Do lab-grown diamonds have resale value?
Very little. Lab diamond prices have fallen steeply as production has grown, and there is only a thin second-hand market for them, so expect to get a small fraction of what you paid if you ever sell. Mined diamonds also resell well below retail. Buy a lab diamond because you love it and because it gets you a larger, cleaner stone for the money, not as a store of value.
Why lab diamonds do not hold value
They are manufactured, and production keeps growing and getting cheaper, so the price of a new stone of the same grade keeps falling. A used stone competes with that falling new price.
Mined diamonds are not an investment either
Retail markups and dealer margins mean a mined diamond also sells for well below what you paid. The difference is one of degree.
What that means for buying
Spend on what you will see every day: cut, size and a setting that lasts. Pay for a verifiable report so you know what you have, but do not pay extra for grades you cannot see (D colour or flawless clarity) expecting them to protect resale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I insure a lab-grown diamond?
Yes. Jewellery insurers cover lab-grown diamonds; they will usually want the report and an appraisal.
Is moissanite a better buy if resale does not matter?
For many people, yes: it is cheaper still and very hard wearing. See moissanite vs lab diamond.
Keep reading
Amazon links are affiliate links (tag thegemtray-20): buying through them costs you nothing extra and supports the site. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.