For decades, diamonds came with one assumed origin story: deep beneath the earth, formed over billions of years, mined, cut and eventually slipped onto someone’s finger.

Now? That story has changed.

Lab-grown diamonds have moved from niche alternative to mainstream choice – especially among engaged couples who are thinking differently about value, ethics and what forever actually looks like. Recent industry reports suggest lab-grown stones now make up a significant and growing share of engagement ring purchases globally, driven largely by younger buyers prioritising value and customisation.

But despite all the conversation online, one question remains surprisingly difficult to answer:

If they look the same, what are you really paying for?

To cut through the marketing noise, we spoke to Yazeed, an experienced jeweller currently consulting for Harris Jewellers in Canal Walk and Platandia in the V&A Waterfront, to get an insider’s view on how the industry – and couples – are changing.

First things first: are lab-grown diamonds actually real?

Short answer: yes. This is probably the biggest misconception that still exists.

Lab-grown diamonds are not cubic zirconia or imitation stones. They are chemically, physically and optically diamonds – made from crystallised carbon under controlled conditions rather than formed underground over billions of years. They’re graded using the same quality principles buyers already know: cut, colour, clarity and carat.

According to Yazeed: “Previous years consumers were of the opinion that lab diamonds are fake due to natural diamond producers spreading false information. With the growth of social media, people became informed as to what constitutes a diamond.”

That shift in awareness has changed buying behaviour dramatically.

Why more couples are choosing lab-grown

When asked how consumer attitudes have evolved over the last 12–18 months, Yazeed didn’t hesitate.

“The younger generation have been more readily accepting of lab-grown diamonds.”

His reasoning reflects what’s happening globally: rising living costs, changing priorities and a stronger focus on getting more for your money. Industry data shows that lab-grown diamonds continue to cost substantially less than equivalent natural stones, allowing couples to prioritise size, quality or custom design without dramatically increasing spend.

And that’s where things get interesting. Because while price is often the headline – it isn’t always the deciding factor.

Beyond price: what buyers should actually care about

According to Yazeed, certification matters more than origin. “As long as the lab diamond is independently certified by a world-renowned lab such as GIA or IGI then, just like natural diamonds, consumers should focus on colour, clarity and cut.”

That advice reflects a growing shift in how jewellers guide clients.

The conversation isn’t necessarily lab versus natural anymore.

It’s becoming:

Which stone gives you the experience, symbolism and practical outcome you want?

Natural diamonds still carry emotional appeal for buyers who value rarity, geological history and stronger long-term value retention.

Lab-grown appeals to couples who care more about design freedom, visible quality and stretching a budget further.

The sustainability conversation isn’t as simple as social media makes it seem

Few topics create stronger opinions than sustainability. Lab-grown diamonds are often positioned as the more environmentally conscious option because they avoid mining and concerns around land disruption and labour practices.

Yazeed explains: “It basically comes down to what you as the consumer consider to be better for the environment long term.”

He points to concerns around mining impact, resource extraction and industry concentration versus lab-grown production models that offer greater scalability and accessibility. That said, sustainability isn’t entirely black and white.

Lab-grown production still requires energy-intensive processes, while many natural diamond producers have increased transparency and environmental commitments in recent years.

Translation? Marketing shouldn’t make the decision for you. Your values should.

So, what would a jeweller recommend?

If a couple walked in with the same budget and no strong preference?

Yazeed’s answer was refreshingly honest.

“At the end of the day it does come down to budget… but bearing in mind the consumer can get a far bigger and better specification lab diamond in terms of colour, clarity and cut compared to natural, the choice still rests with what they feel comfortable buying.”

And that might be the most useful takeaway of all. Because choosing an engagement ring isn’t a test.

You don’t get extra points for tradition. You don’t get bonus points for practicality. You’re choosing something deeply personal.

Some couples want the story of something formed naturally over billions of years.

Others want the freedom to go bigger, bolder or redirect the savings into a honeymoon, a home deposit or simply life together. Neither choice is wrong.

The right diamond isn’t the one the internet tells you to buy, It’s the one that feels like your version of forever.

Expert insight provided by Yazeed, experienced jeweller currently consulting for Harris Jewellers (Canal Walk) and Platandia. 

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Featured image: The Glorious Studio / Pexels