Diamonds, once reserved for milestone occasions, are becoming a staple in modern wardrobes. Lab-grown diamonds have made fine jewellery more accessible. Within a decade, they have captured more than half of the diamond market, with prices falling significantly. This affordability, coupled with a shift towards casual luxury, means diamond studs can be seen on weekdays and tennis bracelets worn with brunch attire. Brands such as Glamira now offer lab-grown diamond collections alongside fashion jewellery, embracing this shift in everyday wear.
Younger consumers are leading this transformation. According to a De Beers executive, brands must speak to this generation without relying on outdated narratives. Data reflects the change; 46 per cent of couples in the US chose a lab-grown diamond for an engagement ring in the past year, up from 12 per cent in 2019. Even one-time purchases are moving towards more practical, daily pieces.
Designers have responded with new concepts. Reed Krakoff, creative chairman of John Hardy, believes lab-grown stones allow for greater creative freedom, with each gem offering a unique design opportunity. His latest collections were created to suit modern, relaxed styling. Ray Griffiths of Ratnas Paris agrees: “You have to move with the times. You cannot get stuck.” Using lab-grown stones, he has crafted pieces featuring up to 1.5 carats per earring, all without excessive pricing. These designs bring bold brilliance to casual outfits, such as jeans and a T-shirt.
Close-up of a lab-grown tennis bracelet catching light on the wrist – understated luxury with lasting appeal.
The new approach to luxury encourages layering and personalisation. Lower per-carat costs allow for variety beyond a single heirloom item. Merill Hollander, founder of Fiametta, notes that large stones once required timeless, formal settings. Now, clients are embracing more playful, contemporary pieces. Stackable pave bands, layered hoops, and tennis bracelets are often styled with workwear. These lab-grown diamonds are chemically and visually identical to mined stones but offer flexibility in price and design. Retailers have observed an increase in customers viewing lab-grown items as everyday accessories. Some even offer complimentary travel rings with high-end purchases, signalling that lab-grown options suit daily life, while mined stones remain reserved for ceremonial use.
Sustainability and ethics are key drivers behind the lab-grown diamond movement. British designer Anabela Chan, who works with recycled metals and lab-grown gems, reports growing demand for pieces free of mining impact. The market for lab-grown diamonds continues to expand at an estimated 20 per cent annually, now accounting for around $15 billion globally. Major retailers have recognised this shift. Pandora’s diamond division states that lab-grown stones open creative possibilities once limited by the cost of natural diamonds. Consumers who prioritise transparency and environmental considerations are increasingly choosing lab-grown alternatives. Although both mining and lab production have ecological footprints, many view the decision as one of personal values.
Fashion media and trend leaders have embraced the transition. Vogue Singapore has described lab-grown jewellery as inclusive and versatile. Leading into the gifting and engagement seasons, editors highlight items such as tennis necklaces and delicate bracelets as ideal choices for both gifting and self-purchase. Jewellery boxes today are just as likely to contain a lab-grown ring as a mined one. In the UK, brands including Glamira are showcasing lab-grown diamonds across engagement rings, earrings, and bracelets. These collections align with a growing preference for adaptable, low-maintenance luxury.
A gifting moment – unwrapping a Glamira jewellery box containing lab-grown diamonds, perfect for any occasion.
The lab-grown trend reflects a broader cultural shift towards accessible luxury. One jewellery veteran recalls that lab-grown diamonds once accounted for only one per cent of the market in 2015. That figure now stands closer to 20 per cent. “It’s coming. You can’t stop it… A diamond is a diamond, no matter how it’s made,” he explains. “The market is ready. The product is ready. The consumer is listening.”
From minimalist studs to gleaming tennis bracelets, lab-grown diamonds are redefining the role of fine jewellery in everyday fashion. With falling prices, ethical appeal, and design freedom, these stones are set to remain a central part of modern style – not just for special occasions, but for life’s everyday moments.
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Country: United States
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