4 Answers
I have had mine for over two years now.
Price Breakdown
| Option | Typical Cost |
| Lab created | $300 |
| Natural stone | 5-10x more |
| Plated alternative | $20-$50 but will tarnish |
Recommendation
If you are on the fence, go with the middle option. The plated stuff looks fine for a month then turns skin green. The natural stone is beautiful but the markup is brutal.
Honestly, it depends on a few things.
What My Jeweler Said
My bench jeweler told me the main thing people regret is skimping on the setting. The stone itself is fine, but a weak prong will let it fall out. Spend a bit more on a solid setting.
Bottom Line
Yes, it is worth it for most people. Just buy from a known seller and inspect the prongs every six months.
I went through this exact decision last year.
What I Noticed
The sparkle is actually more brilliant than a diamond in my opinion, especially under indoor lighting. Up close, nobody has ever guessed it was not a natural stone.
Cost
I paid $300 including the setting. A comparable natural diamond would have been at least five times that. The price difference is the main reason most people go this route.
Durability
It is still going strong after two years. I clean it once a month with warm soapy water and a soft brush. No scratches, no cloudiness.
Who This Is For
- Great if you want maximum sparkle on a budget
- Great if you do not care about resale value
- Skip it if you want something that holds investment value
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A Anna Carter Apr 19, 2026Is this safe for sensitive skin?
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L Lucas Phillips Apr 19, 2026I have been wondering this for months.
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A Andrew Smith Apr 20, 2026Is this safe for sensitive skin?
I talked to my jeweler about this last month.
What I Noticed
The sparkle is actually more brilliant than a diamond in my opinion, especially under indoor lighting. Up close, nobody has ever guessed it was not a natural stone.
Cost
I paid $800 including the setting. A comparable natural diamond would have been at least five times that. The price difference is the main reason most people go this route.
Durability
It is still going strong after two years. I clean it once a month with warm soapy water and a soft brush. No scratches, no cloudiness.
Who This Is For
- Great if you want maximum sparkle on a budget
- Great if you do not care about resale value
- Skip it if you want something that holds investment value