Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: Price, Resale Value, and What You Need to Know

When shopping for a diamond, whether for an engagement ring, anniversary, or special gift, it’s important to understand the difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural mined diamonds. While both are genuine diamonds with identical chemical and physical properties, their origins, pricing, and resale values distinguish them.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process. They are real diamonds, graded by the same reputable laboratories like IGI and GIA, but are made in weeks rather than millions of years. Because lab diamonds can be mass-produced, they are more affordable than mined diamonds and offer exceptional value for size and quality.

However, lab-grown diamonds do not retain resale value as well as mined diamonds. This isn’t due to quality; it’s simply because the supply of lab diamonds is not artificially restricted.

Why Are Natural Mined Diamonds More Expensive?

The high price of mined diamonds has less to do with actual rarity and more to do with decades of marketing. While some diamonds are rarer than others, most gem-quality diamonds are not as scarce as consumers have been led to believe.

The diamond market’s perception of scarcity comes from the historic influence of De Beers, the dominant force in the natural diamond industry. De Beers has long held large reserves of diamonds, releasing only a controlled amount into the market each year. This practice keeps prices high and fuels the belief that mined diamonds are rare.

Lab Diamonds vs. Mined Diamonds: Which Should You Choose?

Both types of diamonds offer beauty, durability, and sparkle. If you want the biggest and highest-quality diamond for your budget, lab-grown diamonds offer unmatched value. If resale value is your top priority, mined diamonds currently hold value better over time.

At Marisa Zach Diamond Designs, we provide transparent information so you can make the best choice for your style, budget, and values, whether you choose a sustainable lab-grown diamond or a traditional natural diamond.