Why Are More and More People Choosing Lab-Grown Diamonds?

For a long time, engaged couples have favored diamond engagement rings because diamonds mined from deep underground are imbued with the symbolism of eternal commitment and lasting love, making them the most coveted choice. However, in recent years, an increasing number of couples are opting for lab-grown diamonds over natural diamonds for their engagement rings.

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as “Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGD),” have been gaining popularity. According to the 2025 Real Wedding Study released by the wedding website The Knot, in 2024, 52% of surveyed couples stated that they used 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 grown significantly by 40% since 2019.

So, what are the reasons behind more and more couples choosing lab-grown diamonds over natural diamonds?

The price of diamonds has always been a major factor for many couples when purchasing engagement rings. Compared to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are more affordable, typically ranging from 30% to 70% cheaper than natural diamonds of the same quality.

According to a CNBC report, Paul Zimnisky, a top analyst in the global diamond industry, analyzed proprietary data for the first quarter of 2025, revealing that the price of an unbranded 1-carat round lab-grown diamond is approximately $845, while a similar natural diamond’s price is around $3,895.

The price of natural diamonds is constrained by mining, transportation, cutting, and market supply, while the production cost of lab-grown diamonds is relatively more controllable, making their price more competitive. This means that with the same budget, consumers can purchase larger, higher-quality diamonds to meet their visual and emotional needs without putting too much strain on their finances.

One common misconception about lab-grown diamonds is that they are similar to “simulated diamonds” (such as moissanite or cubic zirconia). However, in reality, lab-grown diamonds have the same hardness as natural diamonds, both reaching a level of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Moreover, they have identical physical, chemical, and optical properties, with the same fire, refractive index, and luster. They also adhere to the same “Four Cs” grading system – cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

Lab-grown diamonds are almost indistinguishable from natural diamonds whether observed with the naked eye or using professional testing equipment; only a gemological laboratory can identify them. This is because lab-grown diamonds are produced through High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) technologies, completely replicating the formation process of natural diamonds in a controlled environment.

In other words, the engagement rings adorned with lab-grown diamonds are visually and experientially identical to natural diamonds but come at a significantly different price point.

The ethical and environmental aspects of mining natural diamonds have long been criticized. The issue of “blood diamonds” (mined in war zones and sold to finance conflicts and human rights abuses) has plagued the global diamond market, leading many consumers to have ethical concerns about the source of natural diamonds.

While international certification mechanisms like the Kimberley Process are in place to prevent blood diamonds from entering the market, the problem has not been entirely eradicated. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are produced without exploiting slave labor, damaging natural resources, or fueling armed conflicts during the production process, making them a more ethically responsible choice.

Moreover, lab-grown diamonds are considered more environmentally friendly because mining natural diamonds requires extensive excavation, causing severe ecological damage, whereas the carbon emissions in the production process of lab-grown diamonds are lower, aligning more with the principles of sustainability and environmental conservation.

The rise of lab-grown diamonds is not only welcomed by ordinary consumers but also endorsed by many luxury brands and celebrities. Jewelry brands like Pandora, De Beers, Tiffany & Co. have already introduced their own lab-grown diamond collections, offering more choices to the market.

Furthermore, celebrities like Ariana Grande, Emma Watson, among others, have publicly supported lab-grown diamonds. This trend has also influenced the younger generation of consumers who prioritize the environmental values and ethical responsibility behind products and are willing to choose products that are more socially and environmentally friendly.

Traditionally, natural diamonds have been attributed with the symbolism of “rare, precious, enduring,” leading many to believe that natural diamonds are more valuable than lab-grown diamonds. However, today’s younger consumers are becoming more rational and practical when confronted with brand marketing and no longer fully accept the advertising concept of “diamonds are forever, one will always cherish it.” Some even joke that the ad should be changed to “diamonds are forever, one will go bankrupt,” reflecting the frustration of many.

Millennials and Gen Z are more pragmatic; they focus more on the practicality, value for money, and ethical values of products rather than being swayed by market hype. They believe that the significance of diamonds lies in the emotions and commitments they hold, rather than whether they are natural or lab-grown. Therefore, choosing lab-grown diamonds that are more affordable, environmentally friendly, and ethically responsible without compromising quality has become a choice that aligns more with modern values.

Engagement rings are typically purchased for sentimental reasons rather than as investments. However, it is important to note that lab-grown diamonds do not retain value, and their resale price may be lower than the purchase price. On the other hand, high-quality natural diamonds or gemstones may retain or even appreciate in value.

In addition to diamonds, the metal material of the ring itself can also affect its price. For example, platinum and white gold may look similar, but platinum is considered “rarer and more durable,” making it more expensive. Additionally, durable metals like platinum require less maintenance and are resistant to tarnishing, while white gold needs regular re-plating to restore its original appearance. Therefore, the long-term maintenance costs should also be taken into consideration.

According to industry reports, by 2030, the lab-grown diamond market is projected to account for over 30% of the global diamond market and could potentially be even higher. In other words, looking at future trends, lab-grown diamonds may surpass natural diamonds to become the mainstream choice.