Can You Sell a Lab-Grown Diamond? (2026 Resale Guide)
The brutal truth about lab diamond resale value. We explain why it is zero, and why that might actually save you money in the long run.
Our team of certified gemologists and jewelry experts provides in-depth analysis to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Key takeaways
- •The resale value of a lab-grown diamond is effectively 0%.
- •There is no secondary market because new stones are always cheaper than used ones.
- •However, the 'Total Cost of Ownership' is still lower than a natural diamond.
- •Natural diamonds lose 50% of value immediately. Lab diamonds lose 100%.
- •Conclusion: Buy Lab as an expense (like a vacation), not an asset (like gold).
Let’s rip the band-aid off immediately: If you try to sell your lab-grown diamond to a jeweler, they will offer you zero dollars.
Maybe—if you are lucky—they might offer you $20 for the gold setting. But the stone itself? It has no trade-in value.
The Brutal Truth: 0% Resale Value
Why? It comes down to infinite supply.
Imagine you are a jeweler. You can buy a brand new, certified, perfectly cut 1-carat lab diamond from a wholesaler for $200. Why would you buy a "used" one from a customer for $200? You wouldn't.
Unlike natural diamonds, which have a "floor price" dictated by mining scarcity, lab diamonds are technology. Trying to sell a used lab diamond is like trying to sell a used iPhone 4. It works, but nobody wants it because the new iPhone 16 is better and cheap enough.
The "Total Cost" Comparison (The Saving Grace)
This sounds depressing. But wait. Let's look at the math of "Total Loss."
Most people think buying a Natural Diamond is "safer" because it has resale value. But let's run the numbers on a 2-Carat Engagement Ring.
| Scenario | Purchase Price | Resale Value | Total Money Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Diamond | $20,000 | $10,000 (50%) | -$10,000 |
| Lab Diamond | $2,000 | $0 (0%) | -$2,000 |
The Winner: Buying the Lab Diamond saves you $8,000 in "realized losses." Even though you get nothing back, you spent so much less upfront that you are still mathematically ahead.
Where Can You Sell One? (If Desperate)
If you absolutely must sell it, here are your only real options:
- eBay / Poshmark: You might find a direct buyer who wants a cheap ring. Expect to get 20-30% of what you paid.
- Consignment: Some online platforms like "Loupe Troop" allow you to list used jewelry.
- Pawn Shops: Avoid. They will pay you for the gold weight of the band and count the diamond as $0.
Conclusion
Buying a lab diamond is a consumption expense. It is not an investment.
If you are comfortable with that, it is the best deal in the history of jewelry. If you require your jewelry to act as a savings account, you must stick to natural (and accept the high entry price).
Understand the risks, then check the prices in our Lab Diamond Pricing Guide.
Recommended Products for Diamond Jewelry
To keep your diamonds sparkling and secure, we recommend these top-rated care products:
- Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Cloth: The secret to keeping your diamond sparkling daily. Removes oil and grime instantly.
- Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner: Professional-grade deep cleaning at home. Uses sound waves to remove hidden dirt.
- SHUNKAIZS 2-Tier Tangle-Free Jewelry Stand: A sleek, tangle-free display with two tiers perfect for organizing necklaces, bracelets, and watches without knots.
About this guide
Written by the TheCaratCut Editorial Team. Our recommendations follow our editorial policy, and we may earn commissions through affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.