Thinking of buying your first lab grown diamond and wondering if they'll last forever? Lab grown diamonds are ethical and increasingly popular choices because they're pocket-friendly yet look highly identical to mined diamonds.
Questions come up about how these diamonds handle wear and keep their bright appearance since they cost less but seem high-end. Buyers want to know if the beauty and durability stick around in the long run.
So, today, we're going to talk about whether they'll last forever, with all their luxury appeal, so you can see if they're worth the investment
1. Durability vs. Value Over Time
The first thing is how strong and durable lab diamonds are physically. The second is what they’re worth in the market over time, which is a different story. Let us explore in detail.
| Aspect | Durability |
Value Over Time |
| Physical Composition | Identical atomic structure to natural diamonds (pure crystallized carbon) | Lab-grown diamonds are not considered rare, which affects long-term resale prices |
| Hardness | 10/10 on the Mohs scale, extremely resistant to scratches and wear | Prices have decreased over time due to advances in production technology |
| Long-Term Wear | Will last a lifetime with proper care, ideal for daily wear, engagement rings, and heirlooms | Less likely to appreciate in value compared to certain rare mined diamonds. |
| Clarity & Stability | High clarity grades and stable structure over decades if maintained | Market value is driven by supply, demand, and perception, not rarity |
| Impact of Environment | Resistant to heat, pressure, and chemical exposure (with normal precautions) |
Emotional value remains high, especially for personal milestones like engagements and anniversaries |
Balancing the Two: What It Means for You
If you are thinking about a long-term investment, especially with the expectation of reselling in the future, lab-grown diamonds might not be the optimal vehicle for appreciation or liquidity. Most jewelers and resellers will offer significantly less than the original purchase price because of:
- Rapid advancements in growing technology (which can lower retail prices over time).
- Consumer perception of lab-grown stones as “manufactured.”
If you care most about strength, beauty, and buying from responsible sources, lab-grown diamonds are an excellent option. You get the same shine and look as mined diamonds, but you pay much less at the start. Many people find this balance appealing, they last through everyday use and keep their bright look.
Choosing them also helps reduce harm to the environment, something many people care about deeply. Some buyers accept that resale profits might stay low because the joy of owning a durable, responsibly made diamond feels more important.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Last Forever?
They are chemically and structurally identical to mined diamonds, which means they last forever in terms of physical durability. Let’s look closer at the technical reasons why:
1. Diamond Hardness (Mohs Scale 10/10)
Unlike simulants like Moissanite or cubic zirconia, lab diamonds have a pure carbon lattice arranged in a cubic crystalline structure. This arrangement is extremely stable over time.
Lab-grown diamonds conduct heat nearly as efficiently as mined diamonds, which further confirms their crystalline purity. This property is why professional diamond testers can reliably detect them as real diamonds.
2. Resistance to Fading and Color Change
A major concern among consumers is whether a lab-created diamond might discolor or fade. Technically speaking:
a. Color Stability
Lab-grown diamonds stay bright and clear even when exposed to normal light or heat. Over time, they don’t turn yellow or lose their shine. The trace elements like nitrogen or boron, get locked deep inside the crystal. These elements don’t drift away or change as the years go by.
b. UV Exposure
Sunlight or UV light exposure over the long term does not change their color or clarity. This can be compared with certain treated diamonds or synthetics, which can exhibit fluorescence-hued alterations.
3. Behavior Under Extreme Conditions
Lab-grown diamond is extremely durable, but how it performs in harsh conditions may help you to take care of the investment:
The oxidation of diamonds only starts above ~700 o C (1,292 o F) when in oxygen. Common jewelry repairs, such as soldering or resizing are carried out at levels below this value or with protection against oxidation.
Diamonds may chip or cleave even though it is the hardest substance on earth, and when struck on the softest places, such as those of the girdle or edges.
✅ Tip: Always remove your diamond ring before heavy manual work or impact sports to reduce this risk.
4. Long-Term Structural Integrity
Unlike coated or treated stones, lab diamonds do not rely on surface enhancements to improve appearance:
- No Coatings to Wear Off: Their clarity and color are intrinsic to the entire crystal, not a surface layer that can wear down.
- Permanent Luster: With proper cleaning (warm soapy water and a soft brush) and maintenance, their natural luster remains unchanged for generations.
Do Lab Diamonds Change Over Time?
Even though lab diamonds are built to last, real-world conditions can affect their appearance if not properly maintained.
Lab-grown diamonds retain their optical properties, including brilliance, fire, and scintillation, indefinitely under normal wear.
1. Impact of Daily Wear, Environment, and Maintenance
| Factor | Effect on Diamond |
Why It Matters |
| Skin oils & cosmetics | Film buildup reduces light return | Dull brilliance, restored with gentle cleaning |
| Dirt & grime | Similar dulling effect | Common in everyday use, especially rings |
| Harsh chemicals | Can harm settings and dull the shank | Affects stone seating and security |
| Mechanical impact | High clarity grades and stable structure over decades if maintained | Diamonds are hard but not indestructible |
| Thermal shock | Rare microfractures from rapid, extreme temperature |
Unlikely in daily life, but avoid sudden temperature changes |
2. Tips for Keeping Them Sparkling Like New
To preserve your diamond’s brilliance and structural integrity:
1. Routine Cleaning
Soak in warm water and mild dish soap (avoid hot water). Lightly brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and pat dry. Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals or Chlorine
Remove jewelry during household cleaning or swimming, as chlorine can corrode settings
2. Safe Storage
Store diamonds in soft pouches or separate compartments to prevent abrasion
3. Professional Maintenance
Inspect prongs and settings yearly; professional cleaning restores luster and checks mounting. Some recommend annual ultrasonic cleaning and inspections for engagement rings
4. Remove Jewelry During Manual Activities
Avoid wearing during sports, gardening, or manual labor to prevent impact damage
Are Lab Diamonds a Good Long-Term Investment?
Lab-grown diamonds remain chemically, optically, and physically identical to mined diamonds forever.
Considerations for Heirlooms, Engagement Rings, or Daily Wear
- Perfect for heirloom-quality jewelry, engagement rings, and everyday pieces.
- They can be passed down through generations without losing clarity or durability.
Market Value vs. Emotional Value
Lab-grown diamonds have an outstanding emotional and aesthetic value at an accelerated price range, even though the resale prices of the same size lab-grown diamond will tend to be lower than those of a natural diamond. They remain increasingly popular and, to these buyers, value means sentiment, not speculation.
FAQs
Can lab-grown diamonds chip or break?
Lab-grown diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs scale and share identical structural properties with natural diamonds. However, they can chip or cleave if struck sharply along cleavage planes; a proper setting minimizes the risk.
Are they worth buying for engagement rings?
Excellent choice. Lab-grown diamonds offer ethical sourcing, IGI/GIA certification, superior clarity, and a cut at a fraction of natural diamond prices, perfect for engagement rings combining beauty, value, and sustainability.
Shop KARATERS’ Best Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry
Take a look at KARATERS’ hand-picked collection of lab-grown diamonds crafted to stay beautiful for years. Celebrate your love with an engagement ring, make your anniversary exceptional with a beautiful tennis necklace, or choose a piece that reflects your style.
Each diamond holds true beauty and carries an ethical story you can feel proud to share with your love one.
