Natural vs lab-grown diamonds: What to know before choosing

Sales of lab-grown diamonds are booming in South Africa as customers look for affordable, ethical, and sustainable luxury.

Despite the similarities in appearance to a natural diamond, there are key differences between the two, including value and investment potential, says expert Kevin Barry.

Lab-grown diamonds can be grown in two to three weeks, whereas natural diamonds are formed within the Earth over a billion years, speaking to their value.

“Natural diamonds are finite, no two diamonds are the same, whereas lab diamonds can be produced in unlimited quantities, and the price of those stones moves with technology.”

While the lab-grown diamond market continues to grow, natural diamonds will remain a preferred choice for many, argues Barry.

Some people prefer natural diamonds that have a genuine connection to the land and history.

“That is where diamond engagement rings came from; it was something that was given as a dowry so that if something were to happen to you as the man, your lady could take the ring and extract its value.”

To listen to Barry in conversation with Saskia Falken (in for CapeTalk’s Pippa Hudson), use the audio player below: