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
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
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.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
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.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
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.
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.
