Editor’s Note
This article explores the shifting landscape of the diamond industry, highlighting how lab-grown stones are moving from a niche alternative to a mainstream choice for consumers seeking quality and value.
Once considered the understudy to mined diamonds, these stones (and therefore, the best lab-grown diamond brands), have officially taken center stage—and they’re not just performing, they’re dazzling. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Not simulants, not stand-ins. We’re talking pure carbon, identical in chemical, physical, and optical makeup to what’s been pulled from the earth for centuries—just made in a lab, not dug up from a mine.
So why the lingering hesitation? Stigma, mostly. The kind passed down like an heirloom from an era when “real” luxury was defined by scarcity and secrecy. But times—and tastes—have changed.
In an article that ran earlier this year, Jessica Sailer, former Vogue editor and founder of the new lab-grown line Pietro offered this:
That sentiment is echoed by a growing number of designers (and their clients) who love that you can go bigger, bolder, and cleaner—ethically and aesthetically—without inflating the price tag.
Of course, the Four Cs still matter—color, cut, clarity, and carat—but so do the other Cs: conscience, customization, and carbon footprint. Whether you’re buying a diamond ring for a fiancée, a friend, or yourself (because yes, self-gifting is a love language), lab-grown diamonds offer a compelling—and undeniably glamorous—case for the future of fine jewelry. Ahead, discover the 16 best places to shop for lab-grown diamond jewelry, from dainty necklaces to diamond earrings to show-stopping statement pieces.
With a devoted celebrity following that includes Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, and Selena Gomez, Mejuri has firmly established itself as a go-to jewelry label for crafting irresistible, everyday pieces. Vogue’s Jewelry Director, Daisy Shaw-Ellis, encapsulates its appeal: “Its pieces are egalitarian and versatile—two things we value greatly.”
Building on its commitment to accessible luxury, Mejuri expanded into lab-grown diamonds in 2023, aiming to make high-quality diamonds more attainable without compromising sustainability. Co-founder Noura Sakkijha explains,
Kinn’s collection seamlessly blends classic elegance with contemporary minimalism. From meticulously crafted engagement rings and wedding bands to everyday essentials like the Solis ring—a bestseller featuring an elegant ribbed design inspired by Yoon’s mother’s vintage pleated ring—each piece embodies a narrative of heritage and modernity. Crafted in Los Angeles, Kinn is committed to responsible manufacturing, utilizing recycled 14k gold and ethically sourced gemstones. The brand offers both lab-grown and natural diamonds, ensuring adherence to the Kimberley Process for conflict-free sourcing.
Not your mother’s Pandora. Once known primarily for its charm bracelets and giftable price points, the Danish jewelry giant has undergone a chic reinvention. In 2022, it entered the lab-grown diamond space with a clear message: sustainability is the new status symbol. The stones are cut and polished using 100% renewable energy, set in recycled gold and silver, and IGI-certified at 0.50 carats and above.
Dorsey launched its collection, a line of lab-grown diamond pieces crafted with recycled gold and serious style. The designs range from playful (heart-cut studs, asymmetric silhouettes) to timeless (eternity bands, delicate pendants), all with a distinct minimalist-glam sensibility. It’s fine jewelry that’s ethically made, editorially polished, and designed to mix, match, and wear on repeat.
