How Much Does a Lab-Grown Diamond Cost? What Determines the Price

“How much does a 1 carat lab-grown diamond cost?” The honest answer: it depends. Two stones of the same weight can differ greatly in price. In this article we explain which factors determine the price, and how you help your customer get the most out of their budget.

1. Why lab-grown is cheaper than natural

A lab-grown diamond costs a fraction of a comparable natural diamond. That is not because of lower quality, but because of the way it is created:

• No costly mining is needed
• Production is predictable and scalable
• The supply chain is shorter, with fewer intermediaries

Growing production capacity has also caused prices to fall sharply in recent years. Read more about that trend in our article on wholesale prices and market fluctuations.

2. Carat: the biggest price factor

The heavier the stone, the higher the price, and the increase is not linear. A 2 carat stone costs more than twice as much as a 1 carat stone, because large stones in top quality are harder to grow.

Also watch the magic weights: 0.50, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00 carat. Just below such a threshold, for example at 0.95 carat, a stone is often noticeably cheaper, while the difference in size is barely visible to the eye.

3. Colour and clarity

A colourless stone (D, E, F) costs more than a stone with a slight tint (G, H). A very clean stone (VVS) costs more than a stone with small inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye (VS, SI1).

In lab-grown, the price difference between the top grades is smaller than in natural diamonds. As a result, many customers choose a high colour and clarity.

4. Cut and shape

The cut determines the sparkle. An Excellent cut costs a little more, but makes the biggest difference to how beautiful a stone looks on the hand. So it is better not to save on it.

Shape also plays a role. Round brilliants are the most popular and often slightly more expensive per carat. Fancy shapes such as oval, pear and emerald are often cheaper per carat and also look larger. See our carat to millimetre size chart.

5. Certificate

A stone with an IGI or GIA certificate costs a little more, but gives the customer certainty. For centre stones from roughly 1 carat, it is strongly recommended. Read more in IGI or GIA: how to read a certificate.

6. The jewellery itself: gold and setting

In a piece of jewellery, the stone is not the only thing that determines the price. These also count:

• Gold purity: 18k contains more gold than 14k and is therefore more expensive
• Gold weight: a sturdy band or a complex design requires more gold
• Gold price: it fluctuates daily and affects the price of every piece
• Side stones and setting work: a halo or pavé adds stones and labour

7. How your customer gets the most out of their budget

• Choose a weight just below a magic threshold
• Invest in cut quality, not in the very highest clarity
• Consider an oval or pear-shaped stone for more visible size
• Choose 14k gold when the budget is tight: durable and beautiful

Frequently asked questions

Does a lab-grown diamond hold its value?

No, the resale value is low and prices have fallen in recent years. Lab-grown is a stone to wear, not an investment.

Why do prices vary so much between suppliers?

Because of differences in quality, certification, finishing and margin. So always compare on the same 4 Cs.

Is 14k or 18k gold better?

14k is sturdier and more affordable, 18k has a warmer colour and more gold. Both are excellent for lab-grown diamond jewellery.

Transparent wholesale prices

On the Noam Jewels B2B platform you can see your prices for more than 1,500 designs in 14k and 18k gold, and order whenever it suits you. Create your B2B account or book a call.