The topic of reselling lab grown diamonds can seem like a deal-maker or deal-breaker when it comes to your engagement ring. You may worry about whether these stones will hold their value in the long run. Yet lab-grown diamonds are an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings. In fact, many couples now choose lab diamonds for reasons that go beyond resale potential.
When it comes to whether your lab grown diamond will appreciate in value, the short answer is no. The market for lab grown diamonds is down. National Jeweler magazine called it “The End of An Era.” But at Secrete Fine Jewelery, we know there’s more to the story of lab-grown diamonds. Despite their market performance, they still might be a good choice for engagement rings, depending on each couple and what they want.
What Makes Lab Grown Diamonds So Appealing?
Lab-grown diamonds offer significant advantages for engagement rings. First, they are physically and chemically the same as mined diamonds. They feature the same brilliance, hardness, and durability. They’re not imitations like cubic zirconia (CZ) or moissanite, which differ from real diamonds in composition, durability, and appearance.
Moreover, lab diamonds have an ethical edge. They don’t contribute to the environmental impacts of mining. They also avoid the complex human rights issues historically tied to the natural diamond industry. While the natural diamond industry has been overhauled over the last few decades to become more ethical, for many people, lab grown diamonds still seem like a safer option.
Natural diamonds have a much better investment value, and their value has stood the test of time, being treasured for centuries. However, not everyone has the budget for “investment jewelry.” You may prefer the look of a bigger, whiter, sparklier diamond. If your budget only stretches so far with natural diamonds, a lab diamond might offer the bling you want without breaking the bank.
Finally, the decline in prices hasn’t dampened consumer enthusiasm. More suppliers and manufacturers are entering the market. That trend leads to more jewelers using lab-grown diamonds in their designs. The result? Stunning engagement rings at a fraction of the cost of natural diamonds.
Reselling Lab Grown Diamonds: What You Need to Know
The topic of reselling lab grown diamonds has been one of speculation in jewelry circles since the stones entered the mainstream market in the 2010s. Now more than ever, people wonder if these stones will hold enough value to be a sound investment. The quick answer is no. Lab diamonds do not generally hold their value the way mined diamonds might. For example, a couple that purchased a beautiful natural diamond for $6000 in 2018 might expect to pay $10,000 to replace the same stone today. However, unfortunately, a couple who purchased a beautiful lab-created diamond for $6000 in 2018 would probably be able to replace the stone for less than half of that today.
That said, most people buy engagement rings with the intent to keep them forever. If you want an investment, forget the jewelry store and call Merrill Lynch. If you want a beautiful and affordable ring, lab diamonds offer a cost-effective way to get a large and beautiful stone.
Market Trends and Price Shifts
Recent data shows a booming interest in lab diamonds, despite their declining value. According to a Business Insider article:
“Sales of lab-grown diamond jewelry soared 51% in the 12 months leading up to November [2024], while sales of loose lab-grown diamonds grew 47%, Tenoris data shows.
But prices for lab-grown diamonds have actually been declining since 2015, the year they first started to become mainstream. Back then, a man-made diamond was priced at around a 10% discount to a natural diamond. Today, they’re priced at up to a 90% discount.”
These figures might sound alarming if you view your ring as an investment. Yet they also reveal a huge surge in consumer demand. Lower prices have put larger stones within reach.
A separate piece from National Jeweler notes:
“With different offerings, they will be able to contribute to a more diverse market and this shouldn’t eradicate the demand for lab-grown diamond jewelry.”
This shows that lab diamonds are likely here to stay. They have found their niche in the jewelry world.
Consumer Perception vs. Investment Value
Some couples worry about reselling lab grown diamonds down the line. Yet, consider why you’re buying an engagement ring. Most couples don’t plan to sell their ring. It’s a symbol of commitment, love, and partnership.
Yes, natural diamonds may hold better resale value. However, engagement rings are rarely purchased purely as an investment vehicle. If you want something that might appreciate, try real estate or the stock market. But if you want a gorgeous, ethical, and cost-friendly diamond, lab-grown is a fantastic choice.
Pros of Lab Grown Diamonds
- Ethical Sourcing: No mining means reduced environmental impact and fewer human rights concerns.
- Identical to Natural Diamonds: Lab diamonds share the same chemical and physical properties as mined stones.
- Hardness and Durability: They resist scratching and chipping just like natural diamonds.
- Beautiful Appearance: Lab diamonds shine every bit as brilliantly as mined diamonds.
- Value for Money: Lower prices let you afford a larger center stone for less.
For an engagement ring, these qualities matter far more than potential resale. You get a ring you can cherish for a lifetime.
Planning for the Long Haul
Most people never sell their engagement ring. In many cases, the ring has sentimental value that goes far beyond price tags. The declining resale price of lab-grown diamonds might bother some. But for those who plan on wearing that ring indefinitely, it’s not a deal breaker.
You can even see the price drops as a benefit. Today’s market allows you to pick a bigger or higher-quality stone. You can still stay within your budget. This was unthinkable years ago when lab-grown technology was new and costly.
A Final Word on “Bad Investments”
When it comes to engagement rings, it’s best to separate emotional value from monetary value. A lab-grown diamond may not be the best way to invest money. Additionally, when you think of your engagement ring becoming an heirloom one day, it’s more likely your future children and grandchildren will appreciate a natural stone that has some actual value beyond its sentimentality. However, choosing a lab diamond might be a way to stay on budget and avoid going into debt to get the engagement ring you want. When you think of it like that, it seems like a financially sound idea if you ask us.
If your goal is to own a dazzling ring that symbolizes love, lab-grown diamonds are an excellent option. They combine beauty, ethics, and affordability. Plus, they come with all the durability and sparkle that a natural diamond offers.
Conclusion
Reselling lab grown diamonds may not yield a strong return. Yet most people don’t see engagement rings as short-term assets. They see them as treasured, lifelong symbols. So don’t let the resale factor sway you. Buy the ring you love, at a price you can afford, and celebrate your commitment in style.
Lab-grown diamonds aren’t just a trend. They’re a modern solution for couples seeking beauty and peace of mind. Choose a lab-grown diamond if you want an ethical, budget-friendly gem with all the sparkle you’ve dreamed of. You’ll be in good company, and you’ll have a ring you can enjoy forever.
