20 mm Cuban · Gull
2.490,00 kr
Lab diamonds, moissanite or CZ: more design for the budget
Lab diamonds give you the look and properties of a diamond, with more room in the budget for the jewelry you actually want. For a personalized pendant, a ring, or an elaborate iced-out design, the choice of stone can make a big difference. Here we compare lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and CZ, and explain what quality, price, and origin mean for your choice.
Already have an idea? Send a request for custom jewelry at Iceyard, with your desired design and budget.
What is a lab diamond?
A lab diamond is a diamond grown in a laboratory. You may also see the terms lab-grown diamond and lab-grown diamond. According to GIA, such diamonds have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The difference lies in how they are formed. [1]
This means you can choose the diamond's characteristic light and brilliance without paying for a stone of natural geological origin. Lab diamonds are also not the same as moissanite or cubic zirconia. These have their own compositions and properties, even though they can also create a beautiful, sparkling piece of jewelry.
Are lab diamonds better than natural diamonds?
They may be a better value for your budget. The quality itself must be assessed stone by stone. A lab diamond is not automatically more beautiful than a natural diamond just because it was grown in a laboratory.
Pay particular attention to cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, often referred to as the 4Cs. GIA explains that the combination of these properties describes the diamond's quality. A larger stone does not necessarily provide the finest play of light; the cut and proportions affect how light is reflected. [2]
For a custom piece of jewelry, we recommend considering the overall look: the stones, the choice of metal, the setting, and the proportions. A well-crafted pendant in the right size can give you more of the look you want than spending the entire budget on a single feature alone.
Lab diamond, moissanite, or CZ?
| Stone | What you choose | Our recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Lab diamond | Diamond grown in a laboratory. | For those who want a diamond in a personalized piece of jewelry. |
| Moissanite | A distinct type of stone with a striking play of light and color. | For those who want a noticeable brilliance and a look that makes a statement. |
| CZ | Cubic zirconia, a laboratory-made stone. | For those who want to prioritize design, stone coverage, and an affordable budget. |
GIA describes moissanite as a durable stone with a particularly intense play of color. CZ has a different hardness and different optical properties than diamond and moissanite. All three can produce beautiful results, but they should be described as the type of stone they actually are. [3] Read more in our guides to moissanite and CZ and cubic zirconia.
Why have lab diamonds become more affordable?
Lab diamonds can be produced, and the market is influenced by technology, production capacity, and competition. De Beers stated in May 2025 that wholesale prices for lab diamonds used in jewelry had fallen by 90 percent since Lightbox was established in 2018. The figure applies to the wholesale market during this period. It is not a discount on a finished piece of jewelry or a price forecast. De Beers itself is a commercial entity with interests in natural diamonds. [4]
For those who buy jewelry, the opportunity is interesting: a lower stone budget can make room for a more detailed design, more stones, or a different metal. The price of a finished custom piece of jewelry also includes design work, materials, production, and stone setting. Therefore, you should compare specifications and the total price.
De Beers, scarcity, and diamond prices
The diamond trade has a documented history of strong market control. An analysis published by GIA describes how De Beers controlled large parts of the rough diamond trade through centralized sales, warehousing, and production restrictions. The same analysis documents how control was weakened and the market gained more independent sales channels. [5]
The history gives reason to question what you are paying for. It does not mean that all diamond prices are made up, or that all natural diamonds are equally common. Size, color, and clarity affect both rarity and value. [2] Our recommendation is to choose the properties and design you yourself value.
What about blood diamonds and the environment?
A lab diamond does not need to be mined like a natural diamond from a mine. This makes it a viable option for those who want to choose a different origin. The term "blood diamond" is associated with conflict diamonds; the Kimberley Process defines these as rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance armed conflict against legitimate authorities. The term therefore does not encompass all natural diamonds. [6]
Laboratory production also requires energy. Environmental claims must be assessed based on the specific production and supply chain. GIA discusses energy use in its sustainability report, and the FTC emphasizes that general claims such as "environmentally friendly" need a sound factual basis. [7] [8] Therefore, ask for documentation if the environment and origin are decisive for your choice.
How to choose stones for a custom piece of jewelry
- Start with the look. Do you want a discreet pendant, a prominent signet ring, or a large custom pendant with dense stone setting? Include reference images and desired dimensions.
- Set a total budget. Ask for a proposal that includes metal, stones, design, and production. Then it is easier to prioritize the details that matter most.
- Compare stone options. Feel free to ask for alternatives with lab diamonds, moissanite, and CZ where the design is suitable. The difference will be easier to assess when the starting point is the same piece of jewelry.
- Clarify the documentation. Ask what information comes with the stones or the finished piece of jewelry. Stone type, dimensions, and agreed quality properties should be stated in the quote.
You can also read how a custom piece of jewelry goes from idea to finished design. If you have your own logo or symbol in mind, you will find more tips in the guide to ordering a pendant with your own logo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a lab diamond a real diamond?
Yes. It is grown in a laboratory and has essentially the chemical, physical, and optical properties of a diamond. The origin should be stated as lab-grown. [1]
Are moissanite and CZ lab diamonds?
No. Moissanite and CZ are other types of stones. They can be used for a sparkling look, but have a different composition than diamond. [3]
Which option gives the most for your money?
It depends on your goal. We recommend considering lab diamonds when you want a diamond, moissanite for a striking play of color, and CZ when design and budget come first.
Can I order a custom piece of jewelry at Iceyard?
Yes. Submit the desired design, size, stone choice, and budget through our custom form. We will assess the possibilities for the project and clarify specifications in the quote.
Your design. Your look. Start with the idea, and then we can look at which materials and stones are suitable. Tell us about the piece of jewelry you want to create.
Sources and further reading
- GIA: The difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
- GIA: Diamond quality and the four Cs.
- GIA: Moissanite, CZ, and other diamond simulants.
- De Beers: Lightbox and the development in wholesale prices, May 8, 2025.
- GIA, Gems & Gemology: Changes in pricing and distribution of rough diamonds, 2014.
- Kimberley Process: Definition of conflict diamonds and the certification scheme.
- GIA: Sustainability Report 2022 (PDF).
- FTC: Clear information about diamonds and environmental claims.
