Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: Which Is Better for Your Budget?

The diamond world’s flipped, lab-grown stones now make up more than half of all engagement ring sales. They’re real diamonds, with the same sparkle, but at 70–85% less than natural ones. Chemically, optically, and physically, there are no differences. The only real divide is how they’re made and how that shapes the price. If you’re watching your budget, it usually comes down to: save money, or pay more for the idea of rarity. Here’s how the numbers stack up.

Why Lab Grown Diamonds Are More Affordable

It’s all about supply. Lab-grown diamonds are grown in weeks using HPHT or CVD technology. Natural diamonds are rare by design. Only a handful of companies control the world’s supply, and they push the story of “rarity” to keep prices high, even as more mines pop up.

Recently, a 1-carat, G-color, VS1 lab diamond costs around $800–$1,500. The same natural diamond costs $5,000–$8,000, sometimes more if there’s a big brand name attached. The bigger the diamond, the bigger the gap. A 2-carat lab-grown diamond costs $3,000–$5,000, while a natural diamond costs $20,000–$40,000.

Re-sale and Long Term Costs for Lab Grown Diamonds

More and more couples care about how the ring looks and what it means, not what they could sell it for later. Natural diamonds used to have the edge here, but the game’s changed, and here's what you need to know;

• Lab-grown resale: Right now, you get back about 20–40% if you sell—think of it like a watch or a car. Most people just buy them to enjoy, not to invest.

• Natural resale: You’ll keep about 40–60% of the price for top-quality stones, but prices have dropped 15–25% since lab-grown diamonds took off.

• Total cost: Most people win with lab-grown. You pay less, so there’s more left for the ring setting, the wedding, or even the honeymoon. Insurance costs are the same, since it’s based on appraised value.

When Does Each Option Make Sense?

It really depends on what matters to you. However, you can follow this guideline;

• Go lab-grown if: You want a bigger or better stone for your money, plan to keep the ring forever, or care about ethics and sustainability.

• Go natural if: You’re thinking about resale or family heirlooms, you love the history behind a mined diamond, or you want a rare color you can’t really get in a lab—like vivid pink or blue.

Shop Lab-Grown Diamonds at Bostonian Jewelers

Lab-grown gives you more sparkle, better grades, and real durability, all for less cash. For most people, it’s the obvious budget winner. Bostonian Jewelers makes it easy. Transparent pricing and custom design experts mean you get the best ring for your budget with no trade-offs. Book your private appointment now.