Clean Origin Review

Clean Origin offers some of the lowest prices on lab diamonds. But are they legit? Read on to see if it's good enough for your engagement ring.

	Clean Origin Learn More
	Overall Score	4.0
	Price	5.0
	Selection	3.0
	Customer Service	4.0
	Photos	3.5
	Social Responsibility	5.0
	Unique	3.5

5-point scale (the higher, the better)

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Pros and Cons

• Low lab diamond pricing
• 100-day free returns
• 100% ethical

• Some diamonds don't have photos
• No global shipping

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Bottom Line

Top choice if you're looking for the lowest prices on lab diamonds

With low prices and a generous return policy, Clean Origin is a top retailer for lab diamonds.

But are their diamonds worth buying?

Read on for the detailed review and how it compares to James Allen, Brilliant Earth, and more.

About Clean Origin

Founded in 2017, Clean Origin is an online diamond retailer that specializes only in lab-created diamonds. You won't find mined diamonds or other gemstones.

Clean Origin abides by their "100" promises. This means:

• 100% ethical and eco-friendly
  
• 100% real diamonds
  
• 100-day free returns
  
• 100-day free resizing

The company prides itself on quality. All their diamonds are hand-picked to meet minimum quality standards. They are confirmed to be flawless to the naked eye.

When compared with other online retailers that sell lab diamonds, Clean Origin has the best prices. We'll go over real pricing comparisons so you can see the difference yourself.

Who Clean Origin is Best For

There are a lot of diamond retailers out there. Review the points below to find out if Clean Origin aligns with you and your preferences.

• Couples on a budget who want the lowest prices on lab diamonds
  
• Eco-conscious shoppers who don't want to support the diamond mining industry
  
• Those looking for a more affordable way to buy diamonds
  
• Those who want to support a company that only sells lab diamonds

Pros and Cons

Looking for a quick takeaway? Check out the pros and cons below for the must-know facts about Clean Origin.

Pros:

• Some of the lowest lab diamond pricing on the market
  
• 100-day free returns
  
• Discounts for military, nurses, teachers, and more
  
• Free 45-minute virtual appointments
  
• Socially responsible metal and ring boxes

Cons:

• Some diamonds don't have photos
  
• Slightly pricier settings
  
• Does not ship globally

Now let's get into the detailed review.

What Clean Origin Offers

• Loose lab diamonds: There are over 16,000 loose lab-created diamonds in all 10 shapes, from 0.3 to over 7 carat. All diamonds come with a grading certificate from either GIA, IGI, or GCAL.

• Loose, colored lab diamonds: You can find a collection of stunning pink, blue, and yellow lab diamonds. This is a great way to get a unique colored diamond for an affordable price.
  Read more: Yellow Diamonds

• Recycled metals: In their part to reduce mining, all Clean Origin engagement rings and jewelry are made with recycled precious metal. All their metal is certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council, so you can trust that they're still good quality.

• Wedding bands: Find both women's and men's wedding bands in either plain metal or set with lab diamonds.

• Fine diamond jewelry: Clean Origin is also great if you just want some jewelry for a special occasion (or just because!). They offer preset earrings, bracelets, pendants, and rings made with lab diamonds.

Clean Origin Pricing + Comparisons

Among other retailers, Clean Origin offers the best pricing for lab diamonds by a long shot. You can expect to pay around $1,000 - $1,300 for a good quality, 1-carat diamond.

Here are some real pricing comparisons against James Allen and Brilliant Earth (two other popular lab diamond retailers).*

*Pricing information from in-stock diamonds as of 10/28/21. Examples shown are the lowest-priced available diamonds from each retailer that fit the specs. We chose IGI certified diamonds for a fair comparison.

If you're looking to maximize budget, Clean Origin should definitely be on your consideration list. With the cheaper diamond pricing, you can get a larger stone or choose a more luxe setting.

Website Experience

Clean Origin's website is very user-friendly. It's easy to search for the diamond you want by setting filters for carat, color, clarity, cut, budget, and more.

via Clean Origin

The only downside is that when you click on a diamond, you don't get an actual photo of the diamond. You have to click on the 360 button, which opens up a 360 Viewer on another page.

via Clean Origin

Not being able to view the diamonds on the page itself is inconvenient. The 360 Viewer can be slow to open. It detracts from the website experience, but isn't a dealbreaker.

After you pick the diamond, you can add it to an engagement ring (or vice versa). All the settings have stunning 360-views that show you what it looks like from every angle.

via Clean Origin

You'll get a breakdown like this (below) showing you the final price and selections. You can make changes if you wish.

via Clean Origin

Overall, despite some kinks, Clean Origin's website is intuitive and helps you navigate the ring design process.

Downsides of Clean Origin

Clean Origin is a top choice for lab diamonds, but here are some downsides to be aware of.

Not all diamonds have a real photo
A lot of diamonds don't have a real photo or 360 video. If you find a diamond with the right price and specs, you may need to buy it blind.

All Clean Origin's diamonds are prescreened to be eye-clean, but it could still be nerve-wracking to buy a diamond without even a photo.

Pricier settings
Clean Origin's setting prices tend to be higher compared to James Allen. For example, the most basic solitaire ring costs $535 on Clean Origin, while James Allen has a similar one for $240.

But with the low diamond pricing, you should still be able to save overall.

No upgrade/buy-back
Sometimes people start off with a smaller, cheaper diamond and upgrade it later when their finances are more stable.

But because lab diamonds don't really have resale value, Clean Origin does not offer an upgrade or buy-back program.

If you think you may want a bigger diamond later on, just keep in mind that you won't be able to get some money back from your lab diamond ring to help offset the cost.

Not global
As of now, Clean Origin only ships to the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Returns / Resize / Warranty

• 100-day returns: You get free returns within 100 days, no questions asked. This is the most generous return policy we've seen among online diamond retailers.
  You need to first get a return shipping authorization code from Clean Origin. You must ship your return within 7 days. Returns must include all documentation/certificates and be in original condition.

  Clean Origin will provide a FedEx shipping label (for U.S. customers only).

• 100-day resizing: If you accidentally got the wrong size, you get 1 free resizing within 100 days of the original shipment date. Clean Origin will also pay for the shipping both ways. Some styles, like eternity rings, cannot be resized.

• Warranty: Clean Origin offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. This means if the problem is from when they made the ring, they will repair or replace it. But it does not cover damage from poor care or normal wear and tear.

• Free shipping. U.S. and Canada customers get free FedEx 2-business day delivery. Return shipping is also free. UK and Australia customers get free fast international shipping. All shipments are 100% insured.

Financing & Discounts

Before checkout, you have options to select financing and/or check for discounts.

via Clean Origin

If you don't have enough for the entire ring right now, you can split up your purchase. Clean Origin offers 6, 12, 18, or 24-month financing with Affirm (depending on the price). It takes just minutes to get a decision on approval.

Affirm will show you the interest rate and monthly payment so you know exactly what you'll be paying.

via Clean Origin

Clean Origin also offers discounts for government, active-duty military and veterans, nurses, responders, students, and teachers. You get $100 off any engagement ring purchase that includes a lab diamond. It's a pretty sweet perk to thank you for all the hard work you do.

You must sign in with ID.me to confirm your status. After verification, your discount code will be activated.

Packaging

Clean Origin uses blue eco-friendly paper for their engagement ring box. While this is not the most luxurious ring box, it's true to their values and their mission. And a brand that values sustainability gets our support.

Customer Service

Clean Origin offers extended customer service hours. You can reach them by phone, email, or live chat. The hours are:

• Monday to Saturday: 8:30am - 12:00am EST
  
• Monday to Saturday: 8:30am - 12:00am EST

Clean Origin also offers free, private 45-minute virtual appointments. You can talk to a diamond expert about any topic you wish, from the 4Cs to engagement ring styles to fine jewelry. There is no pressure to buy.

There may be other lab diamond retailers you're considering for the big purchase. Here's how Clean Origin compares against other popular brands.

Clean Origin vs. Brilliant Earth

Brilliant Earth is the leading ethical diamond retailer. It offers both natural diamonds from ethical mines and lab-grown diamonds.

Just like Clean Origin, all Brilliant Earth rings are also made from recycled metal. It also has ethical gemstones if you're looking for a less traditional ring.

Another thing that really sets Brilliant Earth apart is their gorgeous ring designs. It has a lot of nature- and vintage-inspired settings. If you really fall in love with a Brilliant Earth setting, that may seal the deal.

Brilliant Earth also donates a portion of their profits to improve mining communities in Africa. Plus, it contributes to Tropical Rainforest Conservation in Brazil. This may appeal to you if you want to do good with your purchase, even if diamond prices are slightly higher.

	Clean Origin	Brilliant Earth
	Benefits and Features
Selection	Lab created diamonds	Natural, lab created, and recycled diamonds. Natural diamonds are ethically-mined from Canada and Botswana.
Customer Service	Customer service via phone, email, and live chat (Mon-Sat 8:30am - 12:00am EST, Sun 9:00am - 12:00am EST); Free 1-on-1 virtual appointments	24/7 customer service via phone, email, and live chat; Free 1-on-1 virtual appointments
Photos	Most diamonds have 360-degree video; Grading report	Most diamonds have 360-degree HD video; Grading report
Return Policy	100 day return policy for full refund or exchange. Must request a return shipping authorization code and Clean Origin will send a free fully-insured FedEx return shipping label.	30 day free return policy. Brilliant Earth provides the FedEx shipping label and free return shipping on all ring, loose diamond, and loose gemstone orders.
Warranty	Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. Does not apply to damage from improper care or normal wear and tear.	Lifetime warranty against on all manufacturing defects. This does not apply to Brilliant Earth's collection of estate and vintage jewelry.
Buyback	Not available	Not available
Certification	GIA, IGI, GCAL	GIA, IGI, HRD, GCAL, Sustainably Rated
Packaging	Ring box is made from blue eco-friendly paper	Eco-friendly ring boxes made from responsibly sourced natural wood; All packaging are FSC Certified (materials come from responsibly managed forests)
Price Match	No	No
Resizing	1 free resizing within 100 days of original shipment date (for US customers)	1 free ring resizing within 60 days of purchase for US, Canada, UK, and Australia customers. Free shipping both ways. Custom and engraved rings are subject to resize fees. Eternity rings cannot be resized.
Upgrade Policy	Not available	Get 100% credit when you upgrade your loose diamond. New diamond must cost at least 50% more than the original diamond's value. Diamond must be in saleable condition with the original grading report. Upgrades are not available for lab-created diamonds.
Price
Selection
Customer Service
Photos
Social Responsibility
Unique

Search for Lab Created Diamonds

Click Here to View Lab Created Diamonds

Clean Origin vs. James Allen

James Allen is one of our top recommended retailers for its great pricing and large variety. It has a large selection of natural diamonds, lab diamonds, gemstones, and settings.

James Allen's lab diamond prices are not the lowest on the market. But there are other perks to make up for it.

The settings tend to be a little cheaper (plus, they have sales throughout the year). There are over 600 different ring styles on James Allen, so you're more likely to find something you really love. It even has designer rings by Verragio, Danhov, and more.

You also get a lifetime of free service, which could very well make up for the higher price. James Allen's warranty covers cleaning, polishing, prong tightening, rhodium plating, and other maintenance and repairs. It's even partnered with Jared, so you can get these services done in person.

	Clean Origin	James Allen
	Benefits and Features
Selection	Lab created diamonds	Natural and lab created diamonds
Customer Service	Customer service via phone, email, and live chat (Mon-Sat 8:30am - 12:00am EST, Sun 9:00am - 12:00am EST); Free 1-on-1 virtual appointments	24/7 customer service via phone, email, and live chat; Free instant real-time diamond inspection
Photos	Most diamonds have 360-degree video; Grading report	360-degree HD video for all diamonds; Super zoom; Grading report
Return Policy	100 day return policy for full refund or exchange. Must request a return shipping authorization code and Clean Origin will send a free fully-insured FedEx return shipping label.	If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you may return it in its original, unworn condition within 30 days for a full refund or exchange. Free return shipping only applies to U.S customers and is limited to three per customer.
Warranty	Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. Does not apply to damage from improper care or normal wear and tear.	James Allen warrant that all items will be free from any manufacturing defects at time of delivery. James Allen will repair and maintain your jewelry for a lifetime. Lifetime warranty offers free prong tightening, re-polishing, rhodium plating and cleaning services.
Buyback	Not available	Not Available
Certification	GIA, IGI, GCAL	GIA, AGS, IGI
Packaging	Ring box is made from blue eco-friendly paper	Large elegant white and silver presentation box with pull-out drawer containing diamond documents and cleaning cloth; Ring box is a glossy red plastic lacquered box.
Price Match	No	Yes; if accepted, the price will be honored for 48 hours.
Resizing	1 free resizing within 100 days of original shipment date (for US customers)	All engagement rings and wedding bands, excluding eternity bands and alternative metals, may be resized once for free within the first year of purchase.
Upgrade Policy	Not available	Any loose diamond purchased from James Allen can be exchanged at 100% credit for any replacement diamond of at least 2X or greater value. The diamond that is being upgraded must be in original condition and accompanied by the original laboratory grading document.
Price
Selection
Customer Service
Photos
Social Responsibility
Unique

Common Questions

Are lab diamonds fake?
Lab diamonds are very much real diamonds. They have the exact same properties as earth-mined diamonds. The only difference is how they're made. Lab diamonds are made in labs that replicate the natural creation process.

Which grading lab is the best?
Clean Origin offers lab diamonds graded by GIA, IGI, and GCAL. GIA is widely accepted as the best lab because it has the highest grading standards and consistency. Diamonds graded by GIA are slightly more expensive because it costs more to get certification from them.

Most lab diamonds are graded by IGI and GCAL, since lab diamonds are not as valuable. In this case, IGI is probably the most reliable lab certification for lab diamonds.

Do lab diamonds last?
A lab diamond will last just as long as a real diamond. They have the same hardness - 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is the hardest gemstone available. You don't have to worry about your lab diamond getting scratched and cloudy.

Do lab diamonds hold value?
This is one downside to lab diamonds. Since they are mass-produced in labs, the resale value is weak. There is no historical or rareness value. Since Clean Origin doesn't have a trade-up/buy-back program, your lab engagement ring is for keeps.

Bottom Line

Clean Origin is a top choice if you're looking for a lab diamond engagement ring. It offers high-quality stones at some of the lowest prices on the market.

All their lab diamonds and metals are ethical, so you can feel good about your purchase. Plus, there's a very generous 100-day free returns policy. You can have peace of mind knowing that you're not stuck if you don't 100% love your purchase.