The Truth About Diamonds

The Rational Luxury Report

THE TRUTH ABOUT DIAMONDS

The real value of a diamond was never about its price — it’s about its story, its ethics, and its evolution. Let’s look at the data behind the myth.

1. THE PRICE ILLUSION

For decades, natural diamonds were marketed as forever investments. But modern resale data shows a different truth: mined diamonds lose between 30–70% of their retail value the moment they’re purchased.

Diamond Type Retail Price (1.0ct, D, VVS1) Resale Value After Purchase
Natural Diamond (Mined) €8,000 €2,500 – €3,500 (-60%)
Lab-Grown Diamond (Glorion) €1,600 €1,200 (-25%)

Source: RapNet Market Index, IDEX 2026, Bloomberg Jewelry Value Report

2. RARITY IS NO LONGER REAL

The 20th-century diamond industry built its empire on the illusion of scarcity. But today, over 120 million carats of mined diamonds are produced each year. Corporations maintain artificial rarity by storing large reserves. Technology has now made true perfection possible without destruction.

"Each Glorion diamond is atomically identical to a mined diamond — certified by IGI and GIA, yet created ethically through precision engineering."

3. THE MODERN LUXURY SHIFT

Aspect Mined Diamond Lab-Grown Diamond
Origin Mined from earth, often in conflict zones Created in controlled ethical labs
Environmental Impact ~250 tons of earth displaced per carat Near-zero waste, renewable energy
Clarity Variable, depends on nature Consistent, flawless perfection
Value Retention High markup, 50–70% loss Fair pricing, minimal depreciation

Source: GIA Reports, Bain & Company – Global Diamond Report 2025