Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, people still get married and get engaged in 2021. Most countries already feel optimistic about the future, and soon, we’ll hopefully return to an almost normal life. So, it’s the perfect time to pop the question to your honey. Thus, some grooms or even couples started to look for the right engagement ring for them. And they often ask whether they should buy an engagement ring with a natural diamond or with a lab grown diamond. Is there a crucial difference in the look or quality? Which is better? What’s the difference in price?
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Let’s compare a natural diamond ring with a lab grown diamond ring. Of course, the decision is yours. We will only give you some facts and details that might influence your choice.
Does a lab grown diamond look the same as a natural diamond?
If we’re talking about high-quality lab grown diamonds made from carbon, yes, they look the same as natural diamonds. They look, feel, sparkle the same. Ordinary people will never see the difference. But it should be a fine stone of high-quality, cut by a skilled jeweler, and so on.
Lab grown diamonds are not fake diamonds because they’re made from the same material and have the same atomic structure. When people say “fake diamonds”, they usually mean cubic zirconia stones or moissanite stones, which are not diamonds at all, they just look similar, but they don’t have the characteristics of a diamond.
Is there a price difference between a natural diamond ring and a lab grown diamond ring?
Yes, and the difference is pretty big. In general, a lab grown diamond ring will cost 75% cheaper. That’s because, with the help of modern technologies, diamonds can be grown in a lab very quickly and easily. It will take only weeks to produce one, while naturally, it takes millions of years – most natural diamonds have ages between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years.
If a natural diamond engagement ring costs about $20,000, the same ring with a lab grown diamond (of the same size, setting, style, clarity of stone, etc) with cost appr. $7,000 today. Of course, 2020-2021 are special years, a lot of couples are postponing their engagements and weddings, and smaller demand means smaller spices. Maybe the cost of diamonds will grow when the pandemic is over. By the way, that’s another reason to buy an engagement ring now. Though, the possible rise in price won’t be big.
Natural diamonds will always be more expensive than lab grown diamonds because their amount is limited, while we have a potentially endless supply of stones made in a lab.
Who should buy engagement rings with natural diamonds?
If you want the ring to be an investment, to grow in value, and to be later passed to the next generations, then your choice should be the engagement ring with a natural diamond or diamonds. For the last 100 years, the price of natural diamonds only grew. And in the future, their cost will continue growing because of the limited supply. The more diamonds are dug out, the fewer are left.
Natural diamonds can be easily re-sold, and the price is high enough. Often, you can even get a trade-in for 100% of the value, while lab grown diamonds usually aren’t eligible for trade-in at all or the price is very low.
Who should buy engagement rings with lab grown diamonds?
If your engagement ring isn’t an investment or family heritage, it’s totally fine to buy lab grown diamonds. They’re a lot cheaper, and nobody will know that this diamond isn’t natural. For those people who have a limited budget, lab grown diamond rings are the perfect option. Also, you can get a lot bigger size and a lot better color and clarity for the same price if you choose a lab grown diamond.
But when buying a lab grown diamond ring, pay greater attention to the quality. Remember that there shouldn’t be any brown or green tinge, any milkiness, or similar defects. They appear in natural diamonds as well but more seldom and, usually, in cheaper diamonds or worse quality.
So, should I buy a lab grown diamond ring or a natural diamond ring?
There is no correct answer. Consider your situation, your priorities, your tastes, etc. It depends on what are your plans regarding the ring, your budget, and simply what your fiancee-to-be thinks of it. Don’t be afraid to ask before purchasing an engagement ring what your partner thinks of natural and lab grown diamonds – maybe this isn’t important for you but matters a whole lot for your partner. In general, both variants are good, both worthy, just consider your situation.
Related posts:
Difference between engagement ring, proposal ring, betrothal ring, and promise ring
How much to spend on engagement ring?
How to choose an engagement ring. White gold? Platinum? Black gold? Which is better?
