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27.02.23
7 Reasons Not to Buy a Lab Grown Diamond
The trend on the tip of everyone’s tongue—lab diamonds. Rapidly gaining traction as an ethical, wallet-friendly alternative to mined diamonds, especially when it comes to cashing in on a major engagement ring purchase, are lab created diamonds or man made diamonds too good to be true? Is a lab grown diamond worth anything? Are lab grown diamonds real? Everyone has an opinion. So we’re just here to try and break it all down so you can feel super comfy with whatever you choose.
In no particular order, here are seven of the reasons we hear to not buy a lab grown diamond, and make your decision when comparing lab diamonds vs. real diamonds a little bit easier. Tl;dr We LOVE lab created diamonds.
1. Lab Grown Diamonds Are Worthless
It’s no secret that the price per carat of lab created diamonds has been dropping, and fast. But like with any technological innovation—the more competitors enter the market and the more we learn about making these stunning stones—it’s only natural to see them get more affordable. At the same time, they’re also getting more available, more beautiful, and more varied. Naturally, an abundance and affordability of lab grown diamonds mean that they’re essentially worthless, right? Well…not exactly.
The Truth About Resale Value & Depreciation
In truth, a lab grown diamond does not a financial investment make. Purchasing a diamond (natural or lab grown) is like buying a new car and driving it off the lot, meaning 90% of the time, you will not be able to resell it for more than you paid.
Wondering why diamonds depreciate? It ultimately comes down to market demand and service. When you buy new, you’re paying for the peace of mind that comes with perks like free resizing, shipping, warranties, and care plans—services a second-hand seller just can’t offer. And sure diamonds are rare, but they’re not as rare as a Birkin. While a Birkin appreciates because of its extreme scarcity, a round brilliant diamond is a commodity. Whether lab grown or natural, there will always be another one available, preventing the exclusivity that drives up resale value.
The Natural Diamond Investment Myth
If lab grown diamonds have a sad ROI, then natural diamonds will surely provide that OMG-worthy ROI you’re looking for. Sorry to disappoint you, but no, they won’t. There are a variety of reasons for this, and most of them are the same reasons why lab grown don’t appreciate in value.
That’s not to say all diamonds are bad for investing. Natural green, blue, pink, orange, and red diamonds do generally see a return. Especially, if those natural fancy color diamonds are also a larger carat weight.
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So, Is a Lab Grown Diamond an Investment?
If we’re talking about an investment in your love that speaks to the inner workings of your heart, absolutely. But if you’re looking at the inner workings of your financial portfolio? Probably not. And while the diamond market has proven to be relatively stable, and unless you’re looking for an investment-grade fancy color diamond (which we can totally help you with BTW), no diamond is an investment.
2. Lab Diamonds Are Bad for the Environment
Hello, carbon footprint. We’re all trying to do a little better these days, and the diamond industry isn’t historically known for being super transparent—so it’s good to know what you’re getting into.
Energy Consumption Comparison: CVD vs HPHT
Are lab grown diamonds bad for the environment? It depends entirely on how they are grown. The older method, High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT), attempts to crush carbon into a diamond by mimicking the intense conditions of the Earth’s mantle. As you can imagine, this brute-force approach requires massive amounts of energy, often sourced from carbon-heavy power grids.
In contrast, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)—the method primarily used for Frank Darling diamonds—is a modern, lower-energy alternative. It works like a high-tech 3D printer, using hydrocarbon gas mixtures in a vacuum chamber to deposit diamond layer by layer. Because it operates at much lower pressures and temperatures, CVD is significantly cleaner. This process becomes even more sustainable when paired with renewable energy sources like hydro or solar power, making the resulting diamond a truly lower-carbon choice.
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Lab Diamonds Carbon Footprint Compared to Mining
First thing’s first: Lab grown diamonds are made with electricity. Electricity is bad for the environment. Lab created diamonds use 250 million joules per carat. Seem like a lot? Mined diamonds use 538.5 million. But some lab diamonds, like Diamond Foundry’s, are grown with 100% renewable energy. If that’s important to you, just ask!
Beyond electricity, lab created diamonds consume significantly less water per carat than their mined counterparts—18 gallons vs. 126 gallons—and have startlingly lower carbon emissions. Bottom line, if you believe in global warming, there’s no better way to flaunt your support than with a big, shiny, lab created rock.
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3. Lab Diamonds Aren’t Real Diamonds
Is ice real if it’s made in your freezer? Same goes for lab grown diamonds. They’re au naturale, just made in a different way (by machines instead of Mother Earth). Need proof? Say no more.
What the FTC Says (Yes, They Are Real)
Lab created diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. And you don’t have to take our word for it. In 2018, the FTC ruled, “A diamond is a diamond no matter whether it is grown in a lab or comes out of the ground.” Enough said.
The Difference Between Lab Grown and Cubic Zirconia
Let’s put this rumor to bed immediately: is a lab grown diamond a cubic zirconia? No. They aren’t even distant cousins.
To understand why, we have to look at the chemistry. A lab grown diamond is a synthetic diamond, meaning it shares the exact same carbon crystal structure as a mined stone. It is chemically, physically, and optically identical. In sharp contrast, Cubic Zirconia (CZ) and Moissanite are simulants. These are merely look-alikes made from completely different materials designed to mimic the appearance of a diamond without possessing its hardness or brilliance.
Here is the easiest way to tell them apart: the test. Because a simulant like CZ is effectively a “fake” imitation, it holds heat differently. If you take a thermal diamond tester to a lab grown stone, it will identify it as a diamond every single time. If you test a CZ, the machine stays silent.
4. You Can’t Get Lab Grown Diamonds Appraised
A diamond is a diamond is a diamond, no? Just as some grading labs have started offering certification for lab created diamonds, jewelry appraisers will also appraise them—as they would any natural diamond—in line with their current market value. Yes, your appraisal might say “lab created” on it. That’s what it is. Just remember, an appraisal isn’t the value of your diamond, or what you paid for it. It’s meant to evaluate the cost of replacing it, for, you know, insurance purposes.
Side note: please, please, puhhhhleasssse get your precious jewelry appraised and insured. There’s nothing worse than damaging or losing the symbol of your love to teach you this lesson. And as diamond values fluctuate, consider getting your diamond reappraised from time to time to make sure you’re not overpaying on your insurance.
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5. All Lab Diamonds Are the Same
Look, they’re not made with a cookie cutter, or even an assembly line. While we’re getting better at the tech side of the process, lab created diamonds still have a mind of their own and each one is unique! Now, are all lab created diamonds good? Absolutely not.
What Makes a Lab Diamond ‘Good’ vs What Makes One ‘Bad’
Think of it like that apartment garden you’re trying to keep alive—every plant grows a little differently. Each lab diamond starts from an individual seed, passing on specific characteristics to the newly formed crystal. Whether created via CVD or HPHT, the resulting stone inherits its own unique fingerprint of inclusions, from carbon spots to feathers, and can even emit fluorescence.
This means you can’t just trust the label. Lab diamonds vary wildly in quality, and their prices fluctuate based on the 4Cs just like natural stones. You need to vet them with the same obsession you’d apply to a mined diamond to ensure you aren’t buying a dud based on paper grades alone.
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Hidden Tints? More Like Hidden Talents
Here is where “not all diamonds are equal” really comes into play. Because of their different growth methods, “colorless” lab diamonds can sometimes carry secret tints that a grading report might miss. HPHT diamonds can sometimes exhibit a “Blue Nuance” caused by excess boron, giving them a slight, icy-blue cast . Conversely, CVD diamonds can suffer from a brown or gray undertone due to the start-stop nature of their growth cycle. These subtle hues are the difference between a crisp, white stone and one that looks murky, proving once again that you always need to see the stone to believe it.
But let’s flip the script: sometimes, these “flaws” are actually a flex. While grading reports might penalize these tints, your eye might actually love them. That slight blue nuance can give a stone an electric, super-icy crispness that feels distinctively modern. And those warmer brown or pink undertones? Set them in yellow gold, and suddenly you have a romantic, champagne-hued stunner that feels completely custom . It’s only a bad thing if you didn’t ask for it.
6. You Can Only Buy Small Lab Grown Diamonds
This one definitely used to be true. But it’s also been rapidly changing. Check out the team at Ausburg University, who, in 2017, grew a 155 carat diamond in disc form, putting an end to this rumor once and for all. It’s only a matter of time until you can swing that 15-carat Georgina Rodriguez look-alike on your pretty little paw.
7. Lab Diamonds Are Too Cheap
There’s a difference between being cost-effective and cheap, darling. And while they sound similar, the difference between those 2 little words can’t be stated enough. Let’s get into it.
Why Lab Diamonds Cost Less
If you’re asking, “why are lab grown diamonds cheaper if they’re real diamonds?”, the answer isn’t about quality—it’s about efficiency. A natural diamond’s journey involves massive mining expeditions, complex geopolitical cartels, and a long line of middlemen, all of whom need a cut.
The cost of lab grown vs natural diamonds differs because the lab process skips all that drama. It’s a streamlined path: a high-tech lab creates the rough, a master cutter shapes it, and it goes to you. You aren’t paying for the scarcity or the mining overhead; you’re paying for science and cutting. That’s it.
What 1 Carat Gets You: Natural vs Lab
Let’s talk real numbers to highlight this price difference. Suppose you have a healthy budget of $6,000. In the natural diamond world, that buys you a beautiful, high-quality 1 carat round solitaire. It’s classic, timeless, and stunning.
But if you look at the 1 carat lab grown diamond price, you realize that same budget plays by different rules. In the lab grown aisle, that $6,000 doesn’t just get you 1 carat. It gets you a show-stopping 3 carat stone with top-tier color and clarity. Same budget, triple the impact. This is why many couples opt for lab—not to save money, but to get more diamond for the same money.
Need Help Finding a Lab Grown Diamond?
Ready to see what the “controversy” is all about? Check out our lab grown diamond search, where you can inspect 360-degree images of more than 10,000 diamonds. (Pro tip: don’t forget to zoom out—size can be deceiving on a screen).
But full disclosure: What can we say? We’re biased. At Frank Darling, we believe the lack of clarity in the fine jewelry industry is a disgrace, and we aim to fix that. From our sustainable, recycled gold to our refreshingly transparent policies, you can shop with confidence knowing that when you choose Frank Darling, you’re choosing high-quality fine jewelry without the games. Browse engagement rings, diamond pendants, stud earrings, tennis bracelets, and more online. Or, if you want to see the magic in person, book a virtual or offline appointment at any of our studios. We’re here to help, every step of the way, and we can’t wait to see you shine.
FAQs: 7 Reasons Not to Buy a Lab Grown Diamond
Are lab grown diamonds worth anything?
Yes, lab grown diamonds possess market value, but you should view them as a consumer luxury good rather than a financial investment. Like a new car or a designer handbag, they command a retail price because of the advanced technology, energy, and craftsmanship required to create and cut them.
However, “worth” in terms of resale value is a different story. The secondary market for lab diamonds is currently minimal, meaning you will not likely recoup your purchase price if you try to sell it later. But this applies to natural diamonds as well, which also depreciate immediately after purchase. The true financial “worth” of a lab diamond lies in the massive upfront savings you keep in your pocket.
Are lab grown diamonds real?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are 100% real. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officially recognizes them as diamonds because they are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined stones. They consist of pure crystallized carbon and measure a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, just like a stone pulled from the earth.
The only difference is their origin. Think of it like ice: whether you find it on a frozen pond or make it in your freezer, it is still frozen water. A gemologist cannot tell the difference with the naked eye; they require specialized equipment to distinguish the growth patterns. If it looks like a diamond, tests like a diamond, and sparkles like a diamond, it is a diamond.
Are lab created diamonds good?
If by “good” you mean physically durable and visually stunning, then the answer is a resounding yes. Lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds, meaning they offer the exact same hardness (a 10 on the Mohs scale) and the same brilliant fire that has captivated humanity for centuries. They don’t scratch, cloud, or fade over time.
However, if “good” refers to quality consistency, the answer requires more nuance. Just because a diamond grew in a lab doesn’t mean it is flawless. Science creates the environment, but the crystal grows on its own terms. Consequently, lab diamonds can still suffer from poor cuts, visible inclusions, or unwanted tints. Therefore, a lab diamond is only “good” if you vet it carefully. You must evaluate it against the strict 4Cs—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat—to ensure you are buying a gem that truly shines.
Is a lab grown diamond worth it?
Yes, absolutely. A lab grown diamond is worth it if your priority is maximizing visual impact for your budget. Because lab diamonds cost 50-70% less than their mined counterparts, they offer a powerful value proposition: you can purchase a significantly larger, higher-quality stone without increasing your spend.
Ultimately, “worth” is subjective. Some buyers prefer to pay a premium for the geological history of a natural stone. However, if you prefer to trade that invisible history for tangible sparkle, a lab grown diamond allows you to double down on carat weight or cut quality. It puts your money where your eye can actually see it.
Are all lab grown diamonds the same?
No, lab grown diamonds are not all the same. Far from being mass-produced widgets stamped out in a factory, each lab diamond grows individually from a unique seed. This growth process—whether High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)—creates a distinct crystal structure every time.
Consequently, just like mined stones, lab diamonds develop their own unique set of inclusions, potential growth lines, and variations in color. You will find everything from Flawless stones to those with visible imperfections. Therefore, you must grade and inspect them using the exact same 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat) as natural diamonds to ensure you are getting a high-quality gem.
Stephanie is a jewelry lover, gemologist, and seasoned copywriter with a decade of experience in e-commerce and tech. A RISD graduate, Stephanie also studied at GIA and has worked in the jewelry industry for 20 years. When not writing about diamonds and jewelry, Stephanie is also a photographer and backyard flower farmer. She lives in Tacoma, WA with her two black cats.