Lab-Grown ‘Ranch’ Diamond Sells for $13K
Hidden Valley Ranch auctioned the one-of-a-kind lab-grown stone to benefit Feeding America.

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.
The Latest

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.


The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.