NATURAL VS. LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS: WHAT'S RIGHT FOR YOUR CUSTOM JEWELRY?

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Would you rather have a one-carat natural diamond—or a two-carat lab-grown diamond for the same price?

It’s a question that surprises many of our clients at Nobles Metales—and one that often sparks a much deeper conversation.

Choosing a diamond for a custom jewelry piece isn’t just about sparkle. It’s about your values, your style, and what matters most to you. Whether you’re designing an engagement ring, a meaningful gift, or something to mark a milestone, the decision between natural vs. lab-grown diamonds is an important one—and we’re here to help you make it confidently.

As a custom jeweler based in Marietta, GA, we walk clients through this choice every day. While both options offer undeniable beauty and brilliance, they come with different stories, price points, and considerations. In this post, we’ll break it all down—and show you how we help you find the diamond that fits your dream design perfectly.

Understanding the Difference

At Nobles Metales, we see a clear trend: when clients learn more about lab-grown diamonds, they often choose them.

Why?

Same beauty, lower price

Lab-grown diamonds have all the brilliance, fire, and durability of natural diamonds.

More size for your budget

Lab-grown diamonds are typically 40–70% more affordable than their natural counterparts. That means you can go bigger, higher quality, or both—without compromising your budget.

Perfect for custom design

When you’re investing in a one-of-a-kind piece, you want it to make an impact. Choosing a lab-grown diamond frees up room in the budget to explore a bolder design, a more intricate setting, or additional accents.

Certified quality you can trust

Lab-grown diamonds are still evaluated for quality—often by organizations like IGI (International Gemological Institute). While GIA has historically used the same grading scale for both natural and lab-grown diamonds, they’re currently transitioning to a new descriptive system for lab-grown diamonds, designed to reflect the narrower range of qualities in these stones. That means your lab-grown diamond will still be certified for its brilliance, beauty, and authenticity—just with terminology that more accurately reflects its origin and characteristics.

When a Natural Diamond Might Be Right for You

Some clients still prefer natural diamonds—and that’s completely valid. Jewelry is deeply personal, and there are times when a natural diamond makes more sense for the story you’re telling.

Ties to nature and tradition

If you value the symbolism of a stone formed deep in the earth, with history and rarity behind it, then a natural diamond might resonate more deeply.

Heirloom and legacy pieces

Some families choose natural diamonds for generational pieces, especially when they want to preserve a sense of tradition.

What About Long-Term Value?

It’s actually a common misconception that natural diamonds are a strong investment. In reality, unless you’re purchasing a historically significant or extremely rare stone, most diamonds—whether natural or lab-grown—won’t retain their full retail value at resale.

While natural diamonds may have a more established resale market, most standard diamonds lose significant value once purchased, whether they’re bought online or in a store. That’s why we encourage our clients to think of diamonds as emotional investments, not financial ones. Choose the stone that feels right for you, reflects your values, and fits your vision.

If you’re curious about resale value or trade-in potential, we’re happy to discuss the realities during your consultation—our goal is to make sure you’re informed and confident every step of the way.

At Nobles Metales, we believe there’s no wrong choice—just the right one for your values, vision, and lifestyle.

Our Custom Jewelry Design Process

Whether you go natural or lab-grown, our custom design process makes the journey effortless and exciting.

Step 1: Consultation

We begin with a 30-minute consultation at our Marietta, GA studio. You’ll sit down with our jeweler, Andres Cardenas, to discuss your design ideas, diamond preferences, and budget. We’ll explore both lab-grown and natural options to help you choose what fits best. If you already have inspiration photos or want to incorporate a family stone, bring them along—we love getting creative!

Step 2: Production

Once your design is finalized, Andres brings it to life using state-of-the-art technology and carefully selected materials. Every diamond—lab-grown or natural—is chosen for its beauty and quality. Sustainability matters to us too, so all metals are recycled or responsibly sourced. We’re also happy to repurpose your existing gold or heirloom stones into something new.

Step 3: Delivery

In just 3–4 weeks, your custom piece will be ready for pickup—or delivery if needed. Whether it’s a modern lab-grown engagement ring or a timeless diamond pendant, we’ll make sure it’s exactly what you envisioned (and more).

Sustainability and Ethics Matter to Us

Lab-grown diamonds aren’t just a smart financial decision—they can also be a more eco-conscious choice.

Traditional diamond mining requires massive amounts of energy and disrupts natural landscapes. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are produced in controlled environments, often with renewable energy sources. That’s why many of our clients choose them—not just for the price, but for peace of mind.

And no matter which diamond you choose, we’re proud to use recycled gold and offer upcycling services to reduce waste and make the most of materials you already own.

Still Not Sure? We’ll Help You Decide.

We know—there’s a lot to think about. But the good news is, you don’t have to figure it out alone. During your consultation, Andres will guide you through every option, explain the differences, and help you choose a diamond that fits your values, budget, and personal style.

There’s no pressure—just expert advice, thoughtful design, and a commitment to creating something truly meaningful.