Lab Grown Diamond Rings Vs Real Diamonds
What’s the difference?
Lab grown diamond rings are rising in popularity, but when purchasing any kind of diamond jewelry, it’s important to thoroughly understand what you are buying and any implications for the long term.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Real
Lab grown and natural diamonds are indistinguishable once cut, but differ in cost and origin. Natural diamonds form over billions of years deep within Earth, as extreme conditions transform carbon into gems. Scientists replicate this process in laboratories, using techniques called CVD and HPHT to produce diamonds in mere weeks by simulating intense pressure, heat, and carbon-rich environments.
Lab-created diamonds are genuine and chemically identical to their natural counterparts, passing standard diamond tests. So, yes, they are real!
Specialized equipment is needed to differentiate between lab grown and natural diamonds. Despite their artificial origin, lab diamonds possess the same physical properties as mined diamonds, making them equally authentic in appearance.
A frequently asked question is whether lab grown diamonds will retain their value over time. Although lab grown diamonds have existed since the 1950s, many individuals still choose to buy natural diamonds, believing that synthetic gems do not maintain their value.
So, if you buy a lab grown diamond ring, what will happen to its value in the long run?
Unfortunately, lab grown diamonds generally do not hold their value as well as natural diamonds. Here are the raw facts:
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- Lab grown diamonds can depreciate significantly, with some estimates suggesting they may drop to 10-30% of their original price.
- Most jewelers will not buy back lab grown diamonds, limiting resale options.
There are some other factors to consider regarding the resale value of lab grown diamonds as well:
- The resale value depends on the carat weight and quality of the diamond, as well as current market conditions.
- It may be possible to resell lab-grown diamonds to third parties or individuals in markets where there is demand.
- While you likely won’t recoup the full purchase price, you may be able to get more than what some retailers would offer.
- The lab grown diamond market is still evolving, so resale values could potentially change in the future. In other words, no one really knows.
Overall, lab grown diamonds should not be viewed as financial investments. Their primary value lies in their beauty and affordability compared to natural diamonds rather than in potential resale value. So, if you would like to buy a lab grown diamond ring, the best reason would be to get the look that you love but may not be able to otherwise afford.
