Understanding The 5Cs
1C: Cut
Where Light Finds Form
Cut isn’t just shape, it’s what unlocks brilliance. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, turning carbon into radiance. Same standards, same sparkle.
Why it matters: Even a high-quality diamond won’t dazzle without the right cut. Cut is what gets noticed first from across the room, in a photo, in motion.
Grown Diamond Difference: Just like mined diamonds, grown diamonds are graded for cut. Look for Excellent or Ideal cut grades to get the most from your stone’s natural potential.
2C: Color
A Spectrum of Brilliance
Most diamonds have subtle color tones, graded from D (colorless) to Z (noticeably warm). The less color, the rarer and typically more valuable.
Why it matters: Color can affect how clean or bright a diamond appears. D–F are considered “colorless,” while G–J are “near-colorless” and can offer better value with almost no visible difference.
Grown Diamond Difference: Grown diamonds often rank higher in color due to their controlled formation—meaning you’ll frequently find D–F stones at more accessible price points.
Want color on purpose? Diamonds in hues like pink, blue, and yellow are extremely rare in nature, but are more attainable when grown above ground. That means you can choose a stone that stands out for its color, not just its clarity.
3C: Clarity
Flawless Isn’t the Point
Clarity refers to tiny internal or surface characteristics called “inclusions.” Most are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye—but they do affect grading.
Why it matters: Beyond a certain point, clarity becomes more about certification than what you can actually see.
Grown Diamond Difference: Thanks to clean growth conditions, grown diamonds often rank higher in clarity—think VS1, VVS2, even Internally Flawless.
What to look for:
VS1–SI1 offer great value and visual clarity
VVS2 and above for perfectionists or heirloom-level pieces
4C: Carat
Weight That Holds Meaning
Carat refers to weight, not just size. A well-cut 1.5ct diamond may look larger than a shallow 2ct. It's about proportion and presence.
Why it matters: Carat often carries the most emotional weight. Whether you go big or minimal, it should feel aligned with your intention, style, and story.
Grown Diamond Difference: With grown diamonds, you can go bigger without overspending. A 2ct grown diamond often costs what a 1ct mined diamond does, without compromise.
5C: Cost
More diamond with Less compromise
Grown diamonds typically cost 30–60% less than mined diamonds.
That means more carat, clarity, and character—so you can mark more moments with a diamond. Grown diamonds aren’t just more affordable, though. They’re real, refined, and responsibly made. Chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds, they offer all the beauty, brilliance, and durability without the heavy markup.
Why the Price Difference?
Mined diamonds require extensive excavation, transportation, and a long chain of markups. Grown diamonds are created in high-tech labs using heat and pressure, streamlining the process without sacrificing quality.
Do Grown Diamonds Hold Value?
Like mined diamonds, grown diamonds can be appraised, insured, and passed down. Think of them as modern heirlooms: refined, intentional, and often higher in clarity and color than their mined counterparts.