Editor’s Note
This article explores the shifting preferences in engagement rings, as more couples opt for lab-grown diamonds over traditionally mined stones. We examine the factors driving this trend, from ethical considerations to affordability, and what it means for the future of the jewelry industry.
For a long time, engagement couples have preferred diamond rings, as diamonds mined from deep within the earth have been imbued with the symbolism of eternal commitment and lasting love, making them the most favored choice. However, in recent years, an increasing number of couples are leaning towards choosing lab-grown diamonds over natural diamonds for their engagement rings.
Lab-grown diamonds are also known as “Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGD).” According to The Knot’s “2025 Real Weddings Study,” 52% of surveyed couples in 2024 reported using lab-grown diamonds for their engagement rings. The website also found that the popularity of lab-grown diamonds increased by 6% compared to the previous year and has surged by 40% since 2019.
So, what is driving more couples to choose lab-grown diamonds over natural ones?
Diamond price has always been the primary concern for many couples when purchasing an engagement ring. Compared to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are more affordable, typically costing 30% to 70% less than natural diamonds of comparable quality.
The price of natural diamonds is constrained by mining, transportation, cutting, and market supply, whereas the production cost of lab-grown diamonds is relatively controllable, making their prices more competitive. This means that with the same budget, consumers can purchase a larger, higher-quality diamond to meet visual and emotional needs without putting excessive strain on their finances.
A common misconception about lab-grown diamonds is that they are similar to “diamond simulants” like moissanite or cubic zirconia. In reality, lab-grown diamonds possess the same hardness as natural diamonds, both achieving a Mohs hardness of 10.
Moreover, they are completely identical in physical, chemical, and optical properties, sharing the same fire, refractive index, and brilliance. Therefore, both are graded using the same “Four Cs” system—cut, color, clarity, and carat.
Whether viewed with the naked eye or using professional detection equipment, lab-grown diamonds are nearly indistinguishable from natural diamonds; only professional gemological laboratory testing can identify them. This is because lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) technologies, fully replicating the natural diamond formation process.
In other words, wearing an engagement ring with a lab-grown diamond offers an appearance and wearing experience identical to that of a natural diamond, but at a price that can be described as “worlds apart.”
The mining of natural diamonds has long faced criticism on ethical and environmental grounds. For example, the issue of “blood diamonds” (mined in war zones and sold to fund conflicts and human rights abuses) has plagued the global diamond market, leading many consumers to have ethical concerns about the origin of natural diamonds.
Although international certification mechanisms like the Kimberley Process exist to prevent blood diamonds from entering the market, they cannot completely eliminate the problem. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds do not involve the exploitation of forced labor, destruction of natural resources, or fueling of armed conflicts during their production, making them a more ethically responsible choice.
Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are considered “greener.” Mining natural diamonds requires large-scale excavation, causing severe ecological damage, whereas the production process for lab-grown diamonds has a lower carbon footprint, aligning better with environmental protection and sustainable development principles.
The rise of lab-grown diamonds is not only popular among ordinary consumers but also endorsed by many luxury brands and celebrities. Jewelry brands such as Pandora, De Beers, and Tiffany & Co. have launched their own lab-grown diamond collections, offering more choices to the market.
Furthermore, celebrities including pop star Ariana Grande and actress Emma Watson have publicly expressed support for lab-grown diamonds. This trend has also influenced younger generations of consumers, who place greater emphasis on the environmental and ethical values behind products and are willing to choose options that are more friendly to society and the environment.
Natural diamonds have long been artificially endowed with the symbolic meanings of “rarity, preciousness, and permanence,” leading many to believe that natural diamonds are more valuable than lab-grown ones. However, today’s younger consumers have become more rational and pragmatic when faced with brand marketing, no longer fully accepting advertising slogans like “A diamond is forever.” Some even jokingly revise the slogan to “A diamond is forever, but it can also bankrupt you,” reflecting a sense of helplessness.
Millennials and Gen Z are more pragmatic, focusing on a product’s practicality, value for money, and ethical value rather than being swayed solely by market hype. They believe that the significance of a diamond lies not in whether it is natural or lab-grown but in the emotions and commitments it represents. Therefore, without sacrificing quality, choosing more affordable, environmentally friendly, and ethically responsible lab-grown diamonds has become a choice more aligned with modern values.
Generally, engagement rings are purchased for emotional reasons and are not considered investments. However, it is important to understand that lab-grown diamonds do not retain their value and may sell for less than the purchase price upon resale. In contrast, high-quality natural diamonds or gemstones may retain or even appreciate in value.
Additionally, besides the diamond, the metal of the ring itself affects the price. For example, platinum and white gold may look similar, but platinum is “rarer and more durable,” making it more expensive. Furthermore, durable metals like platinum are less prone to tarnishing, while white gold requires periodic re-plating to restore its appearance. Therefore, long-term maintenance costs should also be considered.
According to industry reports, by 2030, the lab-grown diamond market is projected to account for over 30% of the global diamond market, possibly even higher. In other words, looking at future trends, lab-grown diamonds may surpass natural diamonds to become mainstream.
