January 08, 24by John Jeffay
![Ultra-Wealthy Buying Lab Growns, says Dubai Jeweler (1) Ultra-Wealthy Buying Lab Growns, says Dubai Jeweler (1)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
(IDEX Online) - Even wealthy clients, who can readily afford natural diamonds, are buying lab growns, says the founder of a luxury jewelry brand in Dubai.
Fergus James says he sells high-end lab-grown diamond bracelets to wealthy socialites, influencers and Premier League footballers.
He says one client, an ultra-high net individual from India, spends over $500,000 a year - all on lab grown rather than mined diamonds.
Fergus, who runs Fergus James, formerly known as Dubai Rocks, says the surge of interest in lab growns came after the 2022 Netflix documentary Nothing Lasts Forever.
He says that within a month of it first being broadcast demand for lab growns flipped from 5-10 per cent to 80-90 per cent.
"What came through very quickly was that it wasn't what the diamond industry was anticipating in terms of the general demographic or customer profile they anticipated would buy it," he told Arabian Business.
"It has actually transpired that the customer profile is just completely non-discriminatory. It's everyone! Even people who've got money, they can afford to buy whatever they wanted."
Pic courtesy Fergus James
FAQs
Even wealthy clients, who can readily afford natural diamonds, are buying lab growns, says the founder of a luxury jewelry brand in Dubai. Fergus James says he sells high-end lab-grown diamond bracelets to wealthy socialites, influencers and Premier League footballers.
Can a jeweler tell the difference between lab grown and real? ›
Distinguishing between lab grown and natural diamonds isn't possible with the naked eye. However, gemologists can identify lab grown diamonds through various methods. Most lab grown diamonds exhibit certain features or "fingerprints" that differ from natural diamonds.
What do jewelers say about lab-grown diamonds? ›
Lab-Grown Diamonds are “Real” Diamonds
Contrary to what you might assume, lab-grown does not mean fake. A lab-grown diamond is essentially the same thing as a natural diamond. So, buying a lab-grown diamond is preferable to purchasing a synthetic option, such as a cubic zirconia.
Do jewelers make more money on lab-grown diamonds? ›
The margins are exponentially higher on lab-grown stones than they are on natural diamonds, so a jeweler makes more money if they can convince you that a manufactured diamond is the same as a diamond. Wholesalers typically sell diamonds for cost plus 10%.
Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value? ›
As with a natural diamond you can expect your lab grown diamonds to significantly drop in monetary value after purchase. Some estimate that lab grown diamonds can drop to 10% of their original price or lower, while more generous estimators put them nearer to natural diamonds at 30% of the original price.
Are Costco diamonds lab grown? ›
All diamonds offered by Costco are natural and untreated. Colored gemstones are often enhanced in the production process. All colored gemstones offered by Costco have been enhanced unless otherwise stated.
Why does my lab grown diamond look fake? ›
The difference cannot be detected with the naked eye when comparing a Lab Grown Diamond and a Natural Diamond of equal characteristics of the 4 C's. Lab Grown Diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as Natural Diamonds so they will be just as dazzling.
Why are people against lab-grown diamonds? ›
Some might argue that, for this reason, buying a lab made diamond also comes with its ethical considerations, as doing so takes income away from those involved in the natural diamond industry who may need it most. Likewise, while diamond mining is hardly eco-friendly, creating a diamond in a lab isn't exactly innocent.
Are Tiffany diamonds lab grown? ›
Natural diamonds often contain a small amount of nitrogen or other impurities, while lab-grown diamonds do not. Tiffany diamonds are responsibly sourced from known mines and suppliers, and the majority of our rough stones come from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Canada.
What is the disadvantage of buying lab-grown diamond? ›
In conclusion, lab-grown diamonds have many advantages, including their lower cost, eco-friendliness, and lack of ethical issues. However, they also have several disadvantages, including environmental concerns, quality concerns, ethical concerns, cost comparisons, and consumer attitude.
Man made diamonds are difficult to spot because of their chemical, physical and optical properties similar to their natural counterparts. Professional jeweler services and pawn shop brokers often have the equipment needed to tell the difference.
How much should you pay for a lab grown diamond? ›
Typically, you can expect the cost of synthetic diamonds to vary widely, from under $1,000 per carat to nearly $10,000 per carat, depending on the size of the diamond, as well as the various factors such as color and clarity that also determine lab grown diamond prices and value.
Why do jewelers push lab diamonds? ›
Yet, despite lacking the long-term value retention of mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are a fraction of the price, often 50 percent less or more. For example, a 1.25 carat natural diamond costs about $10,000, while the same amount can purchase a 3.5 carat lab-grown diamond with an identical appearance.
Are lab diamonds junk? ›
The jewelers have all explained that lab-grown diamonds are just as legitimate as mined diamonds all the way down to the genetics, and can only be distinguished by paperwork. So, it's a real diamond and it's a fraction of the price.
Do lab-grown diamonds get cloudy over time? ›
The simple answer is no – when produced by reputable manufacturers, lab diamonds do not get cloudy or change appearance. A general misconception is that lab grown diamonds are more likely to appear cloudy or contain color due to their artificial origin.
Do lab-grown diamonds lose their sparkle? ›
Lab-grown diamonds do not lose their sparkle as they are made with the same process and chemical and physical properties through which natural diamonds are made. Lab diamonds are made through a process called HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) methods.
Can an appraiser tell the difference between lab grown diamonds? ›
No appraiser can assert with confidence that they can identify a lab-grown diamond without the use of tools recommended by the GIA and other reputable labs for identification.
Can lab grown diamonds be detected? ›
Jewelers can tell that a diamond is lab grown thanks to microscopic inscriptions that identify them as such. Without highly specialized equipment, however, it isn't possible to tell whether a diamond was naturally mined or grown in a lab.
Can people tell lab grown diamonds apart? ›
The quick answer is yes, detecting lab-created diamonds is possible. Several ways exist to determine whether a diamond is lab-grown or natural. The most common method is through the use of specialized equipment, such as a diamond tester or a microscope.
Can a pawn shop tell if a diamond is lab-created? ›
Man made diamonds are difficult to spot because of their chemical, physical and optical properties similar to their natural counterparts. Professional jeweler services and pawn shop brokers often have the equipment needed to tell the difference.