Lab-grown pink diamonds are synthetic gemstones created through controlled processes, mimicking the natural conditions under which diamonds form. They offer the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as their natural counterparts, making them virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye. Lab-grown pink diamonds are rare and make up less than 5% of manmade diamonds. They’re typically much cheaper than mined diamonds. One of the advantages of opting for lab-grown pink diamonds is the cost; they are generally 20% to 40% less expensive than natural pink diamonds.
Natural pink diamonds are extremely rare and therefore, quite costly. These diamonds get their hue from a distortion in the crystal lattice structure, a phenomenon less commonly found in nature. In contrast, the color in lab-grown pink diamonds can be controlled, making them less rare but equally stunning. If you’re considering a pink diamond, lab-grown options offer a blend of beauty, affordability, and ethical sourcing that is increasingly making them a popular choice among consumers.
Learn all about lab-grown pink diamonds, how much they cost, and where to buy them. We’ll also share our pics of lab-grown pink diamond rings, earrings, and pendants.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
How are lab-grown pink diamonds made?
How much do lab-grown pink diamonds cost?
What’s the difference between lab-grown and earth-mined pink diamonds?
Are lab-grown pink diamonds worth buying?
How to choose a lab-grown pink engagement ring?
Do lab-grown pink diamonds have different shades?
What’s the difference between lab-grown pink diamonds vs. pink sapphires?
Why you should trust us
To help you with the diamond buying process we lean on our expertise and experience. The author of this article, our CEO, Mike Fried has over 20 years of experience in the diamond industry. Mike started from the bottom, sorting and evaluating hundreds of thousands of diamonds to learn every facet (pun intended) of diamond quality and value. Mike followed that up by spending years buying and selling diamonds on the wholesale market as well as selling tens of millions of dollars worth of diamonds to diamond retailers.
How are lab-grown pink diamonds made?
Lab-grown pink diamonds are made through Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) with irradiation that changes the permanent structure and color of the diamond. A diamond seed is placed in a sealed chamber and exposed to carbon-rich gasses and high temperatures. Depending on the pressure applied, these pink diamonds range from light pink to deep, rich pink.
What makes a lab-grown pink diamond pink?
A lab-grown pink diamond gets its color from the low-pressure and irradiation processes that change the lattice structure. The process affects how the diamond absorbs and reflects light, giving off a pink color in various intensities.
Unlike other fancy color diamonds that gain their color from impurities, pink diamonds get their color during their growth process. Pink diamonds are the second rarest of all fancy color diamonds, coming in right behind red diamonds.
How much do lab-grown pink diamonds cost?
A 1 carat lab-grown pink diamond costs between $2,500 and $3,000 on average. The cost per carat weight increases with larger stones, because they’re rarer than smaller ones. You may pay up to $4,000 per carat for a large pink lab-grown diamond.
As comparison, mined pink diamonds cost anywhere from $10,000 to more than $700,000 per carat depending on the color intensity.
Lab-grown pink diamonds vs. natural pink diamonds
Lab-grown pink diamonds have the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as natural pink diamonds. They look the same to the naked eye. Only a trained gemologist with a microscope would be able to tell the difference.
Both mined and natural pink diamonds are rare and extremely durable. The biggest difference comes in resale value. Natural pink diamonds can be resold and maintain their value, while lab-created pink diamonds have no resale value.
Related Article: A Complete Guide to Lab-Grown Diamonds
Are lab-grown pink diamonds more environmentally friendly?
Lab-grown pink diamonds are usually considered more environmentally friendly because mining can have environmental repercussions. Pulling diamonds from the earth leaves a large carbon footprint, while manmade diamonds tend to offer more long-term sustainability.
But opinions vary on lab-grown vs. mined diamonds. Some experts claim that mined diamonds are better for the environment than synthetic ones because producing lab diamonds is a carbon-intensive process. Learning about the ethical issues in diamonds can help you determine whether you want a lab-grown or mined diamond.
Are lab-grown pink diamonds worth buying?
This is a question everyone needs to answer for themselves. The cost difference between mined pink diamonds and lab-grown diamonds is significant, making lab-grown pink diamonds a great alternative. Lab-grown diamonds are also just as durable as mined diamonds (10 on the Mohs scale). But be aware that lab-grown diamonds don’t maintain their value like natural diamonds do.
Do lab-grown pink diamonds hold their value?
A lab-grown pink diamond, just like any lab-grown diamond, doesn’t have inherent value and has no resale value. The fluctuation in the price of lab-grown diamonds depends on supply and demand, and the current price of mined diamonds.
In the past, lab-grown diamonds cost 20% more than mined diamonds, but now lab-grown diamonds cost 40% to 50% less than mined diamonds. All this to say, the value of lab-grown diamonds fluctuates based on the market.
Understanding the value difference of lab-grown vs. natural diamonds can help you determine what type of diamond to buy.
Best lab-grown pink diamond jewelry
Pink diamonds make for stunning pieces of jewelry, whether it’s an engagement ring, a pair of earrings, or a pendant. Here are our favorite lab-grown pink diamond pieces from reliable vendors.
Lab-grown pink diamond rings – build your own
Through a custom shopping experience, you can select the exact pink diamond and setting you want.
Here’s how to create your own lab-grown pink diamond ring:
- Select a diamond: Top vendors such as James Allen sell loose lab-grown pink diamonds. This allows you to choose the exact stone you want, focusing on color intensity and shape. Look at 360° photos to compare diamonds from all angles.
- Choose your setting: Decide on the style and precious metal of your ring. From halos to solitaires, choose what appeals to you the most. Select from rose gold, white gold, yellow gold, and platinum for your metal.
- Review your custom ring: Look at your ring and make any adjustments before you buy. If you want an expert’s eye, reach out to us. We’ll review the diamond you’re considering and the ring to ensure it’s a high-quality purchase.
Lab-grown pink diamond rings – preset
Some vendors offer pre-made rings, meaning the vendor selects a pink diamond for you. These designs are beautiful, clean, and ready to go.
Lab-Grown Stackable Pink Diamond Ring
With beautiful small colorless accent diamonds, this stackable ring features three round cut pink diamonds creating a unique bezel style that’s bount to impress.
Three-Stone Lab-grown Pink Diamond Ring
Not one, not two, but three beautiful pink oval cut diamonds give onlookers a showcase of color in this multi-stone ring.
Lab-grown pink diamond studs
Building your own is always an option for most types of jewelry. But if you don’t want to spend that much time on it, pick one of the preset options and you won’t be dissapointed.
Pink Baguette Bar Setting Studs
Looking to add one-of-a-kind earrings your collection? This set of lab-grown pink baguette diamonds can accent any outfit. And the bar setting in yellow gold adds an extra bling.
Cushion Cut Pink Diamond Earrings
Bright pink diamonds radiate with these cushion cut studs in rose gold. Perfect for a modern look or a statement piece.
Lab-grown pink diamond necklaces
You can either build your own pendant with a loose pink lab diamond (the same way you can build your own ring as mentioned above) or you can opt for a pre-set necklace.
Pink Round Cut Halo Pendant
Looking for an eye-catching lab-grown pink diamond necklace? This classic pendant features a round cut pink diamond in a stunning halo for a classic, timeless look.
How to choose lab-grown pink diamond engagement rings
When you’re shopping for a pink diamond engagement ring, there are a few factors to consider, such as the quality, price, and color.
1. Color intensity
The main reason to choose a pink diamond is for its color. And that’s why color intensity and secondary shades should be the biggest factors when searching for a diamond. Look at various pink stones to determine what type of color catches your eye (and heart) the most.
2. Diamond shape
The shape of your diamond impacts the aesthetic. A round stone is classic, while radiant cuts, princess cuts, and cushion cuts add a modern touch. The shape you choose is totally up to your personal preference, and can enhance the character of your ring.
3. Precious metal
The precious metal you choose plays a role in the appearance and price of the ring. White gold, yellow gold, platinum, and rose gold all pair nicely with a pink diamond. 14K and 18K gold is durable enough for everyday wear, and costs less than platinum.
4. Reliable vendor
Where you buy your lab-grown pink diamond matters. You want to shop with a vendor that has a reliable reputation, well-crafted jewelry, and customer-friendly services. For pink lab-created diamonds, we recommend James Allen as they have one of the largest selection of pink lab-grown diamond rings.
Related Article: Best Places to Buy Lab-Grown Diamonds
5. Price and carat weight
Consider your budget and how much you want to spend on your engagement ring. Keep in mind that color is the most important aspect of a pink diamond, above carat weight and cut quality. A beautiful, eye-catching color in a lower carat weight is more impressive than a large, dull pink diamond.
6. Setting style
From vintage settings to halo designs, opt for a ring that suits your style and personality. Because pink diamonds are so stunning, consider a solitaire ring, or aim for one that subtly highlights the diamond, such as a halo or pavé band.
What are the different shades of lab-grown pink diamonds?
Lab-grown pink diamonds range from faint pink to deep, rich pink, and sometimes include secondary hues such as purple, orange, and brown. Intensity of color can vary significantly. Brown and orange undertones tend to be viewed as more negative, while purple is considered a positive enhancement. The price of a purplish pink diamond can be five or six times as much as an orangey pink stone.
Pink diamonds are ranked for their color on the following scale:
- Faint
- Very light
- Light
- Fancy light
- Fancy
- Fancy intense
- Fancy vivid
- Fancy deep or Fancy dark
These are general categories, but each diamond’s color is unique. In general, the deeper and richer the color, the more valuable and pricier it is.
Dark pink lab-grown diamonds
Dark pink lab-grown diamonds have a rich, deep hue. They might also have purple undertone that enhances their color.
Rose gold lab-grown diamonds
Rose gold lab-grown diamonds have a pink color with an orangey yellow hue.
Blush pink lab-grown diamonds
Blush pink lab-grown diamonds are the most traditional pink diamonds. They have a very pink, cheery hue.
What are the other colors of lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds come in a variety of colors including yellow lab-grown diamonds, blue lab-grown diamonds, and green lab-grown diamonds. The laboratory process is slightly different for each color, helping to form its permanent color. Price depends on the richness of the hue and the carat weight, though pink lab-grown diamonds tend to be higher priced than green and blue diamonds.
Lab-grown pink diamonds vs. pink sapphires
Pink sapphires are gemstones of the corundum family while lab-grown pink diamonds are made of carbon. Sapphires are far less expensive than pink diamonds and they tend to be more simplistic in their color, such as very pink or purpley pink. Pink sapphires also tend to not have as much depth or richness of color as pink diamonds.
Want help selecting a beautiful lab-grown pink diamond? Email our experts for a professional opinion.
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
You Might Like
Diamond Prices: A Complete Guide
A diamonds’ price is determined primarily by the 4 Cs of the diamond. On the wholesale level, diamond prices are first based on a diamond shape and
The Best Places to Buy Engagement Rings
When purchasing a diamond engagement ring, it’s important to find the right retailer to purchase it from. Some retailers excel at niche products li
1 Carat Diamond Price & Buying Guide
A wide range of 1 carat diamonds exist both in online markets and local diamond jewelry stores. Not only are there significant differences in beauty
