I agree with this too! And preloved is always a money saving option for designer.
Lab grown Diamonds - Thoughts?
- Thread starter Minimalist_Chic
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Aren’t we all being manipulated by corporate mafias nowadays lol? I am glad you like lab diamonds, not everyone is. Estate jewelry is a fabulous alternative to brand new jewelry but again it depends on what people like. Some people don’t even like diamonds and prefer other gemstones as an alternative
I think diamonds will lose their luster as the perceived value declines because of the popularity of lab diamonds. Other gemstones, pearls, interesting and unique gold pieces as well as watches may become more desirable.
Agree. It’s already happening. Gold jewelry is very popular on social media, and pearls are having a big resurgence.
This 100%. I have no qualms with people preferring lab grown diamonds over natural diamonds, but so many tout the environmental impact as their #1 reason. However, the environmental impact of lab grown diamonds is not yet clear (despite what the lab grown diamond industry would have you believe) and I doubt all the folks that prefer lab grown diamonds are vegan, drive electric cars, compost, eschew things like plastic and air travel, etc. (issues with a far greater overall environmental impact). So generally that reasoning comes off as somewhat hypocritical. IMO, the primary reason most people prefer lab diamonds over natural diamonds is financial. More bling for less jing. Nothing wrong with that.
I'm obviously late to all this but I am JUST learning about the diamond prices going down and the rise of lab diamonds being the reason for that... This is has been an informative thread.
This is exactly how I feel!! Even after reading all of the posts here and my own research, I still prefer natural diamonds for myself. There is something about lab diamonds that doesnt feel the same.
BUT I'm starting to regret all the diamond jewelry that I have purchased over the years. I love all of my pieces but I almost feel like a fool now that I see that I could get something similar for a fraction of the cost. I almost feel like it reduces the value of my own pieces. perhaps not in terms of resale, I think just reduces the value in my head if that makes sense?
I love natural diamonds too. This is my first time gifted/seeing lab grown in person. The idea of sustainability is nice. It looks great. But then there's that itch in my mind about it
This is exactly how I feel!! Even after reading all of the posts here and my own research, I still prefer natural diamonds for myself. There is something about lab diamonds that doesnt feel the same.
BUT I'm starting to regret all the diamond jewelry that I have purchased over the years. I love all of my pieces but I almost feel like a fool now that I see that I could get something similar for a fraction of the cost. I almost feel like it reduces the value of my own pieces. perhaps not in terms of resale, I think just reduces the value in my head if that makes sense?
There's a forum that I sometimes check out (not here) and people post their diamond photos for advice/opinions - lab, natural, estate whatever and all I can say is those lab diamonds that are well cut are stunning!
I was the same way so I have already started selling my natural diamond jewelry to buy lab. The resale on diamond jewelry isn’t that great, I think it’s normal to get maybe 75% back if you’re lucky, but even with that loss I’m still able to get a higher quality replacement and keep some cash. I’m not a diamond purist so it’s all the same to me. I don’t buy ridiculously big diamonds that are out of place for my lifestyle so I don’t think anyone assumes they’re lab.
And if they did assume they were lab? Who cares? Lab diamonds are real diamonds. 100% identical. There are lab diamonds with inclusions just like natural diamonds. There is literally no way to tell them apart.
If you think you will get 75% back on resale of a natural diamond, think again. It’s less than 50%. Wholesale. Unless it has celebrity provenance or is a very rare color, large size, etc.
What you are feeling is exactly why the natural diamond market is collapsing, and prices are falling to be closer to lab diamonds. My prediction is that in the near future lab prices will rise, and the two will meet in the middle somewhere. Buy lab now while they are cheapest.
I was able to get about 75% back on a ring 2 years ago and felt so lucky to get that! I’m sure I won’t fare so well these days.
I used to have a similar thinking to you previously. I don’t see it as hypocritical at all these days, if someone prefers to buy lab diamond because of an environmental impact and they don’t drive electric or are vegan then it’s not hypocritical. You can’t expect everyone to be all in, its a complete lifestyle change. Everyone starts somewhere, it’s also admirable that someone believes in something and sticks by it, it does not mean that have to go full on. It can be expensive and incredibly time consuming as well not always practical.
When I started this post I didn’t know all that much about both natural and lab diamond. Since then I’ve leaned more toward to lab diamond due to the ethical reason, learning that it was all a marketing tactic to push prices up for natural diamond. Lab diamonds are still not 100% clean, but you ha e to start somewhere.
A lab grown diamond is the same chemically as a mined diamond.
However, I will never own one. This is one time my rational, practical mind goes offline. I could say it’s about resale or whatever. It’s not. I simply don’t want what feels like “faux” diamonds.
But almost no one can tell what you’re wearing. So buy what makes you happy. Just be sure to have it appraised and be aware of what the aftermarket drop in value will be.
However, I will never own one. This is one time my rational, practical mind goes offline. I could say it’s about resale or whatever. It’s not. I simply don’t want what feels like “faux” diamonds.
But almost no one can tell what you’re wearing. So buy what makes you happy. Just be sure to have it appraised and be aware of what the aftermarket drop in value will be.
Well said. I couldn't explain it before, but I hear "lab" and I can't. "Offline" is a perfect description.
I think there is value to owning LGD when natural mined diamonds have consistently very little value on the resale market, unless they are a designer brand. You don’t buy diamonds with the thought of reselling them. No one can visually tell the difference and you get much more bang for your buck. I had never considered LGD in the past but I have changed my thoughts recently and purchased 2 carat diamond studs and a 2 carat diamond wedding band for a fraction of the price with excellent quality and clarity stones. Buy what makes you feel good because diamonds IMO are not a good “investment” and only have value to you if you love them and wear them.
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