Sandtrap wrote: Sun Nov 23, 2025 9:05 am
YeahBuddy wrote: Sun Nov 23, 2025 8:05 am
I’m in the market for a diamond and was made aware of lab grown diamonds. I honestly had no idea these even existed. My gut instinct told me lab grown is a better ethical decision. Based on what I was told by a jeweler, lab grown tend to be less expensive and “better” in terms of the 4 C’s (cut, clarity, color, carat weight). If true, that would be the icing on the cake for me. But I’d like to hear what others think. Are there any aspects of this I am not aware of? This will help me make my buying decision.What do Bogleheads think about lab grown diamonds?
Thanks
I went on a “diamond earing” and “diamond necklace” deep research and buying binge some years ago. Ever thrifty and frugal, I have never been one to be “spendy” on “bling”. But, realized that I’ve never shown appreciation that way to my DW of 4-5 decades, who, also frugal, loves such things.
What I found in my research:
1
Find reputable vendors on Amazon and take advantage of the “prime” (sale category) free 30 day return. Jewelry is highly personal and selective for any number of a million reasons, (largely unknown/clueless to me).
2
Know that it takes lab level scrutiny to diffferentiate between the “best of lab grown diamonds” (not cheapies or seconds or unrated or uncertified of which are many/most on the market retail), and various many grade levels of “real mined diamonds”. high price does not beget quality level?
3
Earings do not need to have a perfect fit like rings, and “lengths of chains/etc” that fit this “outfit” but not that one, etc. So, IMHO, earrings are less hassle.
4
It costs millions per diamond making machine. China and INdia have investted hugely into this and are the largest “players” here. And, the “network” from source to sale is highly convoluted. So, go by the stone vs stone.
5
If someone asks, “is that real or fake/manufactured”, then as well, “real or fake friends”…. so don’t give that issue any weiight to a purchase. If the gift receiver cares whether real mined or manufactured, then they are either superficial and cliche or have not done research.
6
WHat matters most is:
a) the person loves the diamond, and wears it. If it is not used then…?
b) match the diamond and setting, soft or gaudy and cheap looking or……. to the person (tough one but a must)
c) be ready to offer returns and exchanges until the “right diamond” finds the “right person”.
example: I gave DW very pricey (lab grown) certified, etc, earings for our 40th anniversarry. A lst for me. It was a huge hit. So much so that I did it again, and again…..
I told DW: I get more lasting rewards out of spending “coin” on her than myself. (also a golden moment).
My latest: “If we had not been together, you in my life, for “x” decades”, I would not have had a life worth living for that time.” (corny but works great)….
You have to have a “great line” as you deliver the perfect diamond.
7
(well said, prvious input).
Much like Mercedes spends billions on marketing and product status building, like Rolex, Range Rover, Porche, etc, so well that society has this embedded in the consumer culture, so it is with diamonds. The real value is if you turn around and try to sell it right after purchase. What is it really worth in real “boglehead dollars”?
Have fun shopping.
j
40th anniversary
I recall my in laws commenting – correctly – that real or fake really depends on the person wearing it. If a wealthy person was wearing a Rolex it could be real or fake. Everyone will assume that it is real. If a poor person is wearing a Rolex everyone will assume it is fake. They had real things and fake things. A lot of mother-in-law’s jewelry was actually mixed up and they were not sure which was real and which was fake! They were well to do. Their point was they could just buy a fake Rolex and wear around and everyone would assume that it is real. Which they thought was hilarious.
