FAQ

Lab-grown diamonds are 100% real! In most cases, the only discernible difference is the higher level of clarity and quality that lab-grown diamonds can offer over mined diamonds. Chemically, structurally, and atomically identical to mined diamonds, lab-grown stones offer all of the brilliance, beauty and longevity without any of the negative social or environmental consequences.

Lab-grown diamonds are created through one of two methods: high pressure, high temperature (HPHT), which is more common, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), which is a more specialized way of producing roughs.

First developed in the 1950s, HPHT relies on a series of presses to replicate the intense heat and pressure under which natural diamonds are created. In this method, very small diamond seeds are placed in carbon in the form of metal. Next, it’s heated above 1,400 °C (2,550 °F) and pressure of about 1.5 million PSI is applied to dissolve the high purity carbon source. At this point, it's transported to the small diamond seeds and precipitates, forming a large synthetic diamond as it cools. Depending on factors like temperature, pressure, and time, the HPHT process can also be used to enhance the color of diamonds to make them colorless, pink, green, blue, or yellow. Though more common, it requires a lot of energy and resources to produce the required heat and pressure, making this process much dirtier, more carbon-heavy, and less eco-friendly than CVD.

Chemical vapor deposition is a process that involves the reaction of gas, which is injected into a vacuum chamber, breaking down into the desired coating and bonding to a material's surface. 

It all starts with a thin sliver of natural diamond, which is placed within a plasma reactor. Next, various carbon-rich gasses are injected to replicate a diamond’s natural conditions. Under extreme pressure and heat, the atomized carbon disintegrates from the gasses and forms layers over the diamond seed—much in the same way that a mollusk layers minerals over a grain of sand to create a pearl.

At this point, the original natural diamond sliver can be sliced off and reused to seed more cultured diamonds. Once a Lab diamond is fully formed, it is cut and polished the traditional way—by expert craftsmen, using traditional tools to create a final one-of-a-kind stone of unmatched brilliance and perfection. 

The result is a pure, certified type 2A diamond—the purest certification a diamond can be. Cleaner and more eco-friendly than HPHT, all Waltz diamonds are crafted exclusively through CVD in a hydro-powered foundry. 

While methods can create a beautiful, sparkling diamond, The HPHT process is very costly, given the energy and equipment required, and produces diamonds with mainly yellowish or brownish yellow colors. The CVD method is much less costly because it works at moderate temperatures and low pressure, which requires smaller and less expensive equipment. Moreover, HPHT diamonds grow in 14 different growth directions, also known as a cub-octahedron shape. CVD diamonds, however, have a cubic shape and only one growth direction, making the roughs more uniform and better suited for more precise cutting.

Not all diamonds are created equal. Perhaps the main way in which lab-grown diamonds are superior to mined diamonds is just that—their superiority. Whether it’s carat, color, or clarity, CVD created diamonds offer a higher level of perfection over mined diamonds. But, in a perhaps more impactful way, when you choose Waltz lab-grown diamonds, you’re opting for a cleaner, more environmentally friendly, and socially conscious diamond. 

While many lab-grown diamonds are made in fossil fuel-dependent foundries, our CVD diamonds are made in a zero-emission foundry that uses renewable hydropower for a minimal carbon footprint. For every carat of Waltz diamonds, 250 tons of earth and 143 lbs. of carbon dioxide are kept from degrading our environment. Simply put, lab-grown is the option for those who want a premium luxury product they can be proud to wear.

Yes! Our diamonds go through a full grading process that considers the 4Cs. All Waltz diamonds include written certification to ensure the origin. Never purchase a diamond without certification.

After this and the updated photos which I should receive from the editor by Tuesday I think we should be ready to go! YAY 2025!!!  Enjoy the rest of your Holiday!!  I can't thank you enough for being so attentive and wonderful through this process:)