5 Answers
Short answer: My ring came from Charles & Colvard with a full certificate. Save your money. The difference is noticeable but not worth the premium for most people.
Short answer: no. I switched after a few months and never looked back. The upkeep was not worth it.
Quick summary first, then details:
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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G Grace White last weekDoes the same apply to plated pieces?
Great question. I ordered from Tiffany online. Short answer: no. I switched after a few months and never looked back. The upkeep was not worth it.
Yes, I have had mine for two years and it still looks great. Just clean it regularly with soap and water.
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E last weekHow much did yours end up costing?
Here is my honest take after owning one. It depends on your skin and how often you wear it. Mine is fine, but a friend had issues within weeks.
This is one of the most common questions I see here.
Price Breakdown
| Option | Typical Cost |
| Lab created | $8,000 |
| 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.