Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: Main Differences
Lab-grown diamonds have grown in popularity exponentially over the past year. With the cost of natural diamonds increasing and the general acceptance of lab-grown diamonds as real diamonds expanding, lab-grown diamond sales have skyrocketed.
Lab-Grown vs. Natural: Main Differences
For a crash course on the main differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds, refer to the infographic below!
Lab-Grown vs. Natural: Engagement Rings
There is no shying away from the fact that natural diamond engagement rings are a classic option: the stone’s rarity makes it so romantic! On the other hand, there are many people who value quality and size over rarity.
In 2021, there were more than double the amount of natural diamond engagement ring sales than lab-grown diamond engagement ring sales. Since the start of 2022, Lauren B has seen lab-grown diamond engagement ring sales dominate the market with 20% more sales than natural diamond engagement rings.
The surge in popularity comes from the steep price difference between natural diamond and lab-grown diamond engagement ring prices; buyers can get the same engagement ring of similar carat weight with a larger, better quality diamond, for less!
1.62ct Radiant Cut Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire
F color | VS2 clarity
$4,650
1.51ct Radiant Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
I color | SI1 clarity
$10,600
1.72ct Cushion Cut Lab Diamond Engagement Ring
E color | VS2 clarity
$5,000
1.70ct Cushion Cut Diamond Pave Prong Engagement Ring
G color | SI1 clarity
$15,200
Lab-Grown vs. Natural: Wedding Bands
Different from engagement rings, lab-grown diamond wedding bands are a little different. Unlike natural diamonds, the smallest lab-grown diamonds are .20ct or 20 points. Thus, the smallest lab-grown diamond wedding band we can make is a 1 carat 5-stone band or a 3 carat eternity band.
Since launching our lab-grown diamond wedding band collection, we’ve seen an uptick in sales with clients opting for lab-grown oval and radiant cut wedding bands.
3ct Oval Lab Diamond 5-Stone U-Shape Ring
E-F color | VS clarity
$4,650
2.6ct Oval GIA Graded 5-stone Diamond Band
D-F color | VS to SI clarity
$11,500
9ct Emerald Cut Lab Grown Diamond Eternity Band
E-F color | VS clarity
$9,100
8.66ct Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Eternity Band
I color | VS1 clarity
$28,500
Lab-Grown vs. Natural: Fine Jewelry
Buyers who don’t have a need for an engagement ring or wedding band can still purchase lab-grown diamonds–just in jewelry form.
Lab-grown diamond jewelry is a great alternative for buyers who want to add to their collection without breaking the bank. For example, a set of 1.2ct lab-grown diamond studs sells for $1,900 whereas a set of 1.2ct natural diamond studs sells for $4,200.
If you’re looking to invest in something a little bigger than studs, let’s say a tennis bracelet, you’re going to want to make sure you get more for your money. See below for similar size tennis bracelets and the price disparity between lab-grown and natural diamonds.
4.9ct Lab-Grown Diamond Tennis Bracelet
F color | VS clarity
$5,100
5ct TW Illusion Set Diamond Tennis Bracelet
F-G color | VS clarity
$7,800
Which Would You Choose?
After reading everything, which diamond are you choosing? Are you the type of person who cares about the rarity of a natural diamond and the romance that comes along with it? Or are you the type of person who cares about the quality and benefits of a lab-grown diamond? Whichever team you play for, our design consultants are eager to find the perfect diamond, wedding band, or piece of jewelry for you. Schedule an appointment or continue shopping below!
