Lab-GrownFeb 16, 2022
Measuring the Lab-Grown Diamond Market: Size, Growth, and Future Opportunities SourcingMar 21, 2022
Lab-Grown ‘Ranch’ Diamond Sells for $13K
Hidden Valley Ranch auctioned the one-of-a-kind lab-grown stone to benefit Feeding America.
Chicago-based LifeGem created the Hidden Valley Ranch ring was by incorporating dry ranch seasoning mix into the diamond growing process.
New York—From Panera Bread and Pepsi to Domino’s and KFC, a number of food brands have created kitschy diamond rings to capture customers’ attention.
The latest is über-popular condiment and dip Hidden Valley Ranch, which debuted a one-of-a-kind diamond made with its signature ranch dressing on March 10, also known as “National Ranch Day” to those who celebrate.
Created by geologist and LifeGem Vice President Dean VandenBiesen, the 2.01-carat round brilliant, G VVS1 lab-grown diamond was made by heating Hidden Valley Ranch dry seasoning mix to 2,500 degrees and then crushing it beneath 400 tons of pressure, said the company.
The process took a total of five months.
Chicago-based LifeGem is a company that creates diamonds as memorial pieces using the ashes of a beloved human or animal.
“Ranch dressing contains carbon. Technically and theoretically, we can extract carbon from ranch dressing, as the carbon source for diamond growth, using [it] with CVD or HPHT technology,” said Dr. Wuyi Wang, GIA vice president of research and development, in a statement to National Jeweler.
“Practically, I don’t think it could become a real carbon source for diamond growth.”
When asked if just anything can be introduced into the mix when growing diamonds, Wang explained that some elements can be added to the diamond lattice during the growth process, like nitrogen, boron, silicon, and nickel. Their concentrations in diamonds, as impurities, are very low.
“However,” he noted, “we can’t add everything.”
The lab-grown ranch diamond is set in a 14-karat white gold band with “HVR LVR,” or Hidden Valley Ranch Lover, engraved on the inside.
“Last year, when one of our custom Valentine’s Day bottles was used in a marriage proposal, we were inspired,” said Deb Crandall, marketing director at Hidden Valley Ranch, in a press release.
“We saw a love of ranch become part of one of life’s most beautiful moments. It made us wonder, how can we make this act of love even more memorable?”
The ring was listed on eBay from March 10 to 17, with the bidding starting at $310.
The winning bid was $12,550, with all proceeds going to Feeding America, Hidden Valley Ranch said.
Related stories will be right here …
The latest is über-popular condiment and dip Hidden Valley Ranch, which debuted a one-of-a-kind diamond made with its signature ranch dressing on March 10, also known as “National Ranch Day” to those who celebrate.
Created by geologist and LifeGem Vice President Dean VandenBiesen, the 2.01-carat round brilliant, G VVS1 lab-grown diamond was made by heating Hidden Valley Ranch dry seasoning mix to 2,500 degrees and then crushing it beneath 400 tons of pressure, said the company.
The process took a total of five months.
Chicago-based LifeGem is a company that creates diamonds as memorial pieces using the ashes of a beloved human or animal.
“Ranch dressing contains carbon. Technically and theoretically, we can extract carbon from ranch dressing, as the carbon source for diamond growth, using [it] with CVD or HPHT technology,” said Dr. Wuyi Wang, GIA vice president of research and development, in a statement to National Jeweler.
“Practically, I don’t think it could become a real carbon source for diamond growth.”
When asked if just anything can be introduced into the mix when growing diamonds, Wang explained that some elements can be added to the diamond lattice during the growth process, like nitrogen, boron, silicon, and nickel. Their concentrations in diamonds, as impurities, are very low.
“However,” he noted, “we can’t add everything.”
The inside of the ring set with the lab-grown “ranch” diamond is engraved with “HVR LVR,” which is short for Hidden Valley Ranch lover.
The lab-grown ranch diamond is set in a 14-karat white gold band with “HVR LVR,” or Hidden Valley Ranch Lover, engraved on the inside.
“Last year, when one of our custom Valentine’s Day bottles was used in a marriage proposal, we were inspired,” said Deb Crandall, marketing director at Hidden Valley Ranch, in a press release.
“We saw a love of ranch become part of one of life’s most beautiful moments. It made us wonder, how can we make this act of love even more memorable?”
The ring was listed on eBay from March 10 to 17, with the bidding starting at $310.
The winning bid was $12,550, with all proceeds going to Feeding America, Hidden Valley Ranch said.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
PodcastsJul 22, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
