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Lab-grown diamonds have gone from a niche curiosity to a mainstream choice in jewellery stores around the world. They look the same, test the same, and bring serious sparkle to engagement rings, earrings, and everyday pieces. But one question keeps coming up, especially as prices have shifted over the last few years: is it worth investing in lab-grown diamonds?
The honest answer depends on what “investing” means to you. If you mean “will it hold value and increase like an asset,” lab-grown diamonds generally do not behave that way. If you mean “is it a smart purchase that delivers lasting value, beauty, and emotional significance for the money spent,” then lab-grown can be a very strong choice. Let’s break it down clearly, so you can decide with confidence.
What Exactly Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond, not a fake and not a stimulant like cubic zirconia or moissanite. It has the same chemical composition (carbon), the same crystal structure, the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and the same sparkle. The difference is origin: one is grown underground over billions of years, the other is grown in a lab over weeks using advanced technology. There are two common methods:
HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature): mimics natural formation conditions.
CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition): grows diamond layers from carbon-rich gas.
Both can produce stunning stones when cut well and graded properly.
Investment vs Purchase: Setting the Right Expectation
If you are asking whether lab-grown diamonds are a financial investment (like property, shares, or gold), it helps to know how diamond resale works.
Diamonds, in general, are not the easiest assets to resell at a profit unless they are exceptionally rare, high-end, and accompanied by strong market demand. Even natural diamonds typically sell back for less than retail because retail prices include branding, store overheads, and finishing costs.
With lab-grown diamonds, the resale reality is even tougher. Because they can be produced with consistent quality and supply, their market price tends to move downward over time as production becomes more efficient. That means a lab-grown diamond ring you buy today may cost less new in the future, which affects the second-hand value.
So if your goal is capital growth, lab-grown diamonds are usually not the best vehicle.
Why Do People Still Choose Lab-Grown?
Because “worth it” is not always about resale. In jewellery, value often comes from what you get today: design, sparkle, durability, and emotional meaning. Here’s where lab-grown diamonds can shine.
1. You Get More Diamond for Your Budget
One of the biggest advantages is buying power. Many buyers can choose a larger carat size, higher colour, cleaner clarity and a better cut for the same budget they would spend on a smaller natural diamond. For custom engagement rings in Melbourne, this can be a game changer. Instead of compromising on a centre stone that feels “almost right,” people can choose the diamond they truly want.
2. They Deliver the Same Wearability and Beauty
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They suit everyday wear. They can be set into any style, from minimalist solitaires to bold halos and vintage-inspired designs. They don’t “fade” or lose sparkle as long as they’re cared for like any fine diamond jewellery. If what you want is a beautiful ring you’ll wear for years, lab-grown delivers genuine long-term enjoyment.
3. Greater Choice, Faster Sourcing
Lab-grown supply is more consistent. That often means you can find specific combinations of shape, size, and specs without waiting long periods or dealing with scarcity. This is especially useful if you have a clear vision, such as an oval brilliant in a particular ratio, a crisp emerald cut, or a matching pair for earrings.
When Natural Diamonds Might Make More Sense?
Natural diamonds may make more sense if long-term rarity matters to you on an emotional level, you value traditional provenance, and you’re comfortable paying a higher price for comparable size and specifications. They can also be a stronger choice when you’re considering genuinely rare stones, such as very high-carat diamonds, fancy colours, or exceptional quality pieces, where collector interest and demand may be stronger.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Investing?
If by “investing” you mean profit in the future, lab-grown diamonds are usually not the ideal investment.
If by “investing” you mean spending wisely on a real diamond that maximises size, style, and sparkle for your budget, then yes, lab-grown diamonds can be absolutely worth it.
Are you ready to discover your perfect lab-grown diamond? Explore our wide selection of natural and lab-grown diamond engagement rings in every shape, size, and setting. Whether you love understated elegance or bold, head-turning sparkle, Diamond Story will help you choose a diamond that fits your style and your budget, without the guesswork. Visit our Melbourne showroom or call us on 03 9642 3649 to start your diamond journey today. Your dream ring is just one sparkle away.