Do you judge other women’s engagement rings?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lab stones are so weird to me. I wouldn’t do it. They have no resale value - at least a real diamond has some and has actual market value. An engagement ring should be expensive. It means something. I want to be able to give my ring to my kids. I doubt they’d want some costume jewelry. It feels like buying a fake Chanel off canal street. Sure, they’re made in the same factory! They’re basically the same! But one is actually made by the earth naturally forever ago and one is made in a microwave. It seems so unromantic.

Lab stones are real diamonds without the ethical issues.
Mined diamonds have horrible resale.

The resale value of natural diamonds is not terrible. No worse than lots of other luxury items. Large market for vintage Tiffany pieces etc. large market for large stones. Old mine cuts.

The ethical piece is simply used as a tool by those who want a big rock and don’t want to pay. I don’t believe for a second that’s the motivator. If that’s true, they wouldn’t be supporting the market. And if that’s the case, don’t own a cell phone or other electronic clearly made by slave labor. Isn’t that just as terrible? Yes. Yes it is.

Go ahead and see what someone will give you for your diamond. Sure, they’ll turn around and sell it for a good amount but YOU won’t get much at all for it. It’s the biggest shake down in an industry that’s the ultimate shakedown to begin with.

Oh I get that. But a lab Diamond is scrap. Nobody would ever take it to resell it. You wouldn’t pass it down. Etc.

I got my ring way before the lab diamond shift but... why couldn't you pass it down? People pass down costume jewelry. And there's nothing wrong with a lab diamond, it's just not as "special" as a mined diamond. It's still pretty (sometimes prettier because they are perfect). Plus a ring is more than a diamond, there's the band as well.

If my mother had a lab diamond ring and it was a pretty ring and she left it to me, I don't think I'd care that it was a lab diamond. I really don't. It's not like it is going to crumble to dust. It's a diamond.

Hmmm, I don’t jnow. The cost just keeps dropping like crazy. I was just looking to replace a lost ring and the cost for my original diamond size was $30k. The cost for a lab the same size was literally $6k. And no, they’re not all perfect it’s like regular diamonds. They have flaws, colors etc. I just feel like if it’s that cheap …?

Lol what is the inherent value of a mined diamond? It doesn't have one. It's pressurized coal. Your diamond cost 30k due to high demand and relative scarcity. Lab diamonds upend this dynamic by eliminating scarcity. Not only are there more diamonds, but you have the ability to keep making more and more very easily.

But they are all diamonds. The quality of a lab diamond is not inferior. A diamond is a diamond. You literally just said it -- "they're not all perfect it's like regular diamonds." Because they are regular diamonds!

I know this might be a hard pill to swallow if you spent that much on your ring, but it was only "worth" that because lots of people wanted one and there weren't enough rings of that size and quality for them to cost less. But now there are. The intrinsic qualities of the diamond have not changed.

The price has gone up for a real same sized diamond. And it is possible to tell a lab on an easy scope scan. I also assume people that have enormous ones have labs. I just wouldn’t do it. Go right ahead, who is stopping you. Just seems trashy.

Not pp but isn’t that kind of the “issue” with diamonds now? Only a jeweler with the tools to do so knows the difference and everyone assumes a big diamond is a lab. A lot of people bought diamonds to show off that they could but there is no longer that appeal. And if you didn’t want a big one or to look “flashy” or “tacky” you could buy a smaller lab. Idk I really can’t think of a compelling reason to buy mined at this point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lab stones are so weird to me. I wouldn’t do it. They have no resale value - at least a real diamond has some and has actual market value. An engagement ring should be expensive. It means something. I want to be able to give my ring to my kids. I doubt they’d want some costume jewelry. It feels like buying a fake Chanel off canal street. Sure, they’re made in the same factory! They’re basically the same! But one is actually made by the earth naturally forever ago and one is made in a microwave. It seems so unromantic.

Lab stones are real diamonds without the ethical issues.
Mined diamonds have horrible resale.

The resale value of natural diamonds is not terrible. No worse than lots of other luxury items. Large market for vintage Tiffany pieces etc. large market for large stones. Old mine cuts.

The ethical piece is simply used as a tool by those who want a big rock and don’t want to pay. I don’t believe for a second that’s the motivator. If that’s true, they wouldn’t be supporting the market. And if that’s the case, don’t own a cell phone or other electronic clearly made by slave labor. Isn’t that just as terrible? Yes. Yes it is.

Go ahead and see what someone will give you for your diamond. Sure, they’ll turn around and sell it for a good amount but YOU won’t get much at all for it. It’s the biggest shake down in an industry that’s the ultimate shakedown to begin with.

Oh I get that. But a lab Diamond is scrap. Nobody would ever take it to resell it. You wouldn’t pass it down. Etc.

I got my ring way before the lab diamond shift but... why couldn't you pass it down? People pass down costume jewelry. And there's nothing wrong with a lab diamond, it's just not as "special" as a mined diamond. It's still pretty (sometimes prettier because they are perfect). Plus a ring is more than a diamond, there's the band as well.

If my mother had a lab diamond ring and it was a pretty ring and she left it to me, I don't think I'd care that it was a lab diamond. I really don't. It's not like it is going to crumble to dust. It's a diamond.

Hmmm, I don’t jnow. The cost just keeps dropping like crazy. I was just looking to replace a lost ring and the cost for my original diamond size was $30k. The cost for a lab the same size was literally $6k. And no, they’re not all perfect it’s like regular diamonds. They have flaws, colors etc. I just feel like if it’s that cheap …?

Lol what is the inherent value of a mined diamond? It doesn't have one. It's pressurized coal. Your diamond cost 30k due to high demand and relative scarcity. Lab diamonds upend this dynamic by eliminating scarcity. Not only are there more diamonds, but you have the ability to keep making more and more very easily.

But they are all diamonds. The quality of a lab diamond is not inferior. A diamond is a diamond. You literally just said it -- "they're not all perfect it's like regular diamonds." Because they are regular diamonds!

I know this might be a hard pill to swallow if you spent that much on your ring, but it was only "worth" that because lots of people wanted one and there weren't enough rings of that size and quality for them to cost less. But now there are. The intrinsic qualities of the diamond have not changed.

The price has gone up for a real same sized diamond. And it is possible to tell a lab on an easy scope scan. I also assume people that have enormous ones have labs. I just wouldn’t do it. Go right ahead, who is stopping you. Just seems trashy.

Not pp but isn’t that kind of the “issue” with diamonds now? Only a jeweler with the tools to do so knows the difference and everyone assumes a big diamond is a lab. A lot of people bought diamonds to show off that they could but there is no longer that appeal. And if you didn’t want a big one or to look “flashy” or “tacky” you could buy a smaller lab. Idk I really can’t think of a compelling reason to buy mined at this point.

I guess it’s the same reason we ever buy something that’s a scarce commodity. There are all kinds of knock off bags. I’d rather have a non designer one. If I’m getting something I want the real deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lab stones are so weird to me. I wouldn’t do it. They have no resale value - at least a real diamond has some and has actual market value. An engagement ring should be expensive. It means something. I want to be able to give my ring to my kids. I doubt they’d want some costume jewelry. It feels like buying a fake Chanel off canal street. Sure, they’re made in the same factory! They’re basically the same! But one is actually made by the earth naturally forever ago and one is made in a microwave. It seems so unromantic.

Lab stones are real diamonds without the ethical issues.
Mined diamonds have horrible resale.

The resale value of natural diamonds is not terrible. No worse than lots of other luxury items. Large market for vintage Tiffany pieces etc. large market for large stones. Old mine cuts.

The ethical piece is simply used as a tool by those who want a big rock and don’t want to pay. I don’t believe for a second that’s the motivator. If that’s true, they wouldn’t be supporting the market. And if that’s the case, don’t own a cell phone or other electronic clearly made by slave labor. Isn’t that just as terrible? Yes. Yes it is.

Go ahead and see what someone will give you for your diamond. Sure, they’ll turn around and sell it for a good amount but YOU won’t get much at all for it. It’s the biggest shake down in an industry that’s the ultimate shakedown to begin with.

Oh I get that. But a lab Diamond is scrap. Nobody would ever take it to resell it. You wouldn’t pass it down. Etc.

I got my ring way before the lab diamond shift but... why couldn't you pass it down? People pass down costume jewelry. And there's nothing wrong with a lab diamond, it's just not as "special" as a mined diamond. It's still pretty (sometimes prettier because they are perfect). Plus a ring is more than a diamond, there's the band as well.

If my mother had a lab diamond ring and it was a pretty ring and she left it to me, I don't think I'd care that it was a lab diamond. I really don't. It's not like it is going to crumble to dust. It's a diamond.

Hmmm, I don’t jnow. The cost just keeps dropping like crazy. I was just looking to replace a lost ring and the cost for my original diamond size was $30k. The cost for a lab the same size was literally $6k. And no, they’re not all perfect it’s like regular diamonds. They have flaws, colors etc. I just feel like if it’s that cheap …?

Lol what is the inherent value of a mined diamond? It doesn't have one. It's pressurized coal. Your diamond cost 30k due to high demand and relative scarcity. Lab diamonds upend this dynamic by eliminating scarcity. Not only are there more diamonds, but you have the ability to keep making more and more very easily.

But they are all diamonds. The quality of a lab diamond is not inferior. A diamond is a diamond. You literally just said it -- "they're not all perfect it's like regular diamonds." Because they are regular diamonds!

I know this might be a hard pill to swallow if you spent that much on your ring, but it was only "worth" that because lots of people wanted one and there weren't enough rings of that size and quality for them to cost less. But now there are. The intrinsic qualities of the diamond have not changed.

The price has gone up for a real same sized diamond. And it is possible to tell a lab on an easy scope scan. I also assume people that have enormous ones have labs. I just wouldn’t do it. Go right ahead, who is stopping you. Just seems trashy.

Not pp but isn’t that kind of the “issue” with diamonds now? Only a jeweler with the tools to do so knows the difference and everyone assumes a big diamond is a lab. A lot of people bought diamonds to show off that they could but there is no longer that appeal. And if you didn’t want a big one or to look “flashy” or “tacky” you could buy a smaller lab. Idk I really can’t think of a compelling reason to buy mined at this point.

I guess it’s the same reason we ever buy something that’s a scarce commodity. There are all kinds of knock off bags. I’d rather have a non designer one. If I’m getting something I want the real deal.

Also if you have the budget, you buy real. The market reflects this. Your ring should fit your lifestyle. It makes no sense to have some huge ring and be financially adrift.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lab stones are so weird to me. I wouldn’t do it. They have no resale value - at least a real diamond has some and has actual market value. An engagement ring should be expensive. It means something. I want to be able to give my ring to my kids. I doubt they’d want some costume jewelry. It feels like buying a fake Chanel off canal street. Sure, they’re made in the same factory! They’re basically the same! But one is actually made by the earth naturally forever ago and one is made in a microwave. It seems so unromantic.

Lab stones are real diamonds without the ethical issues.
Mined diamonds have horrible resale.

The resale value of natural diamonds is not terrible. No worse than lots of other luxury items. Large market for vintage Tiffany pieces etc. large market for large stones. Old mine cuts.

The ethical piece is simply used as a tool by those who want a big rock and don’t want to pay. I don’t believe for a second that’s the motivator. If that’s true, they wouldn’t be supporting the market. And if that’s the case, don’t own a cell phone or other electronic clearly made by slave labor. Isn’t that just as terrible? Yes. Yes it is.

Go ahead and see what someone will give you for your diamond. Sure, they’ll turn around and sell it for a good amount but YOU won’t get much at all for it. It’s the biggest shake down in an industry that’s the ultimate shakedown to begin with.

Oh I get that. But a lab Diamond is scrap. Nobody would ever take it to resell it. You wouldn’t pass it down. Etc.

I got my ring way before the lab diamond shift but... why couldn't you pass it down? People pass down costume jewelry. And there's nothing wrong with a lab diamond, it's just not as "special" as a mined diamond. It's still pretty (sometimes prettier because they are perfect). Plus a ring is more than a diamond, there's the band as well.

If my mother had a lab diamond ring and it was a pretty ring and she left it to me, I don't think I'd care that it was a lab diamond. I really don't. It's not like it is going to crumble to dust. It's a diamond.

Hmmm, I don’t jnow. The cost just keeps dropping like crazy. I was just looking to replace a lost ring and the cost for my original diamond size was $30k. The cost for a lab the same size was literally $6k. And no, they’re not all perfect it’s like regular diamonds. They have flaws, colors etc. I just feel like if it’s that cheap …?

Lol what is the inherent value of a mined diamond? It doesn't have one. It's pressurized coal. Your diamond cost 30k due to high demand and relative scarcity. Lab diamonds upend this dynamic by eliminating scarcity. Not only are there more diamonds, but you have the ability to keep making more and more very easily.

But they are all diamonds. The quality of a lab diamond is not inferior. A diamond is a diamond. You literally just said it -- "they're not all perfect it's like regular diamonds." Because they are regular diamonds!

I know this might be a hard pill to swallow if you spent that much on your ring, but it was only "worth" that because lots of people wanted one and there weren't enough rings of that size and quality for them to cost less. But now there are. The intrinsic qualities of the diamond have not changed.

The price has gone up for a real same sized diamond. And it is possible to tell a lab on an easy scope scan. I also assume people that have enormous ones have labs. I just wouldn’t do it. Go right ahead, who is stopping you. Just seems trashy.

Not pp but isn’t that kind of the “issue” with diamonds now? Only a jeweler with the tools to do so knows the difference and everyone assumes a big diamond is a lab. A lot of people bought diamonds to show off that they could but there is no longer that appeal. And if you didn’t want a big one or to look “flashy” or “tacky” you could buy a smaller lab. Idk I really can’t think of a compelling reason to buy mined at this point.

I guess it’s the same reason we ever buy something that’s a scarce commodity. There are all kinds of knock off bags. I’d rather have a non designer one. If I’m getting something I want the real deal.

I wouldn’t see the fake bag analogy as comparable. It’s seems more like two non brand leather bags of equal quality but you absolutely love the store one of them is sold at so you buy from there even though it’s more expensive. It’s an attachment to the source, not the product.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lab stones are so weird to me. I wouldn’t do it. They have no resale value - at least a real diamond has some and has actual market value. An engagement ring should be expensive. It means something. I want to be able to give my ring to my kids. I doubt they’d want some costume jewelry. It feels like buying a fake Chanel off canal street. Sure, they’re made in the same factory! They’re basically the same! But one is actually made by the earth naturally forever ago and one is made in a microwave. It seems so unromantic.

Lab stones are real diamonds without the ethical issues.
Mined diamonds have horrible resale.

The resale value of natural diamonds is not terrible. No worse than lots of other luxury items. Large market for vintage Tiffany pieces etc. large market for large stones. Old mine cuts.

The ethical piece is simply used as a tool by those who want a big rock and don’t want to pay. I don’t believe for a second that’s the motivator. If that’s true, they wouldn’t be supporting the market. And if that’s the case, don’t own a cell phone or other electronic clearly made by slave labor. Isn’t that just as terrible? Yes. Yes it is.

Go ahead and see what someone will give you for your diamond. Sure, they’ll turn around and sell it for a good amount but YOU won’t get much at all for it. It’s the biggest shake down in an industry that’s the ultimate shakedown to begin with.

Oh I get that. But a lab Diamond is scrap. Nobody would ever take it to resell it. You wouldn’t pass it down. Etc.

I got my ring way before the lab diamond shift but... why couldn't you pass it down? People pass down costume jewelry. And there's nothing wrong with a lab diamond, it's just not as "special" as a mined diamond. It's still pretty (sometimes prettier because they are perfect). Plus a ring is more than a diamond, there's the band as well.

If my mother had a lab diamond ring and it was a pretty ring and she left it to me, I don't think I'd care that it was a lab diamond. I really don't. It's not like it is going to crumble to dust. It's a diamond.

Hmmm, I don’t jnow. The cost just keeps dropping like crazy. I was just looking to replace a lost ring and the cost for my original diamond size was $30k. The cost for a lab the same size was literally $6k. And no, they’re not all perfect it’s like regular diamonds. They have flaws, colors etc. I just feel like if it’s that cheap …?

Lol what is the inherent value of a mined diamond? It doesn't have one. It's pressurized coal. Your diamond cost 30k due to high demand and relative scarcity. Lab diamonds upend this dynamic by eliminating scarcity. Not only are there more diamonds, but you have the ability to keep making more and more very easily.

But they are all diamonds. The quality of a lab diamond is not inferior. A diamond is a diamond. You literally just said it -- "they're not all perfect it's like regular diamonds." Because they are regular diamonds!

I know this might be a hard pill to swallow if you spent that much on your ring, but it was only "worth" that because lots of people wanted one and there weren't enough rings of that size and quality for them to cost less. But now there are. The intrinsic qualities of the diamond have not changed.

The price has gone up for a real same sized diamond. And it is possible to tell a lab on an easy scope scan. I also assume people that have enormous ones have labs. I just wouldn’t do it. Go right ahead, who is stopping you. Just seems trashy.

Not pp but isn’t that kind of the “issue” with diamonds now? Only a jeweler with the tools to do so knows the difference and everyone assumes a big diamond is a lab. A lot of people bought diamonds to show off that they could but there is no longer that appeal. And if you didn’t want a big one or to look “flashy” or “tacky” you could buy a smaller lab. Idk I really can’t think of a compelling reason to buy mined at this point.

I guess it’s the same reason we ever buy something that’s a scarce commodity. There are all kinds of knock off bags. I’d rather have a non designer one. If I’m getting something I want the real deal.

I wouldn’t see the fake bag analogy as comparable. It’s seems more like two non brand leather bags of equal quality but you absolutely love the store one of them is sold at so you buy from there even though it’s more expensive. It’s an attachment to the source, not the product.

No. The lab ones are stamped as LAB and have the same exact growth pattern. Each regular one is distinct. Lab ones are going to be virtually worthless very soon. They are being produced at an insane rate. Will the market shift? Who knows.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lab stones are so weird to me. I wouldn’t do it. They have no resale value - at least a real diamond has some and has actual market value. An engagement ring should be expensive. It means something. I want to be able to give my ring to my kids. I doubt they’d want some costume jewelry. It feels like buying a fake Chanel off canal street. Sure, they’re made in the same factory! They’re basically the same! But one is actually made by the earth naturally forever ago and one is made in a microwave. It seems so unromantic.

Lab stones are real diamonds without the ethical issues.
Mined diamonds have horrible resale.

The resale value of natural diamonds is not terrible. No worse than lots of other luxury items. Large market for vintage Tiffany pieces etc. large market for large stones. Old mine cuts.

The ethical piece is simply used as a tool by those who want a big rock and don’t want to pay. I don’t believe for a second that’s the motivator. If that’s true, they wouldn’t be supporting the market. And if that’s the case, don’t own a cell phone or other electronic clearly made by slave labor. Isn’t that just as terrible? Yes. Yes it is.

Go ahead and see what someone will give you for your diamond. Sure, they’ll turn around and sell it for a good amount but YOU won’t get much at all for it. It’s the biggest shake down in an industry that’s the ultimate shakedown to begin with.

Oh I get that. But a lab Diamond is scrap. Nobody would ever take it to resell it. You wouldn’t pass it down. Etc.

I got my ring way before the lab diamond shift but... why couldn't you pass it down? People pass down costume jewelry. And there's nothing wrong with a lab diamond, it's just not as "special" as a mined diamond. It's still pretty (sometimes prettier because they are perfect). Plus a ring is more than a diamond, there's the band as well.

If my mother had a lab diamond ring and it was a pretty ring and she left it to me, I don't think I'd care that it was a lab diamond. I really don't. It's not like it is going to crumble to dust. It's a diamond.

Hmmm, I don’t jnow. The cost just keeps dropping like crazy. I was just looking to replace a lost ring and the cost for my original diamond size was $30k. The cost for a lab the same size was literally $6k. And no, they’re not all perfect it’s like regular diamonds. They have flaws, colors etc. I just feel like if it’s that cheap …?

Lol what is the inherent value of a mined diamond? It doesn't have one. It's pressurized coal. Your diamond cost 30k due to high demand and relative scarcity. Lab diamonds upend this dynamic by eliminating scarcity. Not only are there more diamonds, but you have the ability to keep making more and more very easily.

But they are all diamonds. The quality of a lab diamond is not inferior. A diamond is a diamond. You literally just said it -- "they're not all perfect it's like regular diamonds." Because they are regular diamonds!

I know this might be a hard pill to swallow if you spent that much on your ring, but it was only "worth" that because lots of people wanted one and there weren't enough rings of that size and quality for them to cost less. But now there are. The intrinsic qualities of the diamond have not changed.

The price has gone up for a real same sized diamond. And it is possible to tell a lab on an easy scope scan. I also assume people that have enormous ones have labs. I just wouldn’t do it. Go right ahead, who is stopping you. Just seems trashy.

Not pp but isn’t that kind of the “issue” with diamonds now? Only a jeweler with the tools to do so knows the difference and everyone assumes a big diamond is a lab. A lot of people bought diamonds to show off that they could but there is no longer that appeal. And if you didn’t want a big one or to look “flashy” or “tacky” you could buy a smaller lab. Idk I really can’t think of a compelling reason to buy mined at this point.

I guess it’s the same reason we ever buy something that’s a scarce commodity. There are all kinds of knock off bags. I’d rather have a non designer one. If I’m getting something I want the real deal.

I wouldn’t see the fake bag analogy as comparable. It’s seems more like two non brand leather bags of equal quality but you absolutely love the store one of them is sold at so you buy from there even though it’s more expensive. It’s an attachment to the source, not the product.

No. The lab ones are stamped as LAB and have the same exact growth pattern. Each regular one is distinct. Lab ones are going to be virtually worthless very soon. They are being produced at an insane rate. Will the market shift? Who knows.

The wearer will know they are wearing a lab. I have to imagine that makes it feel less special.

[Anonymous]

I have a mined diamond but I derive zero pleasure from knowing it's "real." It was purchased from a jeweler who certifies all their diamonds are conflict-free, so I guess there is some value in that, but a lab diamond would be guaranteed to be conflict free.

To me the value in a diamond engagement ring is (1) it's pretty, and (2) it was a gift from my husband when we decided to get married. That's it.

I would never go for a huge diamond, mined or lab, because it's not my style and I wouldn't wear it very often. But if I was getting engaged today, I'd definitely be looking at lab diamonds. Cheaper, more ethical, and all the same options for size, cut, etc. Why not? It's just a piece of jewelry and it's value comes in its symbolic significance, not how it was formed.

[Anonymous]

100% I would buy a lab diamond if doing it over again.

I have a lovely antique sapphire ring from my grandmother and when the stone cracked, I replaced it with a lab sapphire. It’s great!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lab stones are so weird to me. I wouldn’t do it. They have no resale value - at least a real diamond has some and has actual market value. An engagement ring should be expensive. It means something. I want to be able to give my ring to my kids. I doubt they’d want some costume jewelry. It feels like buying a fake Chanel off canal street. Sure, they’re made in the same factory! They’re basically the same! But one is actually made by the earth naturally forever ago and one is made in a microwave. It seems so unromantic.

Lab stones are real diamonds without the ethical issues.
Mined diamonds have horrible resale.

The resale value of natural diamonds is not terrible. No worse than lots of other luxury items. Large market for vintage Tiffany pieces etc. large market for large stones. Old mine cuts.

The ethical piece is simply used as a tool by those who want a big rock and don’t want to pay. I don’t believe for a second that’s the motivator. If that’s true, they wouldn’t be supporting the market. And if that’s the case, don’t own a cell phone or other electronic clearly made by slave labor. Isn’t that just as terrible? Yes. Yes it is.

Go ahead and see what someone will give you for your diamond. Sure, they’ll turn around and sell it for a good amount but YOU won’t get much at all for it. It’s the biggest shake down in an industry that’s the ultimate shakedown to begin with.

Oh I get that. But a lab Diamond is scrap. Nobody would ever take it to resell it. You wouldn’t pass it down. Etc.

I got my ring way before the lab diamond shift but... why couldn't you pass it down? People pass down costume jewelry. And there's nothing wrong with a lab diamond, it's just not as "special" as a mined diamond. It's still pretty (sometimes prettier because they are perfect). Plus a ring is more than a diamond, there's the band as well.

If my mother had a lab diamond ring and it was a pretty ring and she left it to me, I don't think I'd care that it was a lab diamond. I really don't. It's not like it is going to crumble to dust. It's a diamond.

Hmmm, I don’t jnow. The cost just keeps dropping like crazy. I was just looking to replace a lost ring and the cost for my original diamond size was $30k. The cost for a lab the same size was literally $6k. And no, they’re not all perfect it’s like regular diamonds. They have flaws, colors etc. I just feel like if it’s that cheap …?

Lol what is the inherent value of a mined diamond? It doesn't have one. It's pressurized coal. Your diamond cost 30k due to high demand and relative scarcity. Lab diamonds upend this dynamic by eliminating scarcity. Not only are there more diamonds, but you have the ability to keep making more and more very easily.

But they are all diamonds. The quality of a lab diamond is not inferior. A diamond is a diamond. You literally just said it -- "they're not all perfect it's like regular diamonds." Because they are regular diamonds!

I know this might be a hard pill to swallow if you spent that much on your ring, but it was only "worth" that because lots of people wanted one and there weren't enough rings of that size and quality for them to cost less. But now there are. The intrinsic qualities of the diamond have not changed.

The price has gone up for a real same sized diamond. And it is possible to tell a lab on an easy scope scan. I also assume people that have enormous ones have labs. I just wouldn’t do it. Go right ahead, who is stopping you. Just seems trashy.

Not pp but isn’t that kind of the “issue” with diamonds now? Only a jeweler with the tools to do so knows the difference and everyone assumes a big diamond is a lab. A lot of people bought diamonds to show off that they could but there is no longer that appeal. And if you didn’t want a big one or to look “flashy” or “tacky” you could buy a smaller lab. Idk I really can’t think of a compelling reason to buy mined at this point.

I guess it’s the same reason we ever buy something that’s a scarce commodity. There are all kinds of knock off bags. I’d rather have a non designer one. If I’m getting something I want the real deal.

A lab diamond is not like a knock off bag unless it's being fake branded as a Tiffany's ring or something. Or I guess if the wearer walked around claiming it was a mined diamond. If you buy a lab diamond from Lightbox or similar and act like a normal person, you are not buying a "knock off." You are wearing a diamond ring that happened to be made in a lab instead of mined.

The best analogy I can come up with is that it's like drinking sparkling wine from California or Australia instead of champagne from Champagne. There maybe some differences in how it's made and certainly experts can tell the difference. But for most people, it's all champagne and they derive the same pleasure from it and don't really get hung up on the provenance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lab stones are so weird to me. I wouldn’t do it. They have no resale value - at least a real diamond has some and has actual market value. An engagement ring should be expensive. It means something. I want to be able to give my ring to my kids. I doubt they’d want some costume jewelry. It feels like buying a fake Chanel off canal street. Sure, they’re made in the same factory! They’re basically the same! But one is actually made by the earth naturally forever ago and one is made in a microwave. It seems so unromantic.

Lab stones are real diamonds without the ethical issues.
Mined diamonds have horrible resale.

The resale value of natural diamonds is not terrible. No worse than lots of other luxury items. Large market for vintage Tiffany pieces etc. large market for large stones. Old mine cuts.

The ethical piece is simply used as a tool by those who want a big rock and don’t want to pay. I don’t believe for a second that’s the motivator. If that’s true, they wouldn’t be supporting the market. And if that’s the case, don’t own a cell phone or other electronic clearly made by slave labor. Isn’t that just as terrible? Yes. Yes it is.

Go ahead and see what someone will give you for your diamond. Sure, they’ll turn around and sell it for a good amount but YOU won’t get much at all for it. It’s the biggest shake down in an industry that’s the ultimate shakedown to begin with.

Oh I get that. But a lab Diamond is scrap. Nobody would ever take it to resell it. You wouldn’t pass it down. Etc.

I got my ring way before the lab diamond shift but... why couldn't you pass it down? People pass down costume jewelry. And there's nothing wrong with a lab diamond, it's just not as "special" as a mined diamond. It's still pretty (sometimes prettier because they are perfect). Plus a ring is more than a diamond, there's the band as well.

If my mother had a lab diamond ring and it was a pretty ring and she left it to me, I don't think I'd care that it was a lab diamond. I really don't. It's not like it is going to crumble to dust. It's a diamond.

Not to mention that most people wouldn't know.

We recently discovered that our heritage strand of pearls was ... not pearls (the jewelers box is legit). Had the 4th generation not felt the need to have them restrung, no one would ever have known. But whether great-great-great-Grandpa was cheap or swindled, we'll never know, and only one bride has mentioned having them photoshopped out of her wedding photo, LOL! I guess no one ever bothered to try to get them insured.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lab stones are so weird to me. I wouldn’t do it. They have no resale value - at least a real diamond has some and has actual market value. An engagement ring should be expensive. It means something. I want to be able to give my ring to my kids. I doubt they’d want some costume jewelry. It feels like buying a fake Chanel off canal street. Sure, they’re made in the same factory! They’re basically the same! But one is actually made by the earth naturally forever ago and one is made in a microwave. It seems so unromantic.

Lab stones are real diamonds without the ethical issues.
Mined diamonds have horrible resale.

The resale value of natural diamonds is not terrible. No worse than lots of other luxury items. Large market for vintage Tiffany pieces etc. large market for large stones. Old mine cuts.

The ethical piece is simply used as a tool by those who want a big rock and don’t want to pay. I don’t believe for a second that’s the motivator. If that’s true, they wouldn’t be supporting the market. And if that’s the case, don’t own a cell phone or other electronic clearly made by slave labor. Isn’t that just as terrible? Yes. Yes it is.

Go ahead and see what someone will give you for your diamond. Sure, they’ll turn around and sell it for a good amount but YOU won’t get much at all for it. It’s the biggest shake down in an industry that’s the ultimate shakedown to begin with.

Oh I get that. But a lab Diamond is scrap. Nobody would ever take it to resell it. You wouldn’t pass it down. Etc.

I got my ring way before the lab diamond shift but... why couldn't you pass it down? People pass down costume jewelry. And there's nothing wrong with a lab diamond, it's just not as "special" as a mined diamond. It's still pretty (sometimes prettier because they are perfect). Plus a ring is more than a diamond, there's the band as well.

If my mother had a lab diamond ring and it was a pretty ring and she left it to me, I don't think I'd care that it was a lab diamond. I really don't. It's not like it is going to crumble to dust. It's a diamond.

Not to mention that most people wouldn't know.

We recently discovered that our heritage strand of pearls was ... not pearls (the jewelers box is legit). Had the 4th generation not felt the need to have them restrung, no one would ever have known. But whether great-great-great-Grandpa was cheap or swindled, we'll never know, and only one bride has mentioned having them photoshopped out of her wedding photo, LOL! I guess no one ever bothered to try to get them insured.

But I would know. And it would make it less special.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a mined diamond but I derive zero pleasure from knowing it's "real." It was purchased from a jeweler who certifies all their diamonds are conflict-free, so I guess there is some value in that, but a lab diamond would be guaranteed to be conflict free.

To me the value in a diamond engagement ring is (1) it's pretty, and (2) it was a gift from my husband when we decided to get married. That's it.

I would never go for a huge diamond, mined or lab, because it's not my style and I wouldn't wear it very often. But if I was getting engaged today, I'd definitely be looking at lab diamonds. Cheaper, more ethical, and all the same options for size, cut, etc. Why not? It's just a piece of jewelry and it's value comes in its symbolic significance, not how it was formed.

This is how I feel. The mined aspect is not a positive for me, personally, and is not what would make a piece of jewelry special to me. For some, it might.

[Anonymous]

I’m trying to lose weight so my ring will look bigger on my skinny finger.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lab stones are so weird to me. I wouldn’t do it. They have no resale value - at least a real diamond has some and has actual market value. An engagement ring should be expensive. It means something. I want to be able to give my ring to my kids. I doubt they’d want some costume jewelry. It feels like buying a fake Chanel off canal street. Sure, they’re made in the same factory! They’re basically the same! But one is actually made by the earth naturally forever ago and one is made in a microwave. It seems so unromantic.

Lab stones are real diamonds without the ethical issues.
Mined diamonds have horrible resale.

The resale value of natural diamonds is not terrible. No worse than lots of other luxury items. Large market for vintage Tiffany pieces etc. large market for large stones. Old mine cuts.

The ethical piece is simply used as a tool by those who want a big rock and don’t want to pay. I don’t believe for a second that’s the motivator. If that’s true, they wouldn’t be supporting the market. And if that’s the case, don’t own a cell phone or other electronic clearly made by slave labor. Isn’t that just as terrible? Yes. Yes it is.

Go ahead and see what someone will give you for your diamond. Sure, they’ll turn around and sell it for a good amount but YOU won’t get much at all for it. It’s the biggest shake down in an industry that’s the ultimate shakedown to begin with.

Oh I get that. But a lab Diamond is scrap. Nobody would ever take it to resell it. You wouldn’t pass it down. Etc.

I got my ring way before the lab diamond shift but... why couldn't you pass it down? People pass down costume jewelry. And there's nothing wrong with a lab diamond, it's just not as "special" as a mined diamond. It's still pretty (sometimes prettier because they are perfect). Plus a ring is more than a diamond, there's the band as well.

If my mother had a lab diamond ring and it was a pretty ring and she left it to me, I don't think I'd care that it was a lab diamond. I really don't. It's not like it is going to crumble to dust. It's a diamond.

Not to mention that most people wouldn't know.

We recently discovered that our heritage strand of pearls was ... not pearls (the jewelers box is legit). Had the 4th generation not felt the need to have them restrung, no one would ever have known. But whether great-great-great-Grandpa was cheap or swindled, we'll never know, and only one bride has mentioned having them photoshopped out of her wedding photo, LOL! I guess no one ever bothered to try to get them insured.

But I would know. And it would make it less special.

Mine is real with a CIA certificate. A lovely anniversary gift from hubbie and F color. It continues to go up in value every year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lab stones are so weird to me. I wouldn’t do it. They have no resale value - at least a real diamond has some and has actual market value. An engagement ring should be expensive. It means something. I want to be able to give my ring to my kids. I doubt they’d want some costume jewelry. It feels like buying a fake Chanel off canal street. Sure, they’re made in the same factory! They’re basically the same! But one is actually made by the earth naturally forever ago and one is made in a microwave. It seems so unromantic.

Lab stones are real diamonds without the ethical issues.
Mined diamonds have horrible resale.

The resale value of natural diamonds is not terrible. No worse than lots of other luxury items. Large market for vintage Tiffany pieces etc. large market for large stones. Old mine cuts.

The ethical piece is simply used as a tool by those who want a big rock and don’t want to pay. I don’t believe for a second that’s the motivator. If that’s true, they wouldn’t be supporting the market. And if that’s the case, don’t own a cell phone or other electronic clearly made by slave labor. Isn’t that just as terrible? Yes. Yes it is.

Go ahead and see what someone will give you for your diamond. Sure, they’ll turn around and sell it for a good amount but YOU won’t get much at all for it. It’s the biggest shake down in an industry that’s the ultimate shakedown to begin with.

Oh I get that. But a lab Diamond is scrap. Nobody would ever take it to resell it. You wouldn’t pass it down. Etc.

I got my ring way before the lab diamond shift but... why couldn't you pass it down? People pass down costume jewelry. And there's nothing wrong with a lab diamond, it's just not as "special" as a mined diamond. It's still pretty (sometimes prettier because they are perfect). Plus a ring is more than a diamond, there's the band as well.

If my mother had a lab diamond ring and it was a pretty ring and she left it to me, I don't think I'd care that it was a lab diamond. I really don't. It's not like it is going to crumble to dust. It's a diamond.

Not to mention that most people wouldn't know.

We recently discovered that our heritage strand of pearls was ... not pearls (the jewelers box is legit). Had the 4th generation not felt the need to have them restrung, no one would ever have known. But whether great-great-great-Grandpa was cheap or swindled, we'll never know, and only one bride has mentioned having them photoshopped out of her wedding photo, LOL! I guess no one ever bothered to try to get them insured.

But I would know. And it would make it less special.

And that's you. The question is whether you'd judge someone else for having a lab diamond. I think people should do whatever they want but I think judging people for getting lab diamonds is dumb. They are being frugal and obviously doesn't matter to them! They should do what they want just as you should.