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For several decades now, the best alternative for an Earth-Mined Diamond has been a Cubic Zirconia (CZ).  CZ's have good optical characteristics and also good hardness.  In recent years, a truly amazing transformation has taken place.  We now have the technology to grow diamonds in a lab, making owning a diamond of quality and size significantly easier.  The only issue is the stigma of "is it a Genuine Earth-Mined Diamond or a Man-made Diamond"?  Essentially, they are physically the same.

What Are Earth-Mined Diamonds?

Over 3 billion years ago, a combination of intense heat and pressure caused carbon atoms to crystallize and form diamonds deep within the Earth’s surface. Due to magma eruptions, these natural stones were pushed upward and are now accessible to be mined. Although they're mostly composed of carbon, traces of other elements — like nitrogen, sulfur, and boron — and changes in pressure and temperature when the stones were forming gave each one completely unique traits.  Almost every diamond has these identifying characteristics, and can easily be identified by a good Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certified diamond grader.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Also known as synthetic, cultured, HPHT (High-pressure High-temperature), or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) diamonds, these human-made products are formed using methods that replicate the natural conditions that force carbon to crystallize. As a result, they're chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural stones.

The simplest way to tell if a gem is lab-grown is if it has a microscopic laser inscription on its girdle — the widest part of the diamond when looking at it from above. Without this label, a trained gemologist with a powerful microscope may be able to determine if a stone is human-made, but sending it to a gemological laboratory is the only way to be certain.

What Is the Resale Value of Each Type?

diamond buyer

Most diamonds will have some resale value, but you may be startled by how much less they are worth than what you originally paid. This is largely because most stones are purchased at a retail markup, which can be as much as 300-500% depending on the size of the stone. Because each stone is so different, there isn't a universal price tag for your piece.  The smaller the diamond, the more the retail markup will be as a general rule.  Also, appraisals are VERY misleading, as they only establish a value for insurance that will cover the replication of a ring or stone at full retail pricing.  

Diamond buyers will use formulas based on the 4-C's (Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight) to establish a value for your diamonds. Getting a lab evaluation from the American Gem Society or Gemological Institute of America will determine the gem’s quality and give you a better idea of what buyers are willing to pay.  This is particularly important if you have a diamond of substantial size or of exceptional quality.

Resale values for Lab-Grown diamonds are still in the process of evolving and being established.  Because the purchase price for a lab stone should be significantly less than that of a mined stone, the resale value may hold up pretty well--at least for the time being, because there is a decent demand for quality Lab Grown stones at this time.


If you're interested in selling your diamond or diamond jewelry,  head to Ashmore Rare Coins and Metals in Greensboro, NC. For over 30 years, this wholesale dealer has specialized in collecting rare coins and buying diamonds and precious metals. They're known nationally for providing fair prices and trusted advice. Call (336) 617-7537 or visit their website to learn more.

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