Is a diamond a good April birthstone gift, and what are the lab-grown options?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

Yes. The diamond is the stone most often listed for April, and a lab-grown diamond pendant is a reasonable way to give it. Lists of birthstones vary by country and tradition, so check what your recipient prefers. When you or a seller describe the piece, the stone should be called a laboratory-grown diamond, not just a diamond or a birthstone.

Why a diamond suits April

Our advice A diamond is a hard stone suited to daily wear, and a small stone in a simple pendant is a popular birthday gift.

Uncertain We could not verify a single authoritative list. Birthstone lists differ between countries and older traditions, and sellers often use different ones, so ask or check what the recipient considers their birthstone.

What a lab-grown diamond gives you

• The same kind of material as a mined diamond, at a different price, with a different origin story.
• A choice of sizes and settings, including simple pendants.
• Reports from laboratories for many stones. Ask for one.

What the FTC expects in the wording

Fact Under 16 CFR 23.25, it is unfair or deceptive to use the word "birthstone", "gem", "gemstone" or the name of a stone to describe a laboratory-grown stone unless the word is immediately preceded, with equal conspicuousness, by "laboratory-grown", "laboratory-created" or a similar phrase. The Guides also say "faux" is not an adequate disclosure.

Our advice So "laboratory-grown diamond pendant, an April birthstone gift" is better than "April birthstone pendant". Put the wording on the card as well as on the packaging, if you want to be clear.

Options if you want a different look

1. Colourless lab-grown diamond in silver, the classic choice.
2. Fancy-colour lab-grown diamond. Colours such as pink or blue exist, and the colour should be described accurately.
3. Laboratory-grown white sapphire. A different stone with a similar look, which has to be described as laboratory-grown too.

How to choose

1. Decide the size and the budget.
2. Choose a pendant and a chain that the person will wear every day.
3. Check the report and the return policy.
4. Add a note of care.

It depends Some people prefer a traditional mined stone for a birthstone gift, and some are happy with lab-grown. It is a matter of what the recipient values.

Related reading: Coloured Lab Grown Diamonds: Pink, Blue, Yellow and Beyond · Personalised Lab Diamond Pendants: Initials, Birthstones and Engraving

Sources

• 16 CFR 23.25, FTC Jewelry Guides: misuse of "ruby", "sapphire", "emerald", "birthstone", "gem" and similar words
• GIA, Laboratory-grown diamond reports

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.