Australian couples are saving thousands of dollars on premium rings by choosing lab grown diamonds, which are real diamonds with the same chemical and optical properties as mined stones but a much lower price tag. The savings can go towards a bigger stone, a higher grade or other parts of life together. Rings Of Australia helps couples make that choice with confidence.
Lab grown diamonds have moved from niche to mainstream in just a few years. The Global Diamond Trade Organisation has reported that lab grown diamonds hold between 50 and 60 per cent of the Australian retail market, and may reach as much as 70 per cent by the end of 2026. If you’re planning a proposal, this guide explains where the savings come from, what the trade-offs are, and how to buy well.
By the end, you’ll know how much you could realistically save, which questions to ask a jeweller, and how to get a premium-looking ring without a premium price.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds and Why Are Australian Couples Choosing Them?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds created in controlled laboratory conditions rather than mined from the earth. They have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as natural diamonds, including a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Couples choose them mainly for price, and also for sustainability and the ability to customise. The same budget simply goes further.
A 2026 report from US jewellery insurer BriteCo, based on appraisals, found lab grown diamonds in 51% of newly appraised engagement rings between January and June 2026, up from 6% in 2019. These are US figures, but they show the same shift Australian jewellers are seeing.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
The stones look the same to the naked eye. The differences come down to origin, price and long-term value.
Origin: Natural diamonds form over millions of years underground. Lab grown diamonds are grown in a laboratory in a matter of weeks.
Price: Lab grown diamonds typically cost far less than natural stones of the same size and quality. BriteCo’s data shows a median natural diamond engagement ring selling for US12,961in2025,versusUS4,557 for a lab grown ring.
Resale value: Natural diamonds tend to hold their price better because of rarity. Lab grown diamonds can depreciate more, which matters if you see the ring as an investment.
Certification: Both can be independently graded on the same 4Cs of cut, colour, clarity and carat. Rings Of Australia can guide you through the reports for either.
Where the Savings Come From With Lab Grown Diamonds
Not every ring saves you the same amount, so it helps to understand what drives the difference.
How Do Lab Grown Diamonds Cost Less Than Natural Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds cost less because they don’t involve mining, and production has become more efficient over time. That lower cost is passed on to buyers as a lower price per carat.
Lower Price Per Carat With Lab Grown Diamonds
BriteCo reports that the median lab grown diamond price fell from US4,622percaratin2019toUS2,057 in 2025, while natural diamonds rose from US6,237toUS8,428 per carat over the same period. The gap has widened significantly.
A Bigger Stone for the Same Budget With Lab Grown Diamonds
Because each carat costs less, many couples choose a larger centre stone than they could otherwise afford. A larger stone is often the most visible upgrade.
Higher Quality Grades With Lab Grown Diamonds
Instead of going bigger, some couples spend the same budget on better colour and clarity. That gives a whiter, cleaner stone while staying well under the price of a natural equivalent.
What Is the Trade-Off With Lab Grown Diamonds and Why Does It Matter?
The main trade-off is resale value. Lab grown diamonds usually lose more value than natural diamonds, so they suit couples who buy a ring to wear and treasure rather than to sell later.
Rings Of Australia is upfront about this, so you can decide with full information rather than finding out later.
At minimum, a good lab grown diamond purchase should include:
An independent grading report that states the stone is lab grown
Clear grades for cut, colour, clarity and carat
Transparent pricing that shows the stone and setting costs
A written warranty, resizing and return policy
A secure setting in quality metal such as 14ct or 18ct gold or platinum
How to Buy Lab Grown Diamonds and Save: Step-by-Step
Follow these six steps to get the most from your budget without compromising on quality.
Set your total budget. Decide what you’re comfortable spending, then see how much further it goes with lab grown diamonds.
Decide your priority. Choose whether you’d rather put the savings into size, quality grades or design.
Prioritise cut. Cut has the biggest effect on sparkle, so aim for the best cut grade you can afford.
Ask for certification. Make sure the report is from a recognised grading lab and clearly shows the stone is lab grown.
Compare at least three sellers. Check certification, pricing, returns and resizing policies, not just the headline price.
Read the after-sales terms. Confirm warranty, repair and resizing options before you pay.
Rings Of Australia can help you work through these steps, so you can compare lab grown diamonds with confidence.
Best Ways to Use Your Lab Grown Diamonds Savings in 2026
Here are the most popular ways couples put their savings to work.
Upgrade the Size of Your Lab Grown Diamonds
Focus: A larger centre stone.
Best for: Couples who want the biggest visual impact for their budget.
Upgrade the Quality of Your Lab Grown Diamonds
Focus: Better colour and clarity grades.
Best for: Buyers who prefer a whiter, cleaner stone over extra size.
Invest in a Custom Setting for Lab Grown Diamonds
Focus: A bespoke design or premium metal such as platinum.
Best for: Those who want a ring that’s truly one of a kind.
Add Matching Wedding Bands With Lab Grown Diamonds
Focus: A coordinated engagement ring and wedding band set.
Best for: Couples who want a complete, cohesive look from day one.
Put the Savings Towards Your Future
Focus: Keeping the extra money for the wedding, honeymoon or a home deposit.
Best for: Practical couples who want a beautiful ring and a stronger financial start.
The Future of Lab Grown Diamonds: Trends to Watch
Lab grown diamonds keep evolving as technology improves and more shoppers see them as a normal choice.
Growing Mainstream Acceptance of Lab Grown Diamonds
As adoption climbs, the stigma that once surrounded lab grown stones continues to fade. Younger buyers in particular often see them as equally beautiful and better aligned with their values on price and sustainability.
How Will Falling Prices Change Lab Grown Diamonds?
Falling prices will make larger and higher-grade lab grown diamonds accessible to more couples, as the drop in median price per carat since 2019 already shows. Rings Of Australia keeps track of these shifts so you can buy at the right time with clear guidance.
Conclusion
Lab grown diamonds let Australian couples buy a premium-looking ring for thousands less, with the same sparkle and durability as a mined stone. Weigh the resale trade-off honestly, choose certified stones, and decide where you want your savings to go.
Key takeaways from this guide:
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same hardness and appearance as natural ones.
The savings can go towards a bigger stone, higher grades, a custom design or your future together.
Resale value is the main trade-off, so they suit rings bought to be worn.
Always ask for an independent grading report that clearly states the stone is lab grown.
Ready to start? Explore the collection at Rings Of Australia and see how far your budget can go with lab grown diamonds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lab Grown Diamonds
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds have the same chemical composition, crystal structure and optical properties as natural diamonds. They also score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. The only difference is origin: one forms underground over millions of years, the other is grown in a laboratory.
How much cheaper are lab grown diamonds than natural diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds typically cost significantly less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality. In US appraisal data from BriteCo, the median lab grown engagement ring sold for US4,557in2025versusUS12,961 for a natural one. Australian prices vary by seller, so compare quotes.
Do lab grown diamonds hold their value?
Generally, not as well as natural diamonds. Lab grown diamonds can depreciate more because they’re not rare. If you’re buying a ring to wear and keep rather than as an investment, this trade-off is often worth the savings.
How Does Rings Of Australia Help With Lab Grown Diamonds?
Rings Of Australia helps you compare lab grown diamonds by cut, colour, clarity and carat, with guidance on certification, settings and sizing. Our team explains the trade-offs openly, so you can choose a ring that suits your taste and budget.
Can you tell a lab grown diamond from a natural diamond?
Not with the naked eye. They look identical, and even jewellers need specialised equipment to tell them apart. That’s why an independent grading report matters: it states clearly whether a stone is natural or lab grown.
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