Lab Grown Diamonds: Resale Value & How to Sell

Lab-grown diamonds have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their lower cost and ethical production methods. However, many people are still unsure if they hold their resale value and how it compares to natural diamonds. We will explore the resale value of lab-grown diamonds and what factors to consider when selling one.
What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultured diamonds, are created in a laboratory using advanced technology that mimics the natural diamond-growing process. These types of diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds and are graded using the same criteria. Gemologists, jewelers and the public cannot tell the difference tithe naked eye or even with a microscope. Jewelers and diamond grading laboratories use special technology to confirm the identity of a lab-grown diamond.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Hold Their Resale Value?
The resale value of a lab-grown diamond is generally lower than that of a natural diamond due to the lower cost of production and the fact that they are not as rare. However, the resale value can still vary depending on factors such as the quality of the diamond and the demand for lab-grown diamonds in the market.
For an example a lab grown 1ct diamond may have been purchased for $5,500 in January of 2016, but as of early 2024 a great quality 1ct lab-grown could be purchased for $500-$800. This is a decrease of more than 1000% in 7 years and major factor to consider in reselling a lab-grown diamond.
When Selling a Lab-Grown Diamond, Consider These Factors
1. A lab-grown diamond is not something you want to hold on to for great deal of time in order to determine if you want to sell it. If you think you want to sell it, then you should move on it. The fact that 1ct lab-grown diamonds have lost 1000% of value in the last 7 years means that you will need to sell it as soon as possible or need to just plan to keep it and reseat the diamond into something like a pendant for personal enjoyment or a gift.
2. As an individual with used diamond rings for sale, we suggest aiming for 50% of the current retail value of the stone. That means that you have do you own research in google and search for the the carat weight, shape, color and clarity of your lab-grown diamond. What you paid for it in the past may likely have no relationship or effect on the current market value.
3. The mounting or the ring itself, these typically can retain value as well. If the mounting is a notable brand name, it can have even more value. The weight of the metal such as gold or platinum has value as a material even for a non-branded item.
To sum it all up, the resale value of a lab-grown diamond is generally lower than that of a natural diamond, and it likely will not increase in value so if you plan to sell it, you probably should jump on the opportunity.
Resale Value of Real Diamond vs Lab Grown
The resale value of real diamonds generally remains higher than that of lab-grown diamonds because real diamonds are rarer and more sought after in the gem market. Additionally, the perception of natural diamonds as a more authentic and traditional choice contributes to their sustained demand and higher resale price compared to lab-grown diamonds, which can be produced at scale and with decreasing costs.
FAQs
Why Do Lab Grown Diamonds Have No Resale Value?
Lab-grown diamonds typically have lower resale value than natural diamonds because they are less rare and more readily available. As production technologies improve and become more widespread, the cost of producing lab-grown diamonds decreases, which in turn reduces their resale price compared to natural diamonds, which are perceived as more valuable due to their scarcity and natural origin.
Written by Shane Thompson
Shane brings over 30 years of experience in the jewelry industry, proudly continuing a legacy passed down through generations of family jewelers. His expertise extends to the pre-owned engagement ring market, where he combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for offering high-quality, unique pieces at exceptional value.
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