The popularity of lab-grown diamonds is on the rise and for a very good reason. If you did a side-by-side comparison of a genuine diamond and a lab-grown diamond, you likely would not be able to see the difference. In fact, the only real way to determine the difference may be the price tag. You are going to pay significantly less for a lab-grown diamond of the same size and quality as a natural diamond. That being said, will the lab-grown diamond hold its value?
What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a man-made stone created in a lab to mimic the qualities and appearance of a natural diamond. They consist of carbon atom structures with the same chemical characteristics as a diamond, making it nearly impossible to see a difference in them.
Why choose a lab-grown diamond?
Although both diamonds look similar, the cost of each is very different. You will be able to find a lab-grown diamond for much less than a natural diamond because of the process in which it is made. Natural diamonds take billions of years to form before being cut into the shape and carat weight that’s desired. It takes just a few short weeks to create a diamond in a lab before cutting, allowing the prices to stay lower.
What determines the value of a lab-grown diamond?
Just like with natural diamonds, you will find that lab-grown diamond prices vary based on several factors. It will be helpful for you to be familiar with these factors to determine the right ring for you.
Shape
All shapes can be equally as beautiful. It’s really a personal preference, but shape does affect price. You could choose anything from the most expensive round shape to the least expensive square shape with a variety of other shapes in between to fit your style and budget.
Cut
The cut will greatly affect cost because it affects the beauty of the stone more than anything else.
Carat Weight
The higher the weight of the lab grown diamond, the higher the price.
Colour
Diamonds created in a lab are graded in colour on a D to Z scale. D is colourless and therefore costs more than Z, which has a visible yellow or brown tint.
Clarity
This refers to how clean the diamond is. Diamonds that have no visible inclusions will cost more than diamonds containing visible flaws.
Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value?
In short, no, they don’t. The price of a lab-grown diamond is determined the same way as a natural diamond, but you’ll pay less and potentially lose more. A natural diamond holds around 50% of its value if you were to sell it at some point. A lab-grown diamond has little to no resale value at all. If you were to sell your lab-grown diamond, you would likely only get back only pennies on the dollar.
What’s the bottom line?
Lab-grown diamonds are forever, their value is not.
We’d love to help you find exactly what you’re looking for in your future ring.
