Lab vs. mined diamond engagement ring

[Anonymous]

I always wanted a “real” diamond engagement ring but lab diamonds are really exploding in popularity right now and you can obviously get a much nicer quality diamond for less. I really can’t decide how I feel about it (I’m the woman - boyfriend just wants me to be happy and doesn’t care either way). I didn’t have lab diamonds on my radar when we started looking, but I’ve seen some incredible comparisons online of what you can get. Our budget is around $20k or so. I’d like around a 2 carat diamond and those are maybe 50-60% of the budget in a really nice quality lab stone. What I want in a mined diamond ring would be at least $20k for decent quality.

For context, we already own a SFH and a condo between us, have good jobs, etc. so the money isn’t necessarily the concern but the practical side of me says why not spend less and still get what I want. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

“Real” diamonds come with very real ethical issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“Real” diamonds come with very real ethical issues.

+100 being aware of those issues, I have no idea why anyone would want a “real” mined diamond. Lab-created is still real.

[Anonymous]

Lab diamonds weren't a thing when I got engaged - they only came in small sizes.

If I got engaged today, I'd probably go for it. Larger stone for the price and you can feel good about where it came from.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:“Real” diamonds come with very real ethical issues.

+100 being aware of those issues, I have no idea why anyone would want a “real” mined diamond. Lab-created is still real.

+10000 agree with all of the above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“Real” diamonds come with very real ethical issues.

That is very true. I’ve been looking at antique diamonds where ethical issues would be less of a concern than a new diamond, but they’re hard to find in good quality.

[Anonymous]

I’m a big fan of lab diamonds, though I’m not sure I would want it for my wedding set. That’s such a sentimental piece of jewelry, it was important to me that we go with actual diamonds. I would consider it for other pieces like a solitaire pendant or earrings.

When I was getting engaged (back in 2016), moissanite was the primary lab created alternative and it was far more price competitive than what you’re citing. Said differently, I don’t know that I would spend $10k on a 2 carat equivalent lab diamond. With moissanite, that was much closer to $2-4k? I can’t remember.

If you have the $20k to spend, I would get a diamond and go through a vendor you trust.

[Anonymous]

I would not spend $10k on a fake diamond. Got my engaging ring close to 20 years ago, and it was $25k for a 2 carat. Have diamonds gone down that much in value?

[Anonymous]

I have a lab diamond engagement and wedding ring, although mine are blue diamonds. Back when I got engaged they couldn't consistently make white lab diamonds yet. I was intrigued by the idea of it and like my unique-looking wedding set. Obviously you're looking for something traditional-looking instead, so I can't really speak to that side.

We used D.nea. They are still around and it was a good experience working with them. Would recommend.

[Anonymous]

I have a moissanite and love it. Diamonds are overrated. I’ve had it for nearly a decade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a big fan of lab diamonds, though I’m not sure I would want it for my wedding set. That’s such a sentimental piece of jewelry, it was important to me that we go with actual diamonds. I would consider it for other pieces like a solitaire pendant or earrings.

When I was getting engaged (back in 2016), moissanite was the primary lab created alternative and it was far more price competitive than what you’re citing. Said differently, I don’t know that I would spend $10k on a 2 carat equivalent lab diamond. With moissanite, that was much closer to $2-4k? I can’t remember.

If you have the $20k to spend, I would get a diamond and go through a vendor you trust.

PP. I just went on Moissaniteco and a 2 carat equivalent round Forever One stone in a platinum is like $2k. So nope, I wouldn’t buy a lab diamond for $10k.

One other thing - in larger sizes, from what I remember, lab diamonds look more obviously like a diamond alternative. Not a huge deal, but know yourself and if this would embarrass you. Im all for passing off stones as mined diamonds, but if being “found out”’ would make you uncomfortable, it’s something to consider.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a big fan of lab diamonds, though I’m not sure I would want it for my wedding set. That’s such a sentimental piece of jewelry, it was important to me that we go with actual diamonds. I would consider it for other pieces like a solitaire pendant or earrings.

When I was getting engaged (back in 2016), moissanite was the primary lab created alternative and it was far more price competitive than what you’re citing. Said differently, I don’t know that I would spend $10k on a 2 carat equivalent lab diamond. With moissanite, that was much closer to $2-4k? I can’t remember.

If you have the $20k to spend, I would get a diamond and go through a vendor you trust.

PP. I just went on Moissaniteco and a 2 carat equivalent round Forever One stone in a platinum is like $2k. So nope, I wouldn’t buy a lab diamond for $10k.

One other thing - in larger sizes, from what I remember, lab diamonds look more obviously like a diamond alternative. Not a huge deal, but know yourself and if this would embarrass you. Im all for passing off stones as mined diamonds, but if being “found out”’ would make you uncomfortable, it’s something to consider.

Interesting. I haven’t heard that before and I’ve been doing a lot of research into lab diamonds. I’ll have to research that.

Lab diamonds aren’t that cheap in the super premium cut and quality I’d be seeking, I guess. I mean, you can definitely get an okay one for much cheaper. In either case, still a very substantial cost savings over mined. I’m sure other stones are lovely but I’d like the look and durability of a diamond.

[Anonymous]

No one will be able to tell the difference. Go for the ethical choice. Personally, I'd get a moissanite if I had to do it all over again, but in your situation, I'd get a lab diamond for sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not spend $10k on a fake diamond. Got my engaging ring close to 20 years ago, and it was $25k for a 2 carat. Have diamonds gone down that much in value?

You're an idiot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not spend $10k on a fake diamond. Got my engaging ring close to 20 years ago, and it was $25k for a 2 carat. Have diamonds gone down that much in value?

Yes. 25k diamond 20 years ago will go for about 6k on the current market.