Lab-created diamonds recently surged in popularity. Consumers are drawn to these diamonds for their affordability and smaller environmental footprint, says Melinda Nolan, owner of Roemer Originals Jewelry in St. Charles.
Melinda says she views man-made diamonds as providing another excellent option, given that her store carries rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, watches, eternity bands and gemstones.
"Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as mined diamonds, just at a lower price point,” she explains.
However, Melinda says there are a few factors to consider when purchasing a lab-grown diamond rather than an earth-mined diamond. "First, when shopping, be sure to ask whether you're looking at lab-grown or mined diamonds. Not all retailers are disclosing this detail when selling lab grown stones."
The market price for lab-grown diamonds continues to fall, which is great for purchasing, but makes resale value more uncertain, she explains. "If that matters, you may want to go with a natural diamond."
Due to unstable market prices for lab-grown diamonds, most retailers won't accept lab diamonds as a trade-in toward an upgrade, or make offers to purchase them, Melinda reveals. "Because many people want to upgrade their diamond in the future, or are in the situation of wanting to sell their diamond, this is definitely something to consider."
Second, even though lab and mined diamonds are chemically the same, the "natural" origin of a diamond might matter to some people. Melinda says there's a “romance” factor in purchasing a diamond that took millions of years to create.
“Whether you're looking for mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, moissanites or colored gemstones, we can help you look at all of the options to determine what’s right for you,” she adds.
Specializing in custom-created, hand-carved, one-of-a-kind pieces since 1975, Melinda says as a full-service business they also offer repair services, jewelry insurance appraisals and corporate gifts. They buy gold estate jewelry, too.
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"It’s important to know what you're purchasing, especially when lab-grown stones should cost considerably less."