08/28/2025
Lab grown diamonds or natural diamonds that is the question these days !
It is a loaded question? It’s like asking how much is this car ? Depending on your needs and wants and your budget, the same model can vary by thousands and thousands !
The properties of lab grown diamonds versus natural diamonds are almost exactly the same. Only appraisers or qualified diamond people can tell the difference. The hardness and quality are the same . The overall appearance are the same. The 4C’s are applied the same way.
Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds differ in two major categories . Rarity and price !
Lab grown diamonds are created in a laboratory using a carbon based method. I use the analogy” natural diamonds are created naturally over thousands of years , while lab grown diamonds are created in 100 days”. The validity of this statement may not be entirely correct but it’s the picture to paint in the customer’s mind. Since there are many companies making lab created diamonds the “rarity” factor does not apply.
Lab grown diamonds do have value in our jewellery market today. They tend to run about a third or a quarter of the price of a real diamond. This varies depending where you are living. Some markets appraise them higher than others. So you really can get a larger diamond in your budget and have that same beautiful look as a natural !
Natural diamonds will always hold their value and price because they come from the earth. The amount of energy and cost to remove them from the earth dictates the price. The reality is that the price is controlled by a few companies in this world. There still is a monopoly on natural diamonds. I always suggest to buy natural as it will retain its appraisal value.
I’m finding that , a lot of customers nowadays are looking to have the genuine diamond look and really are not interested paying the price of a natural diamond. That is why I think that lab grown diamonds are here to stay! The market may fluctuate downwards more, but lab grown will always have value.
Always buy a diamond based on your emotions! Your budget will dictate lab grown or natural!
Cheers
