Recent reports from the Wall Street Journal,shed light on a growing predicament emerging among brides-to-be due to the plummeting prices of lab-grown diamonds, leading to an unexpected quandary surrounding the size of their engagement rings.
The increasing prevalence of larger-sized lab-grown diamonds, ranging from two to three carats or even more, has presented couples with a perplexing decision: do they opt to feign affordability for a substantial natural diamond or openly embrace the choice of a lab-grown alternative?
According to data from Tenoris, the average retail price for a one-carat lab-grown diamond has notably dwindled to $1,426, significantly lower than its natural counterpart, which commands an approximate price tag of $5,426.
Esther Hare, a former triathlete, candidly shared her experience with the Wall Street Journal, revealing her transition from a half-carat natural diamond received from her husband 25 years ago to a striking 4.5-carat oval-shaped lab-grown diamond valued at $40,000. Despite the grandeur of her new ring, she admitted, “A lot of times I won’t take it on vacation because it’s just a monster.
Another bride, Tiffany Buchert, initially received a 2-carat lab-grown engagement ring from her now-husband, which she found unappealing. Eventually, she exchanged it for a 1-carat natural diamond, doubling the price, to suit her preferences.