The resale value difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds matters far less than you'd think, especially when you consider the massive upfront savings.
The Honest Truth About All Diamond Resale
Let's be straightforward about something the industry doesn't like to discuss. When you sell most diamond rings back to jewellers, you're often only getting paid for the gold weight, not the diamonds themselves. This applies to both lab-grown and natural diamonds under certain sizes and qualities.
Small diamonds (often called "melee diamonds") up to around half a carat have essentially no resale value, regardless of whether they're natural or lab-grown. They're easily sourced and very common. Even many natural diamond engagement rings get valued at scrap gold rates when sold back.
The retail markup you paid on any diamond covers store costs, marketing, and profit margins that disappear the moment you walk out the door, whether it's natural or lab-grown.
Why the Resale Difference Doesn't Matter
Here's the key insight: lab-grown diamonds cost so much less upfront that even with lower resale value, you're still significantly ahead financially.
Think about it this way - if you save thousands by choosing lab-grown, that money can be invested, used for your house deposit, or enhance other aspects of your life immediately. The potential future resale difference becomes irrelevant when you've already kept thousands in your pocket today.
The people who benefit most from natural diamond resale values are those buying very large, exceptional stones. For typical engagement ring sizes, the resale difference between natural and lab-grown is often minimal in absolute terms.
Should Resale Value Matter?
For most engagement rings, resale value shouldn't drive your decision. You're buying a symbol of love meant to be worn daily for decades, not a financial investment.
Lab-grown diamonds let you get exactly the beauty and quality you want while keeping more money for the things that actually matter to your relationship, your wedding, honeymoon, house deposit, or simply avoiding debt.
When Resale Value Might Matter
Consider resale potential if you're specifically planning to upgrade your ring later, or if creating a family heirloom is important to you. Some couples prefer natural diamonds for these reasons.
However, most couples find the immediate benefits of lab-grown diamonds, larger stones, better quality grades, and significant cost savings, far outweigh theoretical future resale considerations.
Our Perspective
The smartest financial choice is usually lab-grown diamonds because you get identical beauty and quality while keeping thousands in your pocket today. That immediate benefit typically outweighs any future resale differences, especially for typical engagement ring purchases.
View our collection of lab-grown diamond engagement rings
Thanks for reading!
Jared & Brie
