There has been significant buzz lately about lab-created diamonds. Many consumers have demonstrated interest in them as a socially and environmentally responsible alternative to mined diamonds.

Colored lab-created diamonds have incredible color and are a great value, priced significantly below the cost of their mined counterparts. Though still not common, they are being produced by HPHT method by a number of companies.

White lab-created diamonds of jewelry quality remain a rarity. They are currently available in very small quanities and in limited sizes even by well publicized companies. A stone larger than a half carat (.50) with a good color and clarity rating is hard to come by.

It might be another year or longer until white lab-created diamonds are readily available. Until then, consider a colored lab-created diamond, ethically sourced mined diamond or diamond alternative such as Moissanite. You can always switch out the stone later.