Are Lab Created Diamonds A Good Investment?

Are lab-created diamonds a good investment? The short answer is yes, but let us explain why. Lab-grown diamonds have transformed the diamond jewellery industry and for good reason. You'll find out all you need to know about one of the most important purchases of your life right here.

Today, many consumers are choosing these diamonds because there's much less environmental impact in the way they're sourced. They're always a 100% ethical and conflict-free choice because they're grown from a diamond seed in a high tech laboratory under a highly controlled environment. 

Diamonds are forever so it's super important to choose the right ring. Whether it's a lab-grown diamond or a natural diamond, you'll want to make sure you're choosing a ring that will stand the test of time. 

On the other, you want to make a financially smart decision and make sure the ring you decide on is within budget. That's where we step in. Just as with natural diamonds, the prices of lab-created diamonds fluctuate greatly.

Click the links below to jump to a section or read on to find out the main factors that make lab-created diamonds a good investment.

Are Lab-Created Diamonds A Good Investment Overview:

  • Why Lab-Grown Diamonds?
  • Should I Buy a Lab Grown Diamond?
  • Why Lab-Grown Diamonds are the Superior Choice

Why Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Despite the perception of lab-grown diamonds being fake, we're here to tell you man-made diamonds are real and they're fantastic. Not only are they cost-effective, but they are also environmentally friendly. 

The fact of the matter is, the only difference between a lab-grown diamond ring and a natural diamond ring is their respective point of origin. Hence the name, man-made diamonds, lab-grown diamonds or synthetic diamonds are created in a laboratory under the watchful eye of expert scientists. The end product? A diamond that is chemically, physically, and optically the same as one that is produced in the earth's core. 

While mined diamonds look pretty, they wreak havoc on the environment. They require huge machinery and explosives to retrieve them from deep within the earth. On top of that, they omit over 125 pounds of carbon per carat, whereas man-made diamonds generate just 6 pounds of carbon per carat. 

Have you ever heard the term ''blood diamonds''? Maybe you've seen the famous film Blood Diamond starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly, and Djimon Hounsou? From child labour practices to human rights violations, over the years, the diamond mining trade has delivered no shortage of both controversy and conflict. When it comes to lab-grown diamonds, you know that your new lab-grown diamond pendant or set of lab-grown diamond earrings are ethically sourced. 

Not only that, the cost of a lab-grown diamond product is significantly less than a natural diamond. Here at Shiels, our highest cost 1-carat lab-grown diamond ring is $8,000 while its natural diamond equivalent is $12,000. In most cases, you can typically save 10-30% with a lab-grown synthetic over a natural diamond.

are lab created diamonds a good investment - diamond photo

Should I Buy A Lab-Grown Diamond?

So you're in the market for an engagement ring? Since this is probably one of your biggest purchases to date, it'd be wise to be aware of all of your options. We already know that lab-grown diamonds are cheaper, but do they retain their value? With today's high divorce rates this is something to keep in mind. 

As a general rule, jewellers do not purchase lab-grown diamonds from patrons so natural diamonds are always going to be worth more. However, when you buy a diamond you shouldn't be thinking about the resale value. The purpose of engagement rings and special event jewellery is to wear and enjoy, not to sell. Man-made diamonds are beautiful, purposeful and cost-effective.

Meanwhile, you get the same exact tier of clarity, variety, consistency, and quality with a lab-grown diamond. Natural diamonds and man-made diamonds are essentially the same things. They have the same genetic and chemical makeup. They are graded using the cut, clarity, colour and carat system used by jewellers all around the world. This is called the Four Cs grading system. Refer to the chart below to find out more. 

Are lab-created diamonds a good investment - Four C's of Diamonds Guide Infographic


Man-made diamonds are the future and it's most definitely time to get on board. Be sure to check out our range of lab-grown diamond necklaces and our different shades of rings. You'll find rose gold lab created diamond rings, white gold lab-created diamond rings and lab-created yellow diamond rings in our collection. They offer a great alternative to your traditional engagement rings. The brilliant selection of lab-grown diamond engagement rings is indisputably comprehensive, accessible, and affordable too.

Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Are The Superior Choice

As we have outlined above, there are plenty of reasons to love lab-grown diamonds. The answer to 'are lab-created diamonds a good investment' is certainly yes. Not only are they ethical and conflict-free but they are cost-effective, durable, brilliant and luxurious. Side-by-side, natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are the same.

Why wouldn't you choose a diamond that comes with far more benefits than the other? The only difference between mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds (aside from the cost) is their origin. 

The most often cited reason why people opt to buy lab-grown diamonds is because of their perceived environmental sustainability. Unfortunately, that hasn't been properly studied as yet but there is logic behind the psychology. 

Natural diamonds are formed deep below the earth's surface and they require the earth to be disrupted to source them while lab-created diamonds are, of course, created in a laboratory. It takes considerably less energy to grow a diamond in a lab than it does to dig it out of the ground. It really is easy to see why lab-grown diamonds are the superior choice. 

Lab-made diamonds are the new kids on the block. They are exciting and offer an alternative to natural diamonds. They are certainly worth a look! 

Here at Shiels, we care about love. We care about those big moments. Our advice is to treat your diamond ring like all of your other wedding purchases. It should be a commitment to your partner, not an investment. Now you know the answer to 'are lab-created diamonds a good investment,' you can learn more below.