Are lab-grown diamonds worth it? My honest answer is yes if you are buying for beauty and for a better price per carat, and not if your main goal is to resell the stone later or treat it as an investment. I'm Antonio, and I sell both natural and lab-grown diamonds, so I want to give you a balanced view rather than push one option. Here is how I look at value, resale and quality.
What lab-grown diamonds actually are
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. It has the same basic chemical make-up (carbon) and crystal structure as a natural diamond, but it is created in a laboratory instead of forming deep in the earth. The two main methods are HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) and CVD (chemical vapour deposition). Lab-grown diamonds are not the same as imitations such as cubic zirconia or moissanite, which are different materials. If you want a full side-by-side, see lab-grown vs natural diamond.
Why lab-grown diamonds cost less
Lab-grown diamonds are generally much cheaper per carat than natural ones. To give a concrete example, on our round brilliant pavé ring (checked on our store while writing, so please confirm current prices on the product page):
- 1.00 ct: lab-grown at around €1,750, natural at around €6,500.
- 2.00 ct: lab-grown at around €2,300, natural at around €20,500.
That gap is the main reason people choose lab-grown: you can get a larger or higher-quality stone for the same money.
Do lab-grown diamonds lose value?
This is the question behind most searches. In general, lab-grown diamonds have a lower resale value than natural diamonds, and in many cases the resale market for them is limited. Their prices have also tended to fall as production has grown, which is something to keep in mind if you hope to recover what you paid. Natural diamonds do not guarantee a profit either: retail jewellery is rarely a good investment, and resale offers are usually well below the retail price for any diamond. I'm not giving financial advice here, but my view is simple: buy a diamond because you love it, not because you expect it to appreciate.
Quality: is lab-grown as good?
Lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same 4Cs as natural ones, and a grading report states whether the stone is laboratory-grown. You can find the grades explained in my 4Cs guide. In everyday wear, the two look the same to the naked eye; telling them apart needs specialist laboratory equipment.
Pros and cons at a glance
| Lab-grown | Natural | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per carat | Generally much lower | Generally higher |
| Size for your budget | Usually larger | Usually smaller |
| Resale value | Generally lower, limited market | Generally better, but still below retail price |
| Origin | Made in a laboratory | Formed naturally over a very long time |
| Appearance | Same look to the naked eye | Same look to the naked eye |
Who lab-grown diamonds suit best
- Buyers who want a larger or higher-quality stone for a fixed budget.
- People who prefer a laboratory origin.
- Anyone buying a ring to wear and enjoy rather than to resell.
Who might prefer natural
- Buyers who value that a stone formed naturally over a very long time.
- People who like the idea of a rarer, traditional diamond.
My advice: if size and budget are your priorities, a lab-grown diamond can be an excellent choice. If natural origin matters to you emotionally, a natural diamond is worth the extra cost. In both cases, insist on a certificate and look at the stone itself, not only the price.
The certificate is what matters
Whatever you choose, a recognised certificate tells you exactly what you are buying. Our products come with recognised certificates, so ask us about the certificate (GIA, IGI or HRD) for your ring. If your budget is set, my guide on engagement rings by budget shows what to expect at each level.
Find your ring at Antonio Amberes
You can browse lab-grown and natural options in our solitaire rings, our pavé rings and our halo rings. If you want a band to go with it, see the eternity bands.
FAQ
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. They have the same basic chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds, but they are grown in a laboratory.
Will a lab-grown diamond hold its value?
In general, lab-grown diamonds have a lower resale value than natural ones, and the resale market is limited. Buy for beauty rather than as an investment.
Can you see the difference with the naked eye?
No. Distinguishing the two requires specialist laboratory equipment.
Do lab-grown diamonds have certificates?
Yes, laboratory-grown diamonds can be graded and certified, and the report states that the stone is laboratory-grown. Ask us about the certificate (GIA, IGI or HRD).
Is lab-grown the better choice for an engagement ring?
It depends on your priorities. It is a great fit for those who want more size for their money; natural suits those who value natural origin.
Not sure which is right for you? Message me on WhatsApp and I will give you my honest opinion.