Lab Grown Diamonds Resale Value: What You Should Know

Buying a diamond isn’t just about sparkle, it’s often about sentiment, values, and a little bit of future planning.

So it’s natural to ask: what happens if I ever want to resell this?

When it comes to lab-grown diamonds, resale value is one of the most debated and misunderstood topics. This guide dives into the truth about lab grown diamond resale value, clears up common myths, and helps you make a smart, confident choice that aligns with what truly matters to you.

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Let’s start here. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, chemically, optically, and physically identical to mined ones. The only difference is where they’re made.

How lab grown diamonds are made:

• CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): Diamonds are formed layer by layer in a vacuum chamber.
  

• HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature): Mimics Earth’s natural diamond-forming conditions.
  

Lab diamonds are graded using the same 4Cs — Cut, Clarity, Colour, and Carat — and certified by IGI or GIA.

Same sparkle. Same structure. Less mining.

Why Lab Grown Diamond’s Resale Value is Complicated

Here’s the honest truth: Lab grown diamonds currently have limited resale value. That doesn’t mean they’re worthless — it just means the market is still maturing. Here’s why:

• Supply is growing fast, which naturally brings prices down.
  

• Retail infrastructure is catching up — many jewellers still don’t have formal buyback programs for lab grown stones.
  

• Old perceptions die hard — some still see mined diamonds as the "real" investment, despite being chemically identical.
  

But let’s not miss the bigger picture. People aren’t buying diamonds to keep in lockers anymore. They’re buying them to wear, celebrate, and remember.

Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: The Value Conversation

If you're focused on financial return, natural diamonds may still hold an edge. But if you're buying for meaning, ethics, or aesthetics, lab-grown delivers more value upfront.

So, Should Resale Value Be a Dealbreaker?

That depends on why you're buying a diamond. Ask yourself:

• Am I buying this as a future investment?

• Do I plan to upgrade or resell it later?

• Or am I buying it for what it symbolizes — love, achievement, identity?

If resale matters to you, look for:

• Certified stones (IGI or GIA)

• Classic cuts like round or princess

• Transparent retailers who offer buyback or upgrade programs

If resale doesn’t matter as much, lab grown diamonds can give you more beauty, size, and peace of mind, right now.

What the Industry is Saying

Even legacy jewellers are making room for lab-grown diamonds, and in some cases, fully embracing them.

Many global brands have committed to using only lab-grown diamonds in their collections, citing both ethical responsibility and changing customer expectations. Similarly, department stores and fine jewellery houses are expanding their lab diamond offerings. They’re doing so not just as a budget line, but as a core category.

This shift isn’t just about affordability; it’s about meeting the modern buyer where they are informed, intentional, and values-driven.

Retailers are recognizing that lab grown diamonds aren’t a niche; they’re the future. And as more brands adopt them, resale infrastructure, consumer trust, and mainstream acceptance all grow stronger.

Emotional Value vs. Financial Return

When it comes to jewellery, especially diamonds, the conversation often drifts toward pricing and returns. But here's a deeper truth: the most lasting form of value is emotional.

Think about the ring you propose with. The pendant that’s gifted for a milestone. The diamond you buy for yourself because you earned it.

These aren’t just stones. They’re stories.

And in that light, lab grown diamonds hold just as much, if not more, value for today’s thoughtful, independent buyers.

If resale is a concern, it’s wise to buy from a brand that offers transparency and policies. But don’t overlook what really stays with you: the story behind the sparkle.

How to Maximize Lab Grown Diamonds Resale Value 

Did you know you can always add value to your diamonds? Just follow these easy steps.

1. Get Certified Stones: Ask for IGI or GIA documents. Non-certified stones are hard to resell.
   

2. Choose Classic Cuts: Round and princess cuts are timeless and appeal broadly.
   

3. Maintain Documentation: Keep your invoice, certs, and box they add credibility.
   

4. Buy from Ethical Brands: Brands like Ethera are transparent about what happens post-purchase.
   

Final Thoughts on Lab Grown Diamonds Resale Value: Buy With Clarity

You're not just buying a product. You're choosing something that reflects your values, your story, your priorities.

If resale is a priority, shop with that lens. If it’s not, enjoy the freedom to choose something beautiful, ethical, and smart.

At Ethera, we’re here for both. 

Talk to an expert. Explore certified stones. Make a choice that feels like you.

Because the best diamond isn’t the one with the highest resale - it’s the one you’ll never regret buying.

Explore our curated collection of certified lab-grown diamond jewellery, designed for beauty today and value that lasts.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. Are lab grown diamonds real?

Yes - chemically, visually, and structurally identical to mined ones.

2. Will the resale value of lab grown diamonds improve over time?

Yes, it’s likely. As demand rises and more buyers embrace second-hand lab-grown stones, resale infrastructure is improving. Experts predict the gap between mined and lab diamond resale will narrow, especially for certified, classic pieces.

3. Can I insure a lab grown diamond?

Yes. Most insurers treat them like natural diamonds as long as they're certified. Appraisals work the same way.

4. Are lab grown diamonds suitable for gifts or proposals?

Absolutely. Their value lies in the story and intention, not just the source. For many, they represent modern love with ethics and individuality.

5. Do brand names affect resale potential?

Often, yes. Well-known or trusted brands tend to inspire more buyer confidence in second-hand markets. If you’re considering future resale, choose certified stones from transparent, reputable jewellers.

6. Can I upgrade a lab grown diamond later?

Absolutely. Many jewellers, including newer lab-grown specialists, now offer upgrade or trade-in programs. It's a smart option if your style evolves or you're celebrating a future milestone.