The $5,420 Question Before we get into the weeds, let's establish some facts. In the first few days of January 2026, I pulled up two 4.04-carat Asscher cut lab diamonds, both F color, VS1 clarity, Excellent cut, IGI certified. One was listed on Blue Nile for $7,210. The other was on the Icestore site for $1,790. That's not a typo. That's not a promotional discount. That's just Tuesday.

1. It Costs Less, and Everyone Knows Love Should Be Financially Ruinous Why save thousands of dollars when you could responsibly overpay for the experience  of debt? Nothing says “forever” like monthly payments until retirement. 2. It’s Chemically Identical, Which Ruins the Romance A lab-grown diamond has the exact same chemical, optical, and physical properties  as a mined diamond. Honestly, where’s the fun in that? If it’s not formed under the crushing pressure of the Ear