How Much Should a Lab Grown Diamond Ring Cost?

If you’re shopping for the perfect engagement ring you may have come across lab-grown diamonds. Perhaps you’re wondering about the price difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds or whether there’s any variation in quality between the two. Lab-grown diamonds have become increasingly popular in recent years, and luckily for anyone ready to propose, they offer excellent value for money without sacrificing clarity, colour or size. If you’re hoping to find a stunning diamond engagement ring without breaking the bank, read on to find out more.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

When customers first discover lab-grown diamonds, it’s common for them to wonder whether they’re fake — but they’re not! Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same properties as their naturally mined counterparts.

The only difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds is where they come from. Natural diamonds have formed deep in the Earth’s mantle under extreme pressure, while lab-grown diamonds are created with specialist technology that recreates this natural process in a controlled environment.

 Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Cheaper than Natural Diamonds?

When searching for the perfect diamond ring, a common question is, “How much is a lab-grown diamond vs a natural diamond?”. The truth is that the price of any diamond is determined by several factors — predominantly the 4C’s (cut, colour, clarity and carat). Whether it’s a natural or lab-made diamond, the better these grades, the higher the price.

That said, a lab-grown diamond of the same grades as a natural diamond will cost you significantly less. Spending the UK average of £2,419 on an engagement ring could secure you a lab-grown diamond of up to 1.73 carats, while the same amount spent on a natural diamond would get you a maximum of 0.8 carats. Of course, you’ll also need to budget for the band style and setting you’d prefer on top of the diamond itself.

Lab-grown diamonds are cheaper than mined stones because the process of creating them is more efficient and cost-effective than traditional mining methods. So, if you want an impressive diamond engagement ring but don’t want to spend an extortionate amount, a lab-grown stone is a perfect choice.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Worth Anything?

Yes — lab-made diamonds are valuable, authentic gemstones, just like natural diamonds. However, due to their shorter supply chain and the fact they are a renewable resource, they aren’t worth quite as much as natural diamonds. Still, the time and expertise that goes into producing them gives them significant market value.

Like natural gems, the value of lab-grown diamonds is likely to fluctuate over time. When purchasing any kind of diamond, you should always choose a stone you know you'll treasure for years to come rather than viewing it as an economic investment.

Average Lab-Grown Diamond Prices

What you pay for your lab-grown diamond will vary depending on several factors, including where you buy it, whether it’s custom-made and the style of diamond you choose. However, the cost of a lab-made diamond per carat is considerably lower than that of a natural diamond.

The table below shows Rêve’s average lab-grown diamond prices for round cut diamonds, the most popular diamond shape available. As you can see, you can make huge savings compared to natural diamonds of the same cut, clarity, and size. Use this table to compare the two and help you decide on the type of diamond you’d prefer to invest in with your available budget.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Worth Anything?

Yes — lab-made diamonds are valuable, authentic gemstones, just like natural diamonds. However, due to their shorter supply chain and the fact they are a renewable resource, they aren’t worth quite as much as natural diamonds. Still, the time and expertise that goes into producing them gives them significant market value.

Like natural gems, the value of lab-grown diamonds is likely to fluctuate over time. When purchasing any kind of diamond, you should always choose a stone you know you'll treasure for years to come rather than viewing it as an economic investment.

Average Lab-Grown Diamond Prices

What you pay for your lab-grown diamond will vary depending on several factors, including where you buy it, whether it’s custom-made and the style of diamond you choose. However, the cost of a lab-made diamond per carat is considerably lower than that of a natural diamond.

The table below shows Rêve’s average lab-grown diamond prices for round cut diamonds, the most popular diamond shape available. As you can see, you can make huge savings compared to natural diamonds of the same cut, clarity, and size. Use this table to compare the two and help you decide on the type of diamond you’d prefer to invest in with your available budget. 

Our specialist jewellers stock diamonds in more than 30 cuts between 0.2 and over 20 carats — explore our full selection online or visit our Hatton Garden showroom.

What Is the Resale Value of Lab-Grown Diamonds?

The resale value of a lab-grown diamond ring will typically be around 30-40% less than you paid for it, but the same is true of natural diamond rings, too. It’s a common misconception that diamonds are an excellent economic investment — in reality, they don’t often hold or increase in value over time and are difficult to make money from if you want to resell. When you buy diamond Jewelry, you’re investing in the process of cutting, polishing and grading as well as the gemstones themselves, which is why its value is likely to depreciate.

Diamond engagement rings should be purchased as a symbol of love and are something to treasure and enjoy the beauty of forever. Whether you buy lab-grown diamonds or natural diamonds, you’re purchasing something stunning that will last a lifetime.

Can Lab-Grown Diamonds Be Certified?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds can be certified by both the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). A diamond should only be purchased when accompanied by a grading report attesting to its grading scales. The report will identify whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown and — if made in a laboratory —the growth process used to create it.

Should I Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring?

Whether you purchase a naturally mined or lab-made diamond, the engagement ring you choose will be breathtaking. The type of diamond you go for depends on your preference and is a personal choice. Some people select lab diamonds because they’re a more sustainable alternative to mined gemstones, while others prefer them because they make it possible to purchase a larger diamond for less money.

These days, many people are choosing lab-grown diamonds for their marriage proposals — our survey revealed 60% of UK men would choose lab-grown diamonds for their special someone.

What to Look For in a Lab-Grown Diamond

As well as official certification to verify what you’re paying for, you’ll also want to consider the 4C’s when purchasing a lab-grown diamond ring. Remember, you don’t necessarily need the best of the best — a diamond with strategic inclusions that can be hidden with a prong, for example, is an excellent option to save you money. An off size or special size diamond of 1.75 or 1.9 carats is also a great way to get a larger gem for less, as these don’t tend to be coveted as highly as carat counts with round numbers. 

Ready to find that perfect engagement ring? At Rêve Diamonds, we’ve got a beautiful range to choose from. Explore our full selection online, book a virtual consultation or arrange a visit to our London showroom to see our exquisite diamond Jewelry up close.