Are your wedding bells ringing? Are you looking for a perfect engagement ring that celebrates your relationship befittingly? Lab-grown diamond rings would be a right choice like they are for millions of Americans. 

Ethical fashion has been the mantra for a decade now. From the clothes to the jewelry people wear, an increasing number of people are making a conscious choice towards sustainability and a greener future. According to a recent study in the United States, almost 59% of consumers agree on the need for sustainable fashion. The COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted people's fashion choices, with a McKinsey report suggesting that sustainable jewelry would account for 20-30% of all fine jewelry market by 2025.

Lab-created diamond engagement rings have surged in popularity across the United States. 46% of all engagement rings sold in the US in 2023 have a lab-grown center stone. It is a four-fold increase over the share of lab-grown engagement rings sold in 2019. This rise is not surprising as the trend reflects a broader shift towards sustainable and ethical consumerism. Millennials and Gen Z are leading this trend as they are more conscious about the source of the diamonds and metals used in jewelry. Easy access to online lab-grown diamond engagement rings has also played a part in the rising demand for lab-grown diamond engagement rings in the United States. 

The Appeal of Lab-Grown Diamonds


One of the primary reasons for the rise in popularity of lab-grown diamonds is their ethical and environmental advantages over mined diamonds. The traditional diamond mining industry is a tale of environmental degradation and unethical labor practices. Most of the natural diamonds in the world come from highly impoverished regions where the mining industry has given birth to conflicts, drugs, gun culture, and child labor. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are grown in controlled environments in state-of-the-art labs using advanced technology. It significantly reduces the environmental footprint and eliminates all concerns about exploitation and conflicts.

Lab-grown diamonds are in no way inferior to natural diamonds. They are identical in their structure, chemical properties, and radiance. The diamond-growing labs replicate the same chemical process in labs as Mother Nature does over hundreds of years to bond carbon atoms. Advancements in technology allow the production of high-quality diamonds that are indistinguishable from natural ones to the naked eye. Unlike mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are consistent in size and shape and more readily available, eliminating the scarcity factor that affects prices of mined diamonds.

The cost of diamond engagement rings is another factor that has helped lab-created diamond engagement rings increase the market share. Lab-grown diamonds are typically 20-40% cheaper than their natural counterparts of comparable quality. It is a conservative estimate, and the comparable price difference between natural stones and lab-created ones is much higher for higher grades of diamonds. These factors drive the rising popularity of lab-grown diamond rings among US consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, who don't want to be associated with this exploitation in the mining industry and look for more value in their purchases. 

Rise of Indian Brands in the US Diamond Jewelry Business 


Indian jewelry brands have also played their part in the rising growth of lab-created diamond engagement rings in the United States. India is the hub of diamond cutting and polishing, with 80% share in the market. The country has always been a leading player in the US diamond jewelry market, and they are powering the surging demand for lab-grown diamond engagement rings online. With exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and competitive pricing, Indian brands have successfully blended classic artistry with contemporary trends to become the No. 1 source for lab-grown engagement rings. 

Unlike the natural diamond business, where a few Indian brands cater to most US consumers, smaller brands are leading the surge in the lab-created diamond jewelry market. These brands are increasing their footprint in the market with intricate designs and quality craftsmanship. They have cut their overhead costs since they sell lab-grown diamond engagement rings online without investing in physical stores. They are passing these benefits to the customers with competitively priced products, offering complete value for money. 

These brands have also introduced jewelry personalization options. US customers can share their design choices, and experienced craftsmen create these engagement rings from scratch. It has become a game changer for millennials and Gen Z, who like playing with styles and trends. They can now order personalized engagement rings and other jewelry items and try out classical designs from India or experiment with minimalistic modern trends. 

The future seems bright for lab-grown diamond rings as today's US consumers are keen on ethical jewelry free from exploitation and environmental degradation. Competitive pricing and easy availability across varied sizes, shapes, and grades are changing the buying behavior in the engagement ring business. 

Lab grown diamonds are the future, and the United States is showing the path toward a sustainable future.