Buying a diamond used to be a fairly straightforward decision. You picked a shape, considered the size, looked at your budget and hoped you were making the right choice. Well, things have changed a bit. Today, one of the first questions people ask when shopping for an engagement ring is whether they should buy a natural diamond or a lab grown diamond. And it’s a reasonable question. Two diamonds can look almost identical, have similar grades and still have very different price tags. At David Ellis Jewelry in Denver’s Cherry Creek North neighborhood, we believe understanding what you’re buying is just as important as finding something beautiful. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, replacing a lost stone or considering an estate diamond, knowing the differences can save you some confusion…and possibly a considerable amount of money. So, which makes more sense in 2026?
What’s the Difference Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds?
First, let’s clear something up…lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They aren’t cubic zirconia, moissanite or imitation stones. They have essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds. The real difference is in how they’re created. Natural diamonds develop deep within the earth under tremendous heat and pressure, usually over billions of years. They eventually reach the surface through geological processes. Laboratory grown diamonds, on the other hand, are produced under controlled conditions using two primary methods: Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT). The result is a diamond that can look just as beautiful as one formed naturally. But there’s an important distinction. A natural diamond has a geological history that can’t be manufactured. For some buyers, that matters quite a bit. For others, it doesn’t matter at all. And that’s where the conversation gets interesting.
Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: How Do Prices Compare in 2026?
Price is probably the biggest reason people consider laboratory grown diamonds. In general, a lab grown diamond costs considerably less than a natural diamond with comparable characteristics. That difference can give buyers more flexibility when choosing carat weight, color, clarity or the ring’s setting. For example, a couple with a fixed budget might choose a larger lab grown diamond instead of a smaller natural stone. Or they might choose a more modest center stone and spend the difference on a beautiful platinum setting. Neither is necessarily the wrong decision. But don’t assume that because a diamond is larger, it’s automatically better. A well-cut one-carat diamond can look far more impressive than a poorly cut two-carat stone. The price difference also raises another question: What happens to the value after you buy it?
Do Natural Diamonds Hold Their Value Better?
This is where buyers need to be a little careful. Natural diamonds generally have a more established resale market than laboratory grown diamonds. However, that doesn’t mean a natural diamond will appreciate in value or that you’ll recover what you originally paid. The price you pay in a jewelry store and the amount someone might offer you later are two different things. Laboratory grown diamonds face an additional consideration. As manufacturing technology improves and production becomes more efficient, prices can continue to change. That makes predicting their future resale value especially difficult. Natural diamonds aren’t immune to market changes either. Quality, rarity, demand, documentation and the original purchase price all play a role. This is one reason some Denver buyers also consider estate diamonds. A previously owned diamond may offer an opportunity to purchase something distinctive without paying the same price as a comparable newly manufactured piece of jewelry. If you’re interested in estate jewelry, we’ve covered this in more detail in our article on estate jewelry in Denver and what makes it valuable. The important thing to remember is simple: Buy a diamond because you want to own and enjoy it, not because someone promises it will become a profitable investment.
Can You Actually Tell the Difference Between the Two?
Not by simply looking at them. Even an experienced jeweler generally cannot reliably distinguish a natural diamond from a lab grown diamond using appearance alone. Specialized equipment and gemological testing are needed to identify their origin. Both types of diamonds are evaluated using characteristics commonly called the 4Cs:
- Cut: How well the diamond’s proportions and finish interact with light.
- Color: The amount of body color visible in the stone.
- Clarity: Internal characteristics and surface features.
- Carat Weight: The diamond’s actual weight, not simply its visible size.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) established the internationally recognized 4Cs system for describing diamond quality. A grading report can help buyers understand the characteristics of a particular diamond. But remember, a grading report isn’t the same thing as a monetary appraisal. If you’ve inherited a diamond, purchased an estate ring or simply want to understand what you own, our professional jewelry appraisal services in Denver can help you begin that process.
What Are Denver Couples Choosing in 2026?
There’s no single answer, and that’s probably a good thing. Some couples are attracted to lab grown diamonds because they can purchase a larger center stone without increasing their budget. Others prefer natural diamonds because of their origin, geological history or personal significance. And then there are couples who don’t particularly care which category the diamond belongs to. They simply want a beautiful ring that fits their personality and lifestyle. Here in Colorado, that last consideration is worth thinking about. A ring that looks spectacular in a jewelry case might not be ideal for someone who spends every weekend hiking, skiing or climbing. A lower profile setting or bezel set diamond may be more practical than a tall, delicate design with exposed prongs. The diamond’s origin doesn’t determine whether the setting is durable, the design does. And if you’re still figuring out where to ask the big question, we’ve put together a guide to the best places to propose in Colorado, from Red Rocks and Denver Botanic Gardens to Aspen, Vail and Estes Park.
What About Diamond Quality and the Setting?
One mistake buyers sometimes make is focusing so much on the center stone that they forget about the rest of the ring. A diamond doesn’t exist in isolation. The setting affects how it looks, how comfortably it sits on the finger and how well it handles everyday wear. Platinum, 14K gold and 18K gold are all common choices for engagement rings, but they have different properties. Platinum is dense and durable, while 14K gold generally offers a good balance of strength and gold content. An 18K gold setting contains more pure gold but may require additional consideration depending on the design and how the ring will be worn. There are also questions about shape. Round brilliant diamonds remain popular, but oval, emerald, pear and cushion cuts all offer different appearances. An oval diamond can create an elongated look. Emerald cuts emphasize clean lines and broad flashes of light. Cushion cuts offer a softer appearance. We recommend looking at several shapes before deciding. What looks perfect in a photograph doesn’t always look the same on your hand.
A Few Things to Consider Before Buying
If you’re comparing natural and laboratory grown diamonds, we’d suggest asking yourself a few questions.
- Does natural origin matter to you? Some people appreciate knowing their diamond formed naturally deep within the Earth. Others are perfectly happy with a laboratory-grown stone.
- How important is size? If you want a larger diamond within a particular budget, lab-grown options may give you more flexibility.
- Are you concerned about resale value? If so, understand that neither type guarantees a financial return. Ask questions about the secondary market before purchasing.
- Will you wear the ring every day? Think about the setting, metal and maintenance requirements.
- Do you have reliable documentation? A grading report and appropriate appraisal documentation can be useful for understanding and insuring your purchase.
And perhaps most importantly, don’t let someone talk you into buying a diamond you don’t actually like. That can be a fairly expensive mistake.
More Than Diamonds at David Ellis Jewelry
One of the interesting things about David Ellis Jewelry is that we’re not limited to engagement rings. Our Cherry Creek North store also works with estate jewelry, gold, silver, antiques, coins and luxury watches. Someone searching online for “buy gold near me” might visit with a collection of old gold jewelry or coins. Another customer might be researching “Patek Philippe watches Denver” because they’re interested in a vintage timepiece. And people looking to buy Patek Philippe watches may be interested in the same qualities that attract buyers to natural diamonds: craftsmanship, history, condition and long-term ownership. Of course, diamonds and collectible watches have very different markets. The point is that understanding what you’re buying matters, regardless of whether it’s an engagement ring, an estate piece or a luxury watch. That’s been part of our business in Cherry Creek for decades.
So, Should You Buy a Lab-Grown or Natural Diamond?
Our advice? Start with what matters most to you. If you want a larger diamond for your budget and aren’t particularly concerned about natural origin, a lab grown diamond may be an excellent choice. If you appreciate the geological history of a natural diamond, or you’re interested in an estate piece with some character, a natural stone may be more appealing. Neither choice automatically makes you a smarter buyer. What matters is understanding the differences, looking closely at the quality and choosing something you’ll still appreciate years from now.
At David Ellis Jewelry, located at 2640 E. 3rd Avenue in Denver’s Cherry Creek North, we welcome conversations about diamonds, jewelry and the value of pieces people already own. Sometimes the best way to understand the difference between two diamonds is simply to see them in person. And sometimes the one you thought you wanted isn’t the one you end up liking best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Laboratory grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds. Their primary difference is origin.
Are lab grown diamonds cheaper than natural diamonds in 2026?
Generally, yes. Laboratory-grown diamonds typically cost less than comparable natural diamonds, although actual prices depend on quality, size, availability and the retailer.
Do natural diamonds hold their value better than lab grown diamonds?
Natural diamonds generally have a more established secondary market, but resale prices vary significantly. Neither type should be purchased with the expectation of guaranteed appreciation.
Can a jeweler tell if a diamond is lab grown?
Professional jewelers and gemological laboratories can use specialized equipment and testing to determine diamond origin. Appearance alone is not a reliable method.
Which diamond is better for an engagement ring?
Both can be excellent choices. The decision depends on budget, personal preferences, natural origin, quality and long-term expectations.
Where can I have a diamond evaluated in Denver?
David Ellis Jewelry in Cherry Creek North offers jewelry appraisal and evaluation services for diamonds, estate jewelry, precious metals and luxury watches. Bringing existing grading reports, receipts or previous appraisals can help with the evaluation process.