An Honest Guide from a Columbus, Ohio Custom Jeweler
So let’s talk honestly about the question we hear all the time in our custom jewelry showroom:
“What are the disadvantages of lab grown diamonds?”
Lab grown diamonds have become incredibly popular in Columbus (actually, they’re popular in the entire country!) and we totally get why. I mean, they’re beautiful, affordable, and check off all the sustainability boxes. No wonder they’ve become the hottest selling gemstone for a custom engagement ring!
Here at Scott’s Custom Jewelers in Columbus, Ohio, we work with both lab grown and natural diamonds every single day. We also specialize in reusing diamonds and gemstones that you already own in your designs (another nod to sustainability). We don’t believe in pushing one gem over the other, and work with you to help you make the right decision for you.
First Off: What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond. Same sparkle. Same hardness. Same chemical structure. The only difference is where it’s grown. We have been following lab grown diamonds for over 10 years now, and when the Federal Trade Commission said they were exactly the same chemically, physically and optically, we started offering them to our customers.
Here’s what they are:
- Natural diamonds grow in the earth over billions of years
- Lab diamonds are grown in a lab in a few weeks using advanced technology
Also, lab diamonds are not fake and not cubic zirconia. In fact, if a jeweler says they can tell a lab diamonds from a mined diamond without special equipment, they’re lying.
(We explain this more here → https://scottscustomjewelers.com/lab-grown-diamonds-lp/)
The Disadvantages of Lab Grown Diamonds
We’re all about transparency! There are a few things you should absolutely know before choosing a lab diamond for an engagement ring or custom jewelry piece.
1. Lab Grown Diamonds Do Not Hold High Dollar Value Like Natural Diamonds
This is the biggest difference, but it comes with an explanation.
Lab diamonds:
- Are not rare
- Can be produced in unlimited quantities
- Continue to drop in price as technology improves
Because of this, lab grown diamonds do not retain or increase in value like natural diamonds sometimes can. Now for the explanation: Natural diamonds are also not “rare” but rather the amount available to the public is controlled by the mining companies, kind of like fossil fuels.
And even more importantly, natural diamonds may have higher worth, but unless you’re a diamond wholesaler, you won’t get the full value of either a lab or mined diamonds if you need to sell it. At best, you’ll get 20% of it’s worth if you have to sell your diamond to a pawn shop.
Simple math time. Say you spend $10,000 on a natural diamond and you need to sell it. You’ll most likely get $2,000 for it, but will have lost $8,000. Ouch.
Same situation, but with a lab grown diamond. You spend $1,000 on it (because they’re about 90% less expensive than mined stones) and need to sell it. You’ll get about $200 for it at a pawn shop, but will only have lost $800! That’s a much better scenario!
Why many Columbus buyers are still okay with this:
Most people aren’t buying an engagement ring as an investment. They’re buying it to celebrate a relationship, and they plan on wearing it everyday. Lab diamonds check off those boxes!
And lab diamonds let you get a bigger, more impressive diamond because they are 80-90% less than diamonds mined from the earth. Plus, they are sustainable and conflict free.
2. Lab Diamond Prices Keep Dropping
Yes, just like electronics and appliances, this is true. Lab diamond prices have come down a lot over the past few years, due to more companies getting into the market, but those prices now seem to have stabilized.
The upside for you:
With a much lower cost than natural diamonds, you can invest more of your budget into the design and craftsmanship of the ring, giving it even more meaning!
We see this every day in our Columbus custom design studio.
3. Lab Grown Diamonds Are Not Rare
Some people love the idea of a diamond formed naturally over billions of years. That story matters to them, and that’s completely valid. But then again, natural diamonds aren’t as rare as they’ve been marketed to be. It’s supply and demand!
The romance of a mined diamond is pretty cool. And, as sustainable jewelers, we absolutely LOVE to reuse diamonds and gemstones from family pieces, because of the stories associated with these stones!
And that brings us to a super important point:
What actually makes your engagement ring unique:
It’s all about the story. At Scott’s Custom Jewelers, your ring is unique because YOU call the shots! We’ll work with you to create a piece that fits your style, your hand, your story!
The design and the meaning associated with the piece, is what makes it special.
See some of our custom jewelry projects
Pros and Cons of Lab Grown Diamonds (Quick List)
✅ Pros
- Cost 80-90% less than natural diamonds
- Bigger or higher quality diamond for your budget
- Real diamond (same sparkle, same durability same material)
- Excellent for everyday wear as a custom engagement rings
- Great option for an anniversary upgrades and statement rings
- No mining required, no social conflicts
- Consistent quality and availability
⚠️ Cons
- Do not hold or increase in value
- Prices continue to drop over time
- Limited resale or trade-in value
- Not rare or finite
Why So Many Columbus Couples Choose Lab Diamonds
That’s the big question. We actually sell more lab diamonds at our Columbus store than any store in Ohio! Customers have chosen lab diamonds because they check so many boxes:
- More affordable, so they can have a bigger center stone
- High quality lab diamonds offer better quality, clarity and color for the price
- Able to afford a more detailed custom setting for their engagement ring
- Or all the above!
We regularly hear in our Columbus showroom, “I never thought I could afford something like this.” That’s one of our favorite things about lab diamonds.
Our Honest Opinion at Scott’s Custom Jewelers
We love them all!
- Lab diamonds
- Natural diamonds
- Family diamonds
- Vintage diamonds
- And everything in between
They’re just different tools for different goals.
Our job is to educate you, show you the real differences, and help you choose what fits your priorities and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lab Grown Diamonds
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are chemically, optically and physically identical to natural diamonds.
Do lab grown diamonds look different than natural diamonds?
No. Even gemologists need special equipment to tell them apart.
Are lab diamonds cheaper than natural diamonds?
Yes. Lab diamonds typically cost 80–90% less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality.
Do lab grown diamonds lose value?
They don’t “lose” value — but they don’t hold value or appreciate like natural diamonds might.
Are lab diamonds good for engagement rings?
Absolutely. They are durable, beautiful, and perfect for everyday wear.
Should I buy a lab or natural diamond?
That depends on:
- Your budget
- Your priorities
- Whether size, value retention, or tradition matters more to you
We help Columbus clients compare both every day in our showroom.
Thinking About a Custom Engagement Ring?
Whether you’re considering lab grown diamonds, natural diamonds, or a combination of both, we’d love to help you design something that fits your style, your budget, and your story.
Make your FREE custom jewelry appointment (both in person and virtually) here
Or stop into Scott’s Custom Jewelers and let’s design something amazing together.