Diamonds have long been the ultimate symbol of luxury, love, and prestige. However, a new contender is disrupting the jewellery industry—Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs).

Once dismissed as ‘fake’, they are now revolutionising the market, forcing even traditional jewellers to rethink their offerings.

In this deep dive, we’ll uncover:
✅ How lab-grown diamonds are disrupting the industry
✅ Why natural diamond prices are falling
✅ The pricing, resale value, and science of both
✅ The right choice for buyers and sellers in today’s market

Let’s break it all down and help you make an informed decision.

The Rise of Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Market Shift

LGDs are no longer just a niche product. Once seen as a synthetic alternative, they have now become a mainstream choice for consumers and brands alike. Major luxury retailers, including Pandora and even De Beers (ironically, a company built on natural diamonds), have embraced LGDs. 

Let’s address the biggest myth: Lab-grown diamonds are not fake.

💎 Both natural and LGDs are made of pure carbon, forming identical crystal structures.

💎 They have the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), meaning they’re equally durable.

💎 Even trained gemologists can’t tell the difference without specialized equipment.

So, if they’re chemically, physically, and visually identical, why is the industry in turmoil?

A Billion Years vs. A Few Weeks: The Origin Story

Natural diamonds were formed 1 to 3 billion years ago, deep within the Earth, under intense pressure and heat. They are mined from countries like Russia, Botswana, and Canada, with De Beers controlling most of the global supply.

On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds are created in high-tech laboratories in just 2 to 6 weeks. Scientists use two methods to achieve this:

• HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) – Mimics Earth’s natural formation process.
• CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) – Uses carbon gas to grow the diamond layer by layer.

The results? Indistinguishable from mined diamonds.

The Price War: Why Natural Diamonds Are Losing Value

Here’s where things get interesting.

For decades, natural diamonds were artificially priced high thanks to tight supply control by companies like De Beers. However, with lab-grown diamonds flooding the market, prices have plummeted.

📉 Natural Diamond Prices (2019-2024)

• In 2022, a 1-carat natural diamond cost $6,600.
• By 2023, the same diamond dropped to $5,300.
• In 2024, some wholesalers report a 35-40% price decline in larger diamonds.

📈 Lab-Grown Diamond Prices (2019-2024)

• In 2016, a 1-carat LGD cost $4,000.
• By 2020, the price fell to $2,000.
• In 2024, it’s around $800-1,000, making it up to 70% cheaper than a natural diamond. 

(Please note, all prices mentioned are an average, prices vary according to multiple factors including the 4Cs)

Why Are Prices Dropping?

1️⃣ Oversupply – With diamonds being produced in labs globally, supply is no longer scarce.
2️⃣ Changing Consumer Behavior – Gen Z and Millennials prioritize sustainability and affordability over tradition.
3️⃣ Retailers Adapting – Even luxury brands like Tiffany & Co. and Pandora have embraced lab-grown diamonds.

Natural Diamonds: The Declining Value & Changing Perceptions

For centuries, natural diamonds have been seen as a store of value—rare, precious, and an investment. However, recent trends indicate a decline in their worth:

📉 Market Prices Dropping – The price of natural diamonds has fallen by over 35% in the last two years, largely due to the rise of LGDs.

📉 Resale Value Concerns – Many jewellers and resellers now offer lower buyback rates for natural diamonds due to fluctuating demand.

📉 Perceived Scarcity is Changing – With technological advancements, the exclusivity of natural diamonds is being questioned.

Why the surge in demand of Lab Grown Diamonds?

✅ Affordability – Lab-grown diamonds cost up to 70% less than natural diamonds, offering a luxurious look at a fraction of the price.
✅ Ethical & Sustainable – No mining, no environmental destruction, and no conflict concerns.
✅ Identical to Natural Diamonds – Chemically and physically the same, with no visible difference.
✅ Growing Popularity – Younger consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are prioritizing sustainability and cost-effectiveness over tradition.

The global lab-grown diamond market is booming, and some experts predict LGDs could dominate the diamond industry in the coming years.

Despite these challenges, natural diamonds still hold emotional and historical value. Some collectors and investors continue to see them as a long-term asset, believing their rarity will eventually regain significance.

Key Differences: Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds

Which One Should You Choose?

💎 Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds if:

✔️ You are looking for a bigger, better-looking diamond for less.(Stunning yet affordable.)
✔️ You prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing.
✔️ You’re buying for personal use rather than resale or invesment.

💎 Stick with Natural Diamonds if:

✔️ You value tradition, rarity, and natural formation.
✔️ You want a piece that may retain some investment value.
✔️ You prefer the emotional and historical significance of earth mined diamonds.

Final Verdict: The Future of Diamonds

The diamond industry is at a turning point. While natural diamonds may never fully disappear, their once-unshakable grip on the market is fading. Meanwhile, lab-grown diamonds are rewriting the rules, making luxury more accessible than ever.

For Jewellers, this is a wake-up call: Adapt to consumer demand or risk being left behind.

At British D'sire, we embrace both worlds—giving you the freedom to choose between timeless natural diamonds and cutting-edge lab-grown brilliance.

Which side of history will you be on? The legacy of the past or the innovation of the future? Tell us now in the comments below.