Lab-grown diamonds have exploded in popularity in the past few years. In fact, a recent survey by The Knot reported that 61% of participating consumers chose a lab-grown diamond for their engagement ring. That marks a 239% increase since 2020.
To best understand what is driving this buying frenzy, we should first explore exactly what a lab diamond is.
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. It is chemically, optically, and physically identical to a mined diamond. The only difference between the two is that a lab diamond is produced in a high-tech lab using pressure and temperature processes that replicate diamond formation in nature. Because the production process is fast and repeatable, lab-grown diamonds are a sustainable choice.
Most couples want to maximize their budget when they begin the process of choosing an engagement ring. Because lab-grown diamonds are typically 30-70% less expensive than mined diamonds, couples enjoy a wider range of diamonds available to them within their price range. This means that for the same level of quality, a couple’s budget can stretch to a 2-carat lab-grown diamond instead of a 1-carat mined stone.
As more consumers embrace eco-consciousness, they look for products that reflect their values and beliefs. Lab-grown diamonds meet these criteria. Unlike mined diamonds, lab diamonds are guaranteed conflict-free because they are sourced from a laboratory.
Historically, diamond mining companies have been embroiled in controversy, facing accusations of human rights violations, unlawful child labor practices, and environmental degradation. Unlike those businesses, lab-grown diamond companies avoid ethically questionable and environmentally destructive practices like human rights violations, deforestation, habitat loss, and significant land displacement. They are truly the ethically sourced option.
Diamonds that come from the earth take approximately 1-3.5 billion years to form. This obvious geological limitation makes them less readily available than lab-grown diamonds. Because generating lab gemstones is a much faster process, they are more readily available in all shapes, sizes, and colors and can easily be created on demand.
Like their mined counterparts, lab-grown diamonds are examined and certified by reputable diamond grading labs. These labs inspect each lab-grown gemstone and gauge its merit based on the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. This assures consumers that the attributes and value of the stone they’ve chosen have been validated for quality and worth by experienced professionals.
Many celebrities are embracing the fact that lab-grown diamonds are an ethical and eco-conscious alternative to mined diamonds. High-profile figures such as Selena Gomez, Bindi Irwin, Nikki Reed, and Rooney Mara are just a few notable examples of those flashing lab-grown diamond engagement and wedding rings. Other famous people who have adopted the trend of affordable, eco-conscious luxury include the Duchess of Sussex, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Penélope Cruz, to name a few. Rest assured, when you choose a lab-grown diamond, you’re in good company!
Discover the authentic lab-grown diamond of your dreams when you browse our collection. You will be thrilled to find a spectacular gemstone that offers all the brilliance and fire you desire at a budget-friendly price you’ll love.