What do jewellers think of lab diamonds?
Quick answer
Opinions vary. Traditional jewellers tied to mined supply were resistant early on, but most now stock both lab and mined diamonds because customers ask for both. From a craft perspective, lab diamonds are identical to work with: same cutting, same setting, same finish. The industry treats them as a real, permanent category rather than a passing trend.
Where the industry sits in 2026
The Knot's 2026 Real Weddings Study reports that lab-grown centre stones now account for 61% of engagement ring purchases, a 239% increase since 2020. For 1-carat engagement rings specifically, lab-grown crossed 56% of the US market by late 2025. Major retailers including Brilliant Earth, Blue Nile and most independents stock both lab and mined. Even De Beers, the largest mined-diamond company, runs Lightbox as a dedicated lab-grown brand.
Why some jewellers were initially resistant
Traditional jewellery businesses built their inventory and margins around mined diamonds, often financing stones held in stock for years. Lab supply cut the replacement value of that inventory, which hurt margins on existing stock. As consumer demand for lab-grown grew, holding only mined became a competitive disadvantage. The remaining mined-only jewellers tend to specialise in heirloom, vintage or investment-focused offerings.
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