Have attitudes towards lab-grown diamonds changed recently?

Diamonds have captured humanity’s imagination. Formed by nature across millennia, they have long symbolised rarity, permanence, and affection. However, a disruptive innovation has emerged in recent decades with the advent of lab grown diamonds (LGDs), igniting debates about authenticity, value, and desirability. 

Are attitudes shifting? Does society increasingly value innovation over tradition? More importantly, can LGDs carve a lasting position alongside their natural counterparts?

This blog explores this dichotomy by examining recent trends and sentiments surrounding these diamonds.

Read more below

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What are lab grown diamonds?

They are cultivated in high-tech facilities that mimic the conditions under which natural diamonds form beneath the Earth’s surface. Using methods such as High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), these stones possess the identical chemical, optical, and physical properties of natural diamonds. They are not replicas or imitations. They are real.

Yet, their origins in a lab have long drawn scepticism, leading to questions like, “Are lab grown diamonds fake?” or“Do lab grown diamonds look fake?”

They don’t. LGDs share the same luminescence, radiance, and fire as mined ones. But does public opinion align with these facts?

The rising acceptance of lab grown diamonds

Awareness blooms, stigmas diminish

According to a 2024 Rapaport survey, 84% are aware of LGDs. This near-universal awareness speaks volumes about how far the technology and messaging around these diamonds have come. Consumers are becoming increasingly capable of distinguishing between a well-grown lab diamond and a synthetic simulant like cubic zirconia.

The numbers grow even stronger with 74% open to a lab grown diamond engagement ring, while 83% accept them in fashion jewellery. What was once confined to niche markets has become a phenomenon gaining mainstream love.

Motivating factors behind the shift

What lies at the heart of this softening skepticism? Three pillars seem to underpin this shift:

  • The appeal of affordability

LGDs are priced 74% lower than natural diamonds due to improved production methods. For consumers who want grandeur without guilt, these stones offer size, sparkle, and sustainability without causing seismic dents in their savings.

  • Ethical consciousness

Younger generations are particularly motivated by values.

  • No large-scale mining
  • No conflict zones
  • Significantly lower carbon footprint and water usage

For many, LGDs represent a more responsible path to luxury.

  • Design without compromise

Because they are grown in controlled environments, LGDs allow for:

  • Unique shapes and colours (e.g. pink, blue, champagne)
  • Faster turnaround times for custom designs
  • Perfect pairing with bespoke engagement rings or modern heirlooms

They bring flexibility and freedom into the world of fine jewellery. Whether it’s a bespoke engagement ring or sparkling stud earrings, LGDs align perfectly with the modern penchant for conscious luxury.

At a Glance: Natural vs Lab Grown Diamonds


Attribute
Natural Diamonds
Lab Grown Diamonds

Cost
Premium-priced
~74% more affordable

Consumer Awareness
Universal
Rapidly increasing (84%)

Chemical Structure
100% carbon (natural)
100% carbon (lab-grown)

A new role for tradition and technology

The debate isn’t about which type of diamond is “real” - both are.

 Instead, the conversation is about meaning.

  • Some still prefer the geological romance of Earth-mined diamonds.
  • Others value the modern ethics, affordability, and innovation of lab grown alternatives


The key shift? Consumers now have more choice and more clarity. Owning a diamond is no longer just about rarity; it’s about values, lifestyle, and personal preference.

Final Thoughts: Defining Brilliance, Differently

Lab grown diamonds are no longer seen as "second best." They have become a category of their own, driven by technology, transparency, and taste.

Whether one favours authenticity or accessibility, one notion reigns supreme: both kinds of diamonds radiate brilliance, but define brilliance differently.

Are you ready to discover brilliance without compromise?

Explore Valquère’s curated selection of lab grown diamond jewellery, and let your story shine; ethically, beautifully, and boldly.