain resale value in the same way.
Your Jeweler and Guarantees Matter Most: The most important step is choosing a reputable jeweler who provides independent certification for every stone. Ensure they offer solid protections, like a return policy and repair services, so you can feel completely confident in your purchase for years to come.

What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

Let's get straight to it: a lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. It has the exact same chemical, physical, and optical properties as a diamond that was mined from the earth. The only thing that separates them is their origin story. Instead of forming over billions of years under the planet's surface, these diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory setting. Think of it like getting ice from your freezer versus getting it from a glacier. Both are frozen water, just made in different places. This technology allows us to create stunning, genuine diamonds in a fraction of the time.

How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?

So, how does a lab create a diamond? The process starts with a tiny diamond "seed," a sliver of a pre-existing diamond. This seed is placed in a highly controlled environment designed to replicate the conditions under which diamonds naturally form. Scientists use advanced technology to essentially speed up Mother Nature's work. There are two main recipes for this: High Pressure/High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods result in a rough diamond that is then cut and polished into the beautiful stones you see in our lab-grown engagement rings.

HPHT vs. CVD: What's the Difference?

The two creation methods, HPHT and CVD, are just different paths to the same destination. The High Pressure/High Temperature (HPHT) method mimics the intense environment deep within the Earth. A diamond seed is placed in a chamber with carbon and subjected to extreme pressure and heat, causing the carbon to melt and crystallize around the seed. The Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method takes a different approach. The seed is put into a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. These gases are heated until they break apart, allowing carbon atoms to attach to the seed and grow the diamond layer by layer. Neither method is inherently better; they simply produce diamonds with slightly different growth characteristics.

The Big Question: Are They Real Diamonds?

Yes, absolutely. This is the most important takeaway. Lab-grown diamonds are not imitations or stand-ins; they are 100% real diamonds. They are made of pure carbon arranged in the same crystal structure as natural diamonds. Because they are physically and chemically identical, they will pass a diamond tester every single time. An expert gemologist cannot tell the difference between a lab-grown and a mined diamond just by looking at it. Whether you choose a lab-grown or natural stone, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece with our custom engagement ring design service, knowing your diamond is the real deal.

Lab-Grown vs. Natural: A Side-by-Side Comparison

When you’re shopping for a diamond, the terms "lab-grown" and "natural" come up a lot. It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but the comparison is more straightforward than you might think. Let's break down exactly what sets them apart and, more importantly, what doesn't. Understanding these key points will help you decide which type of diamond is the perfect fit for your story and your budget.

The Science: Are They Really Identical?

Let's get straight to the point: yes, they are. A lab-grown diamond isn't a "fake" diamond; it's a real diamond created in a controlled environment. Think of it like the difference between a wildflower and a greenhouse-grown orchid. One formed deep within the Earth over billions of years, and the other was created by scientists using advanced technology. But when you get down to the molecular level, they are one and the same. Lab-grown diamonds share the exact same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. They are both pure carbon, crystallized in the same structure that gives diamonds their signature hardness and sparkle. The only true difference is their origin story.

Appearance: Can an Expert Tell the Difference?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer is a simple no. Just by looking, you cannot tell the difference between a lab-grown and a natural diamond. Not with the naked eye, and not even with a professional jeweler’s loupe (that little magnifying glass we use). They are visually identical. The only way to distinguish one from the other is with highly specialized laboratory equipment that can detect microscopic differences in their growth patterns or find a tiny, laser-inscribed serial number on the diamond's girdle. So, if you're worried that your friends or family will know you chose a lab-grown stone, you can relax. Your secret is safe, and all anyone will see is a beautiful, sparkling diamond.

The Buzz: How Perceptions Are Changing

The conversation around diamonds has shifted, and lab-grown stones are a huge part of that. More and more people are choosing them for a few key reasons. First, they offer a guaranteed conflict-free origin, which provides peace of mind for many buyers. Second, and this is a big one, is the value. Because the supply chain is shorter and less resource-intensive, lab-grown diamond engagement rings are significantly more affordable than their natural counterparts of the same size and quality. This means your budget can go much further. You might be able to get a larger stone, a higher clarity grade, or simply have more money left for the perfect custom setting. It’s about getting a beautiful, real diamond you love, without the traditional price tag.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds the Ethical Choice?

For many people, the decision to choose a lab-grown diamond goes beyond price and appearance. It’s about ethics. The conversation around lab-grown diamonds often centers on two key questions: Are they free from human conflict, and are they better for the planet? The simple answer is that lab-grown diamonds offer a high degree of certainty on both fronts. Because they are created in controlled environments, their journey from a carbon seed to a brilliant gemstone is fully traceable. This transparency allows you to wear your diamond with a clear conscience, knowing its origin is as beautiful as its sparkle. Let's look at the two main ethical advantages.

A Clear Conscience: The Conflict-Free Promise

One of the most compelling reasons to choose a lab-grown diamond is the guarantee that it is 100% conflict-free. The natural diamond industry has worked hard to address the issue of "blood diamonds" (stones sold to fund wars and human rights abuses), but the supply chain can be complex. Lab-grown diamonds sidestep this issue entirely. Since they are grown in a laboratory, there is no mining involved, and therefore no risk of funding conflict. This gives you complete peace of mind, knowing your beautiful stone didn't come at a human cost. Exploring a collection of lab-grown diamond engagement rings means every option you see comes with this built-in assurance.

Earth vs. Lab: The Environmental Footprint

Beyond the human element, there's the environmental impact to consider. Traditional diamond mining is an industrial process that can disrupt ecosystems, requiring massive amounts of earth to be moved to find gem-quality stones. This can lead to deforestation and affect local water sources and wildlife. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled setting that avoids this kind of environmental disturbance. While creating a diamond in a lab does require a significant amount of energy, it eliminates the large-scale land disruption associated with mining. For environmentally-conscious buyers, this makes lab-grown diamonds an attractive alternative when planning a custom engagement ring.

The Pros and Cons of Lab-Grown Diamonds

Deciding between a lab-grown and a natural diamond is a big choice, and like any major purchase, it comes with its own set of pros and cons. There’s a lot of information out there, so let's cut through the noise. The best approach is to weigh the benefits against the considerations to see what feels right for you and your partner. Understanding both sides of the coin will help you shop with confidence and choose a diamond you'll love for a lifetime.

Pros: Why You'll Love Them

The most significant advantage of a lab-grown diamond is the price. Because they cost less to produce, you can typically expect to pay 20% to 40% less than you would for a natural diamond of the same size and quality. This means your budget can go further, allowing you to get a larger carat weight or a higher-grade stone. And let's be clear: these are real diamonds. They have the exact same chemical and physical properties as their mined counterparts. Plus, their origin is completely transparent, so you can be certain your diamond is 100% conflict-free. Explore our lab-grown diamond engagement rings to see the stunning options available.

Cons: What to Consider

The main point to consider with a lab-grown diamond is its long-term value. While you save money on the initial purchase, they don't retain value in the same way natural diamonds do. The resale market for lab-grown diamonds is still developing, and you should expect their resale value to be significantly lower than what you paid. This is a trade-off for the lower upfront cost. For many of our clients, this isn't a concern, as the ring is a symbol of love, not a financial asset. It's simply something to be aware of as you make your decision, especially when comparing it to programs like our natural Diamond Upgrade Privilege.

Busting Common Lab-Grown Diamond Myths

The biggest myth we need to address is that lab-grown diamonds aren't "real." This couldn't be further from the truth. A lab-created diamond is optically, chemically, and physically identical to a diamond mined from the earth. The only difference is its origin story. Think of it like an orchid grown in a greenhouse versus one found in a jungle; they are both orchids. In fact, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) even updated its guidelines to officially recognize lab-grown diamonds as, simply, diamonds. So, when you choose a lab-grown stone for your custom engagement ring, you are choosing a real diamond.

How Do Lab-Grown and Natural Diamond Prices Compare?

Let’s talk about one of the biggest factors in any engagement ring decision: the price. This is where lab-grown and natural diamonds really differ, and it’s a difference that can have a huge impact on your final choice. The most important thing to know is that a lab-grown diamond’s lower price has nothing to do with its quality, beauty, or durability. It’s purely a matter of supply and the creation process. For many couples, this price difference is what makes their dream ring a reality, allowing them to get a bigger, more brilliant diamond without stretching their budget. It’s all about getting more sparkle for your money, and who doesn’t love that?

The Price Tag: A Carat-by-Carat Breakdown

When you compare two diamonds of the same size and quality side-by-side, the lab-grown option will almost always be significantly more affordable. Generally, you can expect a lab-grown diamond to cost about 20% to 40% less than a natural diamond with the same specifications. This isn't a small discount; it's a game-changer. This means the budget you set for a 1.5-carat natural diamond could potentially get you a stunning 2-carat lab-grown diamond. You can explore our collection of lab-grown engagement rings to see this price difference in action and get a feel for what your budget can achieve.

Understanding the Price Difference

So, why the big gap in price if they are chemically the same? It all comes down to rarity and supply chain. Natural diamonds are a finite resource, formed over billions of years and recovered through costly mining operations. Their price reflects that rarity and the intensive labor required to bring them to market. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, can be created in a controlled environment in a matter of weeks. While the technology is advanced and expensive, the supply is theoretically unlimited. This efficiency and availability are what make them a more accessible option.

What a Lower Price Gets You (Hint: More Sparkle)

Choosing a lab-grown diamond means your budget goes further. You don’t have to compromise on the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat). In fact, you can often prioritize them. That money you save can be put toward a larger stone, a higher-quality cut for maximum brilliance, or a more intricate custom setting. You can get one of those giant natural diamond engagement rings you’ve been eyeing, but in a lab-grown version that fits your finances. Since lab-grown diamonds are optically and physically identical to their natural counterparts, you’re not sacrificing an ounce of that classic diamond sparkle; you’re simply making a smart, value-driven choice.

Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Hold Their Value?

Let’s talk about one of the most common questions we hear: do lab-grown diamonds hold their value? It’s a great question, and the honest answer is a bit nuanced. When we talk about "value," it can mean two different things: the financial, or resale, value down the road, and the personal value you get the moment you buy it. It’s important to understand the difference between these two ideas before you decide if a lab-grown diamond is the right choice for your engagement ring.

Natural diamonds, which are finite and have a long history as a store of value, tend to retain a portion of their original price over time. This is why programs like our Diamond Upgrade Privilege exist for natural diamonds, allowing you to trade them in for a larger stone later. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, play by a different set of rules. Their value is front-loaded, meaning you experience it most at the point of purchase. Think of it less like a financial asset and more like any other luxury purchase, where the primary value is in the quality, beauty, and enjoyment you get from it right now.

Resale Value: Setting Realistic Expectations

When it comes to resale, it’s best to be realistic: lab-grown diamonds do not hold their monetary value in the same way natural diamonds do. Because the technology to create them is constantly improving and the supply is virtually unlimited, their prices have steadily decreased over time. This means you should not expect to sell a lab-grown diamond for a significant percentage of what you originally paid.

Think of it this way: the financial benefit of a lab-grown diamond happens on the day you buy it, not the day you might try to sell it. This is a key trade-off to consider. If having an asset that retains financial worth is a top priority for you, a natural diamond is likely a better fit. But if your goal is to maximize the size and quality of your diamond within your current budget, the lower resale value might be a trade-off you’re comfortable making.

Thinking Long-Term: A Perspective on Value

While lab-grown diamonds have low resale value, their purchase value is undeniable. This is where they truly shine. For many couples, the "long-term value" is being able to get a stunning, eye-clean, and impressively sized diamond without stretching their budget. You can get a significantly larger carat weight or a higher clarity and color grade than you could with a natural diamond for the same price. This allows you to design the exact ring you’ve been dreaming of.

Ultimately, the value is in wearing a beautiful diamond that you love every single day. It’s a modern, smart approach to luxury that prioritizes the here and now. By choosing from a curated selection of lab-grown diamond engagement rings, you get all the sparkle and beauty of a diamond with the satisfaction of making a financially savvy choice for your present and future together.

The 4 Cs Still Matter: How to Judge Quality

Just because a diamond is grown in a lab doesn't mean quality goes out the window. The same grading system that has been trusted for generations, the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat), is just as critical for evaluating a lab-grown diamond. Understanding these four factors is the key to choosing a stone you’ll absolutely love. It ensures you’re not just getting a great price, but also a truly beautiful diamond that will last a lifetime. Think of the 4 Cs as your personal guide to finding the perfect balance of size, sparkle, and value for your budget.

Cut: The Secret to Serious Sparkle

When we talk about a diamond's cut, we're not talking about its shape (like round, oval, or pear). Cut refers to how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. It’s the most important factor because it’s directly responsible for that mesmerizing sparkle. A well-cut diamond acts like a tiny hall of mirrors, capturing light and reflecting it back to your eye for maximum brilliance. A poorly cut diamond, on the other hand, can look dull and lifeless, no matter how great its color or clarity is. This is why prioritizing an excellent cut is the best way to get a show-stopping stone.

Color: Finding the Sweet Spot

Diamond color is graded on a scale from D (completely colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). For a lab-grown diamond that looks crisp and white, you don’t need to pay a premium for the absolute highest grade. Diamonds in the D to H range are considered "colorless" or "near-colorless" and will appear perfectly white in most settings. This range is the sweet spot for getting a beautiful, icy look without overspending. When you browse a collection of lab-grown engagement rings, you'll see that a stone in the G or H range offers incredible value and stunning appearance.

Clarity: What You Can (and Can't) See

Clarity measures the presence of tiny imperfections within the diamond (inclusions) or on its surface (blemishes). The good news is that most of these are microscopic and don't affect the stone's beauty. For the best value, look for diamonds in the VS (Very Slightly Included) or SI (Slightly Included) grades. In these stones, any inclusions are typically invisible to the naked eye. This allows you to get a diamond that appears flawless while putting more of your budget toward factors you can see, like cut or carat weight. When you design a custom ring, we can help you select a stone with the perfect clarity for your vision.

Carat: Getting the Most Size for Your Budget

Carat is simply a measure of a diamond's weight, which also gives an indication of its size. Since lab-grown diamonds are more affordable, you can often get a larger carat weight than you could with a natural diamond for the same price. If you want to maximize the visual size of your stone, consider an elongated shape. Shapes like oval, marquise, or emerald cut can appear larger than a round diamond of the exact same carat weight. This little trick helps you get a bigger look and more finger coverage, making your budget stretch even further.

Does a Lab Diamond Certificate Matter?

So, does that piece of paper that comes with your diamond really matter? The short answer is: absolutely. A lab diamond certificate is your independent, third-party proof of quality. Think of it as your diamond’s official report card, graded by an unbiased expert. It verifies that your stone is, in fact, a diamond and provides a detailed analysis of its characteristics. This isn't just about confirming authenticity; it's about ensuring you get exactly what you pay for. Without a certificate, you’re essentially buying a diamond based on trust alone.

A reputable certificate from a trusted gemological lab gives you the confidence that the diamond you’re considering has been held to rigorous standards. It details everything from the precise carat weight to the exact color and clarity grades. This information is what determines a diamond's quality and, ultimately, its price. Having this report allows you to make an informed decision and compare different stones fairly. When you’re ready to explore, you’ll find that our entire collection of lab-grown diamond engagement rings comes with this essential verification, so you can shop with complete peace of mind.

Decoding the Reports: GIA, IGI, and GCAL

Not all certificates are created equal, and the lab that issues the report is just as important as the grades themselves. You’ll want to see a report from a well-respected, independent laboratory. The three names you’ll see most often with lab-grown diamonds are GIA, IGI, and GCAL.

GIA (Gemological Institute of America): Widely considered the world’s foremost authority in gemology, GIA is known for its incredibly strict and consistent grading standards. A GIA report is often seen as the gold standard in the diamond industry.
IGI (International Gemological Institute): IGI has become a leader in grading lab-grown diamonds. Their reports are reliable, highly detailed, and trusted by jewelers and consumers around the globe.
GCAL (Gem Certification & Assurance Lab): GCAL is unique because it backs its grading with a zero-tolerance, money-backed guarantee. Their reports provide an extra layer of assurance for buyers.

What to Look For on the Certificate

When you look at a diamond certificate, it can feel a little overwhelming. The key is to focus on the information that has the biggest impact on your diamond’s beauty: the 4 Cs.

Cut: This is arguably the most important factor because it dictates how well a diamond sparkles. Look for a grade of "Excellent" (on GIA reports) or "Ideal" (on IGI reports) to ensure your diamond has maximum brilliance and fire.
Color: The color grade tells you how colorless the diamond is. For a diamond that appears bright white, stick with grades in the D to H range.
Clarity: This grade measures the presence of tiny internal or external characteristics called inclusions. A grade of VS (Very Slightly Included) or SI (Slightly Included) typically means any inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, offering fantastic value.
Carat: This is simply the diamond’s weight. Remember that certain shapes, like ovals and marquises, can appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight.

Is a Lab-Grown Diamond Right for You?

Deciding between a lab-grown and a natural diamond is one of the biggest choices you’ll make when buying a ring. With so much information out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The truth is, there’s no single “right” answer. The best diamond for you is the one that aligns with your budget, your style, and your personal values. Both options result in a stunning, real diamond that you’ll love for a lifetime. The key is understanding what makes each type special so you can feel confident in your decision.

Think of it like this: one path gives you more size and sparkle for your money, with a modern, tech-forward story. The other path connects you to a timeless tradition, offering a piece of natural history with a value that endures differently over time. Neither is better, they just serve different priorities. We're here to help you figure out which team you're on. Let’s break down the main reasons you might choose one over the other.

Team Lab-Grown: Why It Might Be Your Perfect Match

If you prioritize size, budget, and a transparent origin story, a lab-grown diamond might be your perfect fit. First things first: lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the exact same chemical, physical, and optical properties as their mined counterparts. The only difference is their origin. Because they are created in a controlled environment, they often cost significantly less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality. This means your budget can go much further, allowing you to get a larger carat weight or a higher clarity grade than you might have expected. For many, this is the most compelling reason to go with a lab-grown stone. You can explore our stunning collection of lab-grown diamond engagement rings to see the possibilities.

Team Natural: When to Stick with a Mined Diamond

For those who cherish tradition and the romance of a gem created by the earth over billions of years, a natural diamond is irreplaceable. Each natural diamond has a unique story, a one-of-a-kind miracle of nature. This inherent rarity is a major part of its appeal. While no diamond should be treated as a financial investment, natural diamonds do hold their value significantly better than lab-grown alternatives. This is where our lifetime Diamond Upgrade Privilege becomes so important. When you purchase a natural diamond from us, you can trade it in for its full value toward a new one down the road. This is a promise we can only make for natural diamonds, making them a choice that can grow with you through the years.

How to Buy a Lab-Grown Diamond with Confidence

Choosing an engagement ring is a huge decision, but it should also be an exciting one. Once you’ve decided a lab-grown diamond is for you, the next step is finding the perfect stone and setting. With a little know-how, you can feel completely certain about your purchase. It’s all about finding a trusted expert, understanding the details, and creating a ring that’s undeniably you.

Finding a Jeweler You Can Trust

The single most important part of buying a lab-grown diamond is the jeweler you choose to work with. A great jeweler is more than a salesperson; they are your guide and partner. Look for someone with a long-standing reputation in your community and a team of genuine experts. When you’re making a purchase this meaningful, you want to know the people you’re buying from have a history of integrity and a passion for their craft. A trustworthy jeweler will be transparent about their diamonds, encouraging you to look for independent certifications that verify the stone’s quality, just as you would for a natural diamond. This ensures you have an objective evaluation of what you're buying.

The Fine Print: Guarantees and Protections You Need

A beautiful ring is one thing, but peace of mind is priceless. Before you buy, always ask about the guarantees and protections offered. Your lab-grown diamond should come with a grading certificate from a respected gemological lab like IGI or GCAL. This report is your proof of the diamond’s 4 Cs and other characteristics. Beyond the certificate, what does the jeweler offer? Look for return or exchange policies, like our Gotta Love It Guarantee, and protection plans that cover future repairs. Having access to in-house experts for jewelry repair and restoration gives you confidence that your ring will be cared for properly for years to come.

Making It Yours: Exploring Custom Designs

One of the best parts of choosing a lab-grown diamond is the freedom it gives you to create a truly personal ring. Because you can often get a larger stone for your budget, you have more flexibility to focus on the design. You can choose a loose lab diamond and pair it with any setting to create a one-of-a-kind piece. At Buchroeders, our custom engagement ring process is built around your vision. You can start by falling in love with a specific diamond and building a ring around it, or you can begin by choosing a setting that speaks to you and then finding the perfect diamond to complete it. There’s no wrong way to start.

Find Your Lab-Grown Diamond Ring at Buchroeders

Let’s be clear: lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the exact same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds, which means they are just as brilliant and durable. The only difference is their origin story. When you’re ready to find your ring, we invite you to explore our collection of lab-grown diamond engagement rings. Whether you want to design a custom piece from scratch or choose one of our stunning Proposal-Ready rings, our team is here to help you find a ring you’ll love for a lifetime. We listen first, ensuring the final piece is a perfect reflection of your love story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will people be able to tell my diamond is lab-grown just by looking at it? No, they won't. A lab-grown diamond is visually identical to a natural one, sharing the same sparkle and brilliance. Even a trained jeweler using a standard magnifying loupe cannot spot the difference. The only way to distinguish between them is with highly specialized laboratory equipment that can identify the unique ways they grew, which is not something that happens outside of a gemological lab.

Why are lab-grown diamonds less expensive if they're identical to natural ones? The price difference is all about supply and the creation process. Natural diamonds are a finite resource, and bringing them from deep within the earth to the market is a long and costly journey. Lab-grown diamonds, while requiring advanced technology, can be created efficiently in just a few weeks. This modern, streamlined process and more available supply result in a lower price point for the final stone.

Is a lab-grown diamond a bad investment since it doesn't hold value? It's helpful to think about value in two different ways: purchase value and resale value. A lab-grown diamond's strength is its incredible purchase value, meaning you get a significantly larger or higher-quality diamond for your money on day one. While it's true they have a low resale value, most people buy an engagement ring as a symbol of love to be worn forever, not as a financial asset to be sold later.

Do I still need to worry about the 4 Cs with a lab-grown diamond? Yes, absolutely. The 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) are your guide to quality for any diamond, regardless of its origin. A great cut is still the most important factor for achieving maximum sparkle, and understanding the color and clarity grades helps you find the perfect balance for your budget. This is why every quality lab-grown diamond should come with an independent certificate that verifies its grades.

Are lab-grown diamonds as strong and durable as natural diamonds? Yes, they are exactly as durable. A diamond's strength comes from its chemical structure and hardness. Since lab-grown diamonds are made of pure carbon crystallized in the same way as natural diamonds, they score a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes them one of the hardest substances on earth, perfectly suited for the everyday wear of an engagement ring.