Cost Difference Between Lab Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds

Over the past few years, lab-grown diamonds have become increasingly popular, not only for their quality and beauty but also for their price. 

When comparing lab diamonds vs mined diamonds cost, the difference is striking. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 85-90% less than mined diamonds of the same carat weight and quality. 

So, what’s behind the price difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds, and how does it affect your choice? Let’s take a closer look at how these stones compare and what you get for your investment. 

What's the cost difference between lab diamonds vs natural diamonds?

The cost difference between natural diamonds and lab diamonds can be between 85 to 90% - lab grown diamonds are considerably cheaper than naturally mined diamonds. 

It’s no secret that diamonds are a significant purchase - however, it’s one that people are happy to make for the symbolism, emotional significance, and value diamonds can hold. 

And while lab diamonds are becoming more popular, natural diamonds are still in higher demand. The diamond mining process is over hundreds of years old and has not changed over this period; natural diamonds continue to be in high demand with a lack of supply, making diamonds more of a rarity and causing prices to stay high.

Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, rely on modern technology and innovation. First invented in the 1950s, lab grown diamonds have the ability to be mass-produced, resulting in considerably lower production costs.

Lab grown vs natural diamond price per carat

When comparing lab-grown vs natural diamond costs, the cost difference becomes even clearer across different carat sizes. 

For a 1 carat RBC diamond (VVS2), a natural stone is priced at almost $13,000. A 1 carat lab-grown diamond with the same specifications, however, is typically priced at $1,000. 

At 2 carats, a natural RBC diamond can retail up to $45,000, while 2 carat lab-grown diamonds of equal quality may be priced at almost $2,000. 

It’s worth noting that these prices are indicative only, as a range of factors can influence the cost of both natural and lab-grown diamonds. 

Whether mined or grown, carat size remains one of the biggest price drivers. But with lab-grown options, you can often choose a larger diamond or higher clarity grade for the same budget. 

Why are lab grown diamonds so much cheaper?

The lab-grown vs natural diamond price comparison largely comes down to production. Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth over billions of years and require expensive mining operations to extract, cut, and polish. 

Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are created in controlled laboratory environments within weeks, using advanced technology that replicates natural conditions. This process eliminates many of the logistical and environmental costs associated with mining. 

Other factors include: 

• Efficiency and scalability: labs can grow more diamonds on demand. 
• Shorter supply chains: fewer middlemen mean lower markups. 
• Energy innovation: newer labs are adopting renewable power sources, further lowering production costs. 

Ultimately, lab grown diamonds are cheaper because they’re easier to produce, not because they’re lesser in quality. Both are real diamonds, chemically and visually identical, but one reaches your hands faster and at a far lower cost. If you’re wondering how much cheaper lab grown diamonds are compared to their mined cousins, remember - they’re typically 85-90% cheaper.

How do the 4cs affect diamond costs?

The 4cs - carat, clarity, colour, and cut - are each graded to determine the value of a diamond, impacting purchase costs dramatically.

The 4cs give each diamond unique characteristic traits. Carat measures the mass of the stone, clarity measures its purity, and cut describes a stone's shape and facets - giving the diamond its sparkle. 

Not all diamonds, lab-grown or natural, are created equal. The 4cs determine where a diamond is scaled to establish its retail value, providing customers a range of options.

Is it possible to tell the difference between lab and mined diamonds?

The naked eye cannot see the difference between a lab-grown and a mined diamond. Because of the identical chemical and physical makeup as a natural diamond, lab-grown diamonds are, in effect, real diamonds. 

To differentiate a mined and lab-grown diamond, jewellers can conduct tests using cutting-edge technology like a microscopic examination, diamond grading, UV rays, and an infrared spectrometer.

Do lab grown diamonds hold their value?

Lab-grown diamonds are made of the same material as natural diamonds and aren’t treated with additional chemicals or irradiation - therefore, lab-grown diamonds, like their naturally-grown counterparts, will last forever when cared for properly. 

In terms of retail value, there is an insignificant difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds. There is a common misconception that lab grown diamonds don’t hold their value after purchase - however, just like natural diamonds, they do offer resale value. It will just come down to the piece itself, and the diamond. 

Making your choice 

When deciding between lab grown and natural diamonds, it’s not just the price that plays a role. It comes down to what matters most to you: tradition, rarity, sustainability, or value.  

If you’re after brilliance and size at the best price, explore our lab grown diamonds. On the other hand, if you value heritage and naturally formed stones, discover our collection of natural diamonds. 

Whichever you choose, you’ll find expert craftsmanship, certified quality, and timeless beauty. Because at GS Diamonds, every diamond tells a story worth celebrating.