Lab-grown vs natural diamonds
Identical chemistry, very different resale. What sellers and buyers need to know.
Typical UK second-hand price
1ct lab-grown: often £300–£1,000 second-hand; natural equivalent several times more
What they are
Lab-grown diamonds are real carbon diamonds made by HPHT or CVD methods. They cannot be told apart by eye — only by laboratory equipment.
Retail prices of lab-grown stones have fallen sharply, so their second-hand value is low. Natural diamonds hold value far better.
Disclosure
Sellers must say clearly if a stone is lab-grown. Reports from IGI and GIA state the origin and lab-grown stones are usually laser-inscribed 'LG'.
Before you buy
- Ask for the report and check the origin line.
- For unreported stones, ask a jeweller to test with a diamond type screener.
- Have any high-value piece checked by an independent valuer or jeweller before paying. JewelleryTrader does not authenticate items.
Frequently asked questions
Do lab-grown diamonds hold value?
Generally not. They resell for a small fraction of the original price.
Will a diamond tester spot lab-grown?
No. Standard thermal testers read both as diamond; specialist screening equipment is needed.
More diamonds guides
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