Let’s clear something up right off the bat: lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Yes, they’re chemically and physically identical to the ones pulled from the earth’s crust, so if you’re wondering if they’re “fake,” the answer is a solid no. But there’s more to the story, and we’re here to lift the veil on a few things the retailers might not be sharing.

In recent years, lab-grown diamonds have exploded in popularity, offering a more affordable (and eco-friendly) option for those who love a little sparkle. But before you make the leap into either camp—lab-grown or natural—there are some behind-the-scenes details you need to know.

1. Lab-Grown Diamonds Aren’t Necessarily the “Greener” Option

We’ve all heard it: lab-grown diamonds are the eco-friendly alternative. Less mining, less environmental destruction—what’s not to love? Well, here’s the truth the retailers don’t always advertise: the process of creating diamonds in a lab isn’t as green as it sounds.

Sure, lab-grown diamonds avoid the harmful effects of traditional mining, but they require massive amounts of energy, often powered by non-renewable sources. In fact, some studies suggest that the carbon footprint of producing lab-grown diamonds can be comparable to that of mining natural ones. If you’re truly concerned about your environmental impact, asking the right questions—like where that energy is coming from—might make all the difference.

2. The Resale Value? That’s Where Things Get Tricky

Here’s something that doesn’t always come up in the sales pitch: lab-grown diamonds don’t hold their value the same way natural diamonds do. We know—ouch. You might save money upfront, but if you’re thinking of passing that diamond down to the next generation or reselling it one day, the return on a lab-grown diamond likely won’t match that of a natural one.

Natural diamonds, by contrast, have a long history of value retention (albeit not always as high as some may think), and their rarity plays a big part in that. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, can be produced endlessly, which makes them less of a long-term investment. So if you’re buying with the thought of future resale, consider this your fair warning.

3. You’re Paying for Rarity—Not Just Sparkle

One of the biggest reasons natural diamonds come with a higher price tag? They’re rare. We’re talking billions of years in the making, formed under intense pressure and heat within the earth’s mantle. The retailers selling natural diamonds may not always emphasize it, but this rarity is a huge part of what you’re paying for when you opt for the real deal.

Lab-grown diamonds, however, are churned out in a matter of weeks. And while they can be engineered to be flawless, they don’t carry the same allure of rarity and age. There’s a reason natural diamonds are often viewed as timeless—because they literally are. If that sense of history matters to you, it’s worth weighing this intangible (but significant) factor.

At the end of the day, both lab-grown and natural diamonds have their merits, and the choice ultimately comes down to what matters most to you. If you’re after affordability and ethical sourcing, lab-grown might be the way to go. But if you want a piece that holds its value, tells a story of the earth’s ancient history, and offers something truly one-of-a-kind, natural diamonds may still hold the crown.

Here at MyGemGirl, we’re here to help you navigate that decision with confidence. Whether you need an appraisal to ensure your diamond—lab-grown or natural—is properly insured, or you’re curious about the true value of your current pieces, we’ve got your back. In the Greater Baltimore Area, we’re just a consultation away from helping you make the best choice for your collection.