Recent data from Google Trends reveals that interest in lab-grown diamonds has surged in the U.S. Since 2019, searches for these diamonds have consistently risen, reaching 69% of diamond-related searches in 2024—compared to only 31% for natural diamonds (bagable.com).
In this context, Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik predicts that lab-grown diamonds will outsell mined diamonds within the next ten years (bnnbloomberg.ca). Similarly, Mona Akhavi from the lab-grown diamond company Vrai noted that “almost half the diamonds sold in the U.S. last year were lab-grown” (rapaport.com).
Surveys show that American consumers are primarily drawn to lab-grown diamonds for two reasons: affordability and quality (jckonline.com). A survey by The Plumb Club revealed that 31% of respondents cited price as the top factor, and 30% cited better quality in terms of color and clarity. Ethical and environmental reasons were less significant, influencing just 17% and 16% of consumers respectively.
The same survey found that:
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84% of respondents were already aware of lab-grown diamonds.
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74% were open to choosing a lab-grown engagement ring.
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However, when choosing between two diamonds of equal quality, 49% still preferred natural, while only 17% preferred lab-grown.
Market research indicates that the main buyers of lab-grown diamonds are young and middle-aged consumers, especially Millennials (ages 25–38), who value sustainability, innovation, and cost-effectiveness (nationaljeweler.com). Many are willing to exceed their initial budget to purchase larger or higher-clarity diamonds. Retailers report that up to 70% of traditional diamond buyers are open to lab-grown alternatives. Older buyers (55+) are also turning to lab-grown diamonds for upgrading existing rings.
Two key drivers behind the growing popularity are:
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Price – Lab-grown diamonds are 78–80% less expensive than mined diamonds (rapaport.com).
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Sustainability – Many consider them a “clean” alternative free from the ethical issues associated with mined diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds offer benefits such as:
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Environmental sustainability
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Technological innovation
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Affordability
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Customization options
In contrast, mined diamonds are valued for their rarity and legacy. Although lab-grown diamond prices had been declining, market data from Nivoda shows slight growth in Q1 2024, indicating a stabilizing market (nationaljeweler.com).
Industry Developments in the U.S.
Several major jewelry brands have begun embracing lab-grown diamonds:
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Luxury group LVMH’s Fred brand included 0.50-carat lab-grown blue diamonds in its 2023 "Audacious Blue" collection.
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Brands like Mejuri and Prada have introduced lab-grown options.
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Startups like Mazarin in Paris and John Duset in the U.S. are exclusively focused on lab-grown diamonds.
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Stone & Strand now sells both natural and lab-grown options, offering consumers more choice.
Retail availability has expanded:
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Blue Nile, following its acquisition by Signet, introduced lab-grown loose stones and ring settings in 2022.
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E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Alibaba have seen rising lab-grown listings.
Celebrities are also promoting lab-grown diamonds for their sustainability. For instance, Emma Watson and Leonardo DiCaprio have worn lab-grown jewelry in public to support environmental awareness.
Brands like Kendra Scott have launched exclusive lab-grown engagement ring collections targeting younger consumers.
Conclusion
Industry experts agree that lab-grown diamonds will continue to gain traction, across both fashion and bridal categories. Over time, natural and lab-grown diamonds are expected to co-exist, serving a broader and more flexible consumer base. As technology and consumer preferences evolve, the jewelry market is becoming more inclusive and diverse.
For more insights, visit leading jewelry industry sites such as National Jeweler and Rapaport, which regularly cover lab-grown diamond trends.
For more information and reading, visit reputable jewelry industry websites like National Jeweler and Rapaport, which provide regular updates on lab-grown diamond trends.
