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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
