Modern Day Investment in Diamonds & Jewelry

Shift in the Market Place for Natural Diamonds & Lab-Grown Diamonds

Modern Day Investment in Diamonds & Jewelry

Over the last few years, the market has shifted dramatically in commercial grade Natural Diamonds. Lab Grown Diamonds have surged in popularity, especially among younger consumers buying engagement rings and classic jewelry staples, such as diamond stud earrings, pendants, diamond tennis bracelets and necklaces. A lab-grown diamond is a gemstone produced under controlled conditions, either using High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods. They are produced from a sliver of a natural diamond and are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural mined diamonds, as they are both composed of pure carbon in the same crystalline form. A gemologist cannot even tell the difference as you need special equipment and machinery to make an accurate distinction; Therefore, you should always have a GIA or IGI certificate when purchasing larger size stones.

https://jortman.com/natural-diamonds-lab-grown-diamonds-and-cubic-zirconia/

Sales Value & Market Size for LGD

2022: Estimated global lab-grown diamond sales were just shy of USD 12 billion, up from under USD 1 billion in 2016 .
2023: The global market size was around USD 22.8 billion .
2024: Projected to climb to USD 25.9 billion .
2032 Forecast: Expected to reach US74-75 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 14 % per year .

Certification & Volume Indicators for LGD

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) reported a 24 % year-on-year increase in certification of lab-grown diamonds, with export volume rising from 7.81 million carats in FY 2023–24 to 15.29 million carats in FY 2024–25

Why the shift?

Affordability: Since around 2018–2020, prices of lab-grown diamonds have dropped dramatically—up to 70–86 % cheaper than similar-quality mined stones by 2025 (Retail)

Ethical & Environmental Appeal: They avoid mining-related environmental and ethical concerns and are favored by younger consumers and more affluent buyers seeking sustainable luxury.

Their resale value is less significant, and expectations are clearer at the onset.

As a result, the market for commercial-grade, Natural diamonds has practically collapsed. In fact, I’m now seeing clients who have purchased natural diamonds at retail stores just last year experiencing a 50–80% loss on resale.

As a wholesale diamond dealer and jeweler, and with 40 years of experience with J. Ortman Jewelry, I have never seen such a dramatic shift in diamond valuation.

Here is my professional guidance:

For Diamond engagement rings and staple jewelry, choose certified, high-quality Lab Grown Diamonds. The Diamonds are exactly the same as Natural Diamonds except for the price.

https://jortman.com/the-future-of-diamonds-how-sustainable-gems-are-reshaping-the-jewelry-industry/

https://jortman.com/should-i-buy-lab-grown-diamond-studs-over-natural-diamonds/

For investment in pleasure and possible long-term value and appreciation, advise your clients to consider:

One-of-a-kind signed vintage jewelry
Precious gemstones: Gem Quality Ruby, Emerald & Sapphire.
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds
Gem quality Natural White Diamonds that are at least 3cts +, DEF in color, VVS-VS in clarity, excellent in make.

These categories continue to retain — and even grow — in value due to their rarity and collector appeal.

https://jortman.com/color-your-world/

https://jortman.com/rare-jewels/

https://jortman.com/most-expensive-fancy-color-diamond-earrings/

https://jortman.com/rubies-are-red-violets-are-blue/

https://jortman.com/magical-gems-with-a-soul-by-mourad-hatik/

If you or your clients have questions, need resale guidance, or are looking to acquire rare gem stones and high-end vintage pieces, I’m here to help guide you and make your purchases at a good value.

What I can provide for you or your clients:

I am an expert in my industry for investment guidance and resale council and advise.
I am a wholesale, concierge jewelry designer who custom makes or curates fine jewelry, based in Boca Raton, so you get the best value without the high retail markups.
I also have access to a global network of Significant Precious Stones, Significant Natural Diamonds, and Vintage jewelry at wholesale prices.
I also buy gold and jewelry. It is a great time for individuals to sell their old, outdated gold jewelry at the inflated gold price.

Let’s connect!