If you have been looking to buy a diamond but holding back because of the mighty price tag, then you should consider lab-grown diamonds.
The lab-grown diamonds price has become one of the hottest topics in fine jewelry, and for good reason - they don't cost you a fortune, actually. These diamonds are not just visually identical to mined ones but are chemically the same, too. What’s changing fast is the cost. In 2025, lab-grown diamonds are up to 70% more affordable than natural sparkling diamonds, without compromising quality or sparkle.
In this guide, we’ll explain how these diamonds are priced, what drives the cost, and why more people are switching. Ready to get the brilliance without the markup? Let’s read!
Factors That Impact the Price of Lab-Created Diamonds
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Several factors affect the cost of lab-grown diamonds, not just their size. The price changes due to many reasons:
1. Carat Weight (Primary Price Driver)
Carat weight has the most significant role in price, applied to both lab-grown and natural diamonds. Basically, a carat is the unit of diamond weight, not the size.
One carat is equal to 0.2 grams
Bigger diamonds often cost more, but the price rise is not simple. Larger stones are rare and take more skill and equipment to create. This raises the cost per carat quite a bit.
2. Cut, Color, and Clarity Impact on Price
Carat sets the baseline, but cut, color, and clarity can greatly change the price.
- Cut matters because it controls the extent to which the diamond shines and reflects light. Diamonds with excellent or ideal cuts usually cost more since they look better.
- Color is graded from D, which means no color, to Z, meaning light yellow or brown. Diamonds without color are harder to find and cost more.
- Clarity shows how clear the diamond is, checking for small internal inclusions or external blemishes. Diamonds with fewer flaws are pricier because they are cleaner.
Check out the most popular cuts of lab-grown diamond
3. Certification and Brand Influence
Getting a certification from a well-known gemological laboratory like IGI or GIA builds trust and proves the price justification. Lab-grown diamonds with these certificates usually cost more. This is because their quality has been checked and confirmed by experts.
Brand reputation also plays a role; well-known retailers or designers typically price their lab diamonds higher, reflecting branding, warranties, and service.
4. Market Trends and Demand
Market forces also shape lab-grown diamond prices. As technology improves, production costs decrease, potentially lowering prices over time. Meanwhile, consumer demand for sustainable, conflict-free diamonds is growing, keeping prices competitive but stable.
Quick Overview of Lab-Grown Diamond Price by Carat Size
|
Carat Size |
Price Range (USD) |
Key Price Influencers |
| 0.5 – 0.99 CT |
$260 – $591 |
Cut quality, color grade (E–G), clarity (VS1–VVS2), shape (Oval, Princess) |
|
1.00 – 1.49 CT |
$498 – $754 |
Premium cuts (Round, Cushion), higher color grades (D–F), clarity (VS1–VVS2) |
|
1.50 – 1.99 CT |
$1,019 – $1,641 |
Larger sizes, excellent cut precision, certification (IGI/GIA), shape (Oval, Princess) |
|
2.00 – 2.99 CT |
$1,998 – $2,832 |
Rare sizes, superior clarity (VS1), colorless grades (E–F), shapes (Round, Marquise) |
|
3.00 – 3.99 CT |
$2,613 – $3,880 |
High demand sizes, exceptional cut and clarity, and brand reputation |
|
5.00 – 5.09 CT |
$12,457 – $12,457 |
Luxury sizes, top-tier clarity (VS1), color grade (F), premium cuts (Round) |
1 to 7-Carat Lab Diamond Price Range
Diamonds are priced using a global standard unit in carat weight. As the size in carats goes up, the price usually jumps to a higher extent. Bigger, top-grade diamonds are rare, which drives the cost up fast. The same rule works for lab-grown diamonds, too. But they usually cost 30% to 50% less than mined ones.
Take a look below for common price ranges and what affects the cost of lab-grown diamonds between 1 and 7 carats.
a. 1 Carat Lab Grown Diamond Price
Ideal for: Engagement rings, solitaire pendants, and stud earrings.
A 1-carat lab diamond in 2025 costs around $1,200 to $3,000, which is far cheaper than a mined one. Those often start at $4,000 and go as high as $8,000 if the specs line up. Cost changes depending on where you buy from.
The type of technology used, CVD or HPHT, and the group that certifies it, also play a major role. Still, 1-carat lab diamonds are the go-to choice for most, and they are easy to find. Prices stay sharp because of high demand and regular supply.
Summary Price Range
- Low range (SI1 clarity, J color, Good cut): $1,200 – $1,600
- Mid range (VS2 clarity, G-H color, Very Good cut): $1,600 – $2,300
- High range (VVS1 clarity, D-F color, Ideal/Excellent cut): $2,400 – $3,000
b. 2 Carat Lab Grown Diamond Price
Ideal for: Statement rings, larger pendants, and drop earrings
Prices for a 2-carat lab-created diamond usually range from $4,000 up to $7,500. The final cost changes based on quality and certification. Mined diamonds in the same size and grade can run between $15,000 to $25,000 or more.
These diamonds made in labs are commonly picked for lab-made engagement rings and fancy jewelry. They give great shine and are available in different sizes. You don’t have to spend extra like you would for a mined one.
Price Summary
- Lower range (SI1 clarity, J color, Good cut): $4,000 – $4,800
- Mid range (VS1–VS2 clarity, G-H color, Very Good cut): $4,900 – $6,300
- Premium range (VVS1–IF clarity, D-F color, Ideal/Excellent cut): $6,400 – $7,500
c. 3 Carat Lab Grown Diamond Price
Ideal for: High-impact engagement rings, bold necklaces, and luxury earrings
Prices for 3-carat lab-made diamonds run between $7,000 and $13,000. Factors like color, cut, clarity, and quality affect this number. Mined diamonds of 3 carats usually cost $30,000 or more, sometimes even up to $60,000.
This size brings strong sparkle and a bold look. Great for large rings, elegant tennis necklaces, or luxury presents. It’s a smart way to get luxury and a large-size diamond while keeping the cost much lower than natural stones.
Price Summary
- Lower range (SI1–SI2 clarity, I–J color, Good cut): $7,000 – $8,200
- Mid range (VS1–VS2 clarity, G–H color, Very Good cut): $8,300 – $10,500
- High-end range (VVS1–IF clarity, D–F color, Ideal cut): $10,600 – $13,000+
d. 4 Carat Lab Grown Diamond Price
Ideal for: Luxury cocktail rings, elaborate pendants, and high-end bracelets.
A 4-carat lab-made diamond is usually priced between $10,000 and $18,000. That changes based on its shape, shine, clearness, and certification. Some people might think it’s still expensive, but it’s way below what you'd pay for the same as a mined one. A natural diamond this size can cost from $60,000 to $100,000 or more. That’s a 50% to 70% saving right there.
Price Summary
- Entry-level range (SI2–I1 clarity, J–I color, Good cut): $10,000 – $12,000
- Mid-tier range (VS1–VS2 clarity, G–H color, Very Good cut): $12,100 – $15,500
- Premium range (VVS1–IF clarity, D–F color, Ideal/Excellent cut): $15,600 – $18,000+
e. 5 Carat Lab Grown Diamond Price
Ideal for: Show-stopping rings, centerpiece necklaces, and exclusive jewelry collections.
A 5-carat lab-created diamond may cost about $14,000 to $25,000. For a better grade and certification, it can reach $100,000 or higher.
Price Overview
- Entry-level (SI2 clarity, I–J color, Good cut): $14,000 – $17,000
- Mid-tier quality (VS2 clarity, G–H color, Very Good cut): $17,000 – $22,000
- Premium quality (VVS1 clarity, D–F color, Ideal/Excellent cut): $22,000 – $25,000+
f. 6 Carat Lab Grown Diamond Price
Ideal for: Statement jewelry pieces, such as bold rings or prominent pendants.
Prices for a 6-carat lab-grown diamond usually fall between $8,000 and $14,000. The final number depends on its cut, clarity, color, and how well it’s made. Lab-grown options give a big price gap for something that still looks stunning.
Price Overview
- Entry-level (SI1–SI2 clarity, I–J color, Good cut): $8,000 – $10,000
- Mid-tier quality (VS1–VS2 clarity, G–H color, Very Good cut): $10,100 – $12,000
- Premium quality (VVS1–IF clarity, D–F color, Ideal/Excellent cut): $12,100 – $14,000+
g. 7 Carat Lab Grown Diamond Price
Ideal for: Museum-quality pieces, heirloom jewelry, and investment-grade items.
The price of a 7-carat lab-grown diamond varies based on factors such as cut, clarity, color, and certification. Here's an overview
- Entry-level range (SI1–SI2 clarity, I–J color, Good cut): Approximately $7,000 – $10,000.
- Mid-tier range (VS1–VS2 clarity, G–H color, Very Good cut): Around $10,000 – $15,000.
- Premium range (VVS1–IF clarity, D–F color, Ideal/Excellent cut): Between $15,000 – $20,000+.
For instance, a 7.01-carat G color, SI1 clarity diamond with an Ideal cut is priced at $7,353.
How Affordable Lab-Grown Diamonds Can Be? 💎✨
Browse our handpicked collection of loose lab-grown stones — certified, ethically made, and ready to shine in your next custom piece.
Future Trends in Lab-Grown Diamond Pricing
Many things will shape how much lab-grown diamonds cost in the future. Knowing what’s changing helps people and businesses handle the market better.
📈 Market Growth and How Prices May Change
Many companies are increasingly making and selling lab-grown diamonds. By 2025, the worldwide market is expected to reach $29.73 billion, growing so much that by 2034 it could reach almost $97 billion. The rise is influenced by people wanting more sustainable and inexpensive options than mined diamonds.
When more lab-grown diamonds are produced and selling becomes more competitive, the prices should remain more or less stable or drop, so more people can afford them.
⚙️ Impact of Technology Improvements on Costs
Advancements in diamond synthesis technologies, particularly High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods, are continually enhancing the efficiency and quality of lab-grown diamonds. These technological improvements have led to:
- Reduced production costs: Enhanced processes have decreased the cost of producing lab-grown diamonds by approximately 25% over recent years.
- Increased scalability: Innovations allow for the production of larger and higher-quality diamonds, meeting the growing consumer demand for premium products.
- Customization options: Technological advancements enable consumers to select specific characteristics such as cut, color, and clarity, offering more personalized choices.
🌱 Consumer Demand Shifts
More people want products that feel right to buy. They care about the impact of their choices. That’s why many are turning to lab-grown diamonds.
- There are no harsh mining issues now; lab diamonds come without the environmental and social concerns.
- They cost 30–40% less, which makes it possible to get larger or higher-quality stones while staying within budget.
- Buyers want transparency, like knowing where their diamond came from. That trust makes them feel confident in what they buy.
This change in what people want is pushing makers to try new things. The result? A busy and fast-changing market.
So, Is a Lab-Grown Diamond Worth It? Let’s Be Real
Lab-grown diamonds offer a smart, practical way to get everything you love about a diamond without paying more than you need to. The price difference is no longer just noticeable; it’s major. And when you understand what goes into the cost, it’s easier to see the value behind the sparkle.
However, many buyers are also curious about their long-term value, especially the resale value. It's a fair question that is becoming more relevant as lab diamonds gain popularity. Read everything about the resale value of lab-made diamonds here.
So, are you planning a proposal? Investing in a custom piece? Or just curious about how far your budget can go? Knowing what drives the cost helps you make a smarter, more confident choice.
The market is growing, the options are better than ever, and honestly? There has never been a better time to buy one.
