Sourcing

Lab Grown vs. Earth-Mined – What’s the Real Deal?

Brought to you by

Lab Grown vs. Earth-Mined – What’s the Real Deal?

It’s impossible not to notice the growing trend of lab grown diamonds seemingly taking over the jewelry industry.

title resize.jpg

Brought To You By Merit Diamond


Unless you have been living under a rock these past few years, it’s impossible not to notice the growing trend of lab grown diamonds seemingly taking over the jewelry industry.
 
How can people resist?  The same carbon makeup of an actual diamond, the wonderful shine we all love and at a significantly lower cost; it seems like a ‘flawless’ solution - literally!
 
Apparently, the “scientific” difference between a lab grown and earth-mined diamond can only be detected by a professional under a microscope; but isn’t a diamond so much more than a pretty “colorless crystalline form of pure carbon?"

image1.jpg
Pictured above, Merit Diamond’s My Caroline® Diamond Heart pendant, a heart shaped pendant completely encrusted in diamonds which comes in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum and a variety of sizes. Go to www.meritdiamond.com

Just like snowflakes – and people - not one (earth-mined) diamond looks exactly like the other.  Each earth-mined diamond tells a story through its “flaws.”  While we, the consumer, seek out diamonds with as few visible marks as possible, each blemish in the diamond actually help historians, geologists and archeologists put together the puzzle of our Earth’s past. To think that earth-mined diamonds were here way before us humans ever came into existence and will most likely be around long after, makes the significance of a diamond so much more meaningful.

On top of being beautiful pieces of history, their rareness, difficulty and skill needed to attain and cut, and individual uniqueness are what have made them such a coveted and expensive item for hundreds of years.

Diamonds being incorporated into engagement rings, and jewelry in general, only really began becoming massively popular around the 1940s.  Before that it was only accessible to royalty and the very rich. 

image2.jpg

Pictured above, Merit Diamond’s My Caroline® Eternity Goddess Diamond ring, our signature classic wedding ring with diamonds that go all the way around and fitted from the inside with the patented MFIT ® Comfort Technology. Comes in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum and a variety of sizes. Go to www.meritdiamond.com

The use of something so beautiful and natural, that can’t be broken or cut except for with another diamond to represent a union of two people that will hopefully last forever could not have been a more perfect fit.  

“It was a very smart marketing partnership and an easy sell.  However, the diamond also became a direct representation of status and success – a goal, something people wished to be able to buy and afford,” says jewelry expert Josef Fraiman of Merit Diamond Corporation. “And because of their unbreakable makeup, it was not something you bought just for you, it was an investment into your family’s future, something that you could pass on to your children and grandchildren and so on. Holding not only sentimental value and history, but monetary value as well.”
 
image3.jpg

Pictured above, Merit Diamond’s My Caroline® Sweetheart 11-Diamond ring, an elegant and classic engagement ring with a large round diamond center and surrounded by smaller diamonds on the side and fitted from the inside with the patented MFIT® Comfort Technology.  Comes in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum and a variety of sizes. Go to www.meritdiamond.com

In today’s culture, which is all about being “woke” and simultaneously the next story/post on your Instagram account, only the illusion of luxury and lifestyle are what’s needed for the next photo.  Plastic.  Depth, quality and truth are not appreciated or necessary – it’s a thing of the past. It’s all about what’s trending right now, branding of people, followers, fake news and all that jazz.  It seems that nothing has real value anymore and everything is for show and made to be disposable. 
 
But if this is the case, why buy diamonds at all, lab or earth-mined?  There are cubic zirconiums and crystals and plenty of other stones that sparkle, all a much cheaper option than any type of diamond.
 
As in every industry, things change; and now the jewelry industry is going through a shift as well.  Maybe it’s time for the GIA to create a new type of diamond rating – maybe the flaws in an earth-mined diamond should be looked at as something that can increase a stone’s value rather than decrease its value.  Just like wrinkles on a person’s face – each internal “flaw” on a diamond tells a story and gives personality and makes it unique.

image4.jpg

Pictured above, Merit Diamond’s My Caroline® Celestial diamond earrings, four diamonds of the same size with a smaller diamond center creating a beautiful flower-like shape. Comes in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum and a variety of sizes. Go to www.meritdiamond.com

Remember when they started making lab grown emeralds?  Flawless perfect emeralds making them attainable and affordable to the masses.  In the beginning, the lab grown emeralds were selling for $300 dollars per carat. Today you can buy the same lab grown emerald for less than $10 per carat and real, natural emeralds, are now harder to attain and might even be more valuable than they were before lab grown emeralds ever joined the market.  Sound familiar?  

“Lab grown diamonds have already lost much of their value in the last few years. A stone that cost $3000 three years ago can now be bought for $800.  It’s clear that in a few years lab grown diamonds will be worth less than $100, though retailers are doing their best to hide this fact,” says jewelry expert Eyal Adini of Merit Diamond Corporation.  
 
And funnily enough, even with the retailers and general public seemingly moving towards lab grown right now; when it comes to engagement rings and wedding bands people seem to see things a bit differently.  With their “forever rings” they still want to continue to invest and ‘splurge’, the meaning and value are still important to them.  
When doing a quick survey, 18 out of the 20 people who had said they would prefer to buy jewelry with lab grown diamonds (mostly because of the difference in price and what they categorize as ethical reasons), also said when it came to their engagement and wedding ring they would still prefer to get an earth-mined diamond.
 
image5-new.jpg

Pictured above, Merit Diamond’s My Caroline® Eternity Goddess Diamond ring and Eternity Goddess Bracelet, our signature classics with diamonds that go all the way around and ring fitted from the inside with the patented MFIT® Comfort Technology. Comes in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum and a variety of sizes.  Go to www.meritdiamond.com

For companies like Merit Diamond Corp. who have been in the industry for over 40 years and have seen trends come and go, changes, evolutions, etc… at the end of the day classic is timeless and will always have a market; earth-mined diamonds are irreplaceable and will find their place back on top again as well.    
Of course, for those looking to cash out or for a quick deal, lab grown is the easier route to go for sure.  But for companies like Merit, who are in this industry for the long run – real will always be the deal. 

image7.png

Pictured above, a glimpse of Merit Diamond’s My Caroline®, MFIT®, Sirena® and Liliana® Enhancer Collections.
Go to www.meritdiamond.com or call (954) 883-3660 for more details and make an appointment to visit us at JCK, booth 13115

The Latest

Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 Years

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

Stock image of a person shopping at the grocery store
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

Rebel Jewelry Tunnel Charm
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride Month

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

A Marvelous Journey: The Collection of Maurice Tempelsman
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to Auction

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Dakota Badia and Nancy Badia
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in Aspen

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

AGS at Peter Yantzer Building dedication
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule Ceremony

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Neiman Marcus downtown Dallas store
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in September

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About You

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

Screenshot of the Tracr website homepage
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned Platform

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The 1916 Company Coast to Coast Roadshow
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, Again

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

Jessica Alba in Gabriel & Co. campaign
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

Anna Maccieri Rossi Ora Wood Sunrise Cuff, Marie Lichtenberg High Jewelry Bandana, Anna Maccieri Rossi Carpe Diem Pendant
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

Woman with crossed hands and rings on fingers
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

James Marks
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

Sothebys 10-carat blue diamond, 120 carat Harry Winston diamond necklace
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

Zahn-Z Big Zaha Art Deco Ring
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design Awards

The show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.

Rapaport's rebranding
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport Trade

The revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8M

The miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.

Cultus Artem River of Heaven Necklace
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ Desert

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

Sean Dunn, Amy Greenberg, Elise Greenberg, Coleman Clark, Mitchell Clark
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

Jesse Itzler
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker

The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.

JCK Rocks Nelly Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With Nelly

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.

A screen shot of The Clear Cut's website
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut

Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.

Itä Aguaviva Tassel Pendant, Ashaha Anzar Cuff, Cultus Artem Quetzal Ring
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design Atelier

These up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy