The diamond industry is undergoing a quiet revolution. Lab-grown diamonds, once dismissed as "fake" or "cheap", are now mainstream. But new data reveals a paradox: while most consumers are open to buying lab-grown gems, fewer actively prefer them over natural diamonds. Let’s visit what’s happening, why it matters, and how this shift impacts buyers, sellers, and the planet.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Acceptance vs. Preference

A 2025 survey by The Plumb Club (an industry authority) polled 2,000 U.S. consumers (ages 25–60, $75k+ income) and uncovered fascinating trends:

74% would accept a lab-grown diamond engagement ring.

83% are open to lab-grown diamonds in fashion jewelry.

84% have heard of lab-grown diamonds (up from 80% in 2023).

Only 33% prefer lab-grown over natural diamonds, down 20% from 2023. Meanwhile, 30% now favor natural diamonds (up 7%), and 37% are undecided due to lack of information.

Perceived Value: Natural diamonds still hold cultural weight as symbols of love and legacy.

Misinformation: Only 45% know lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural ones (Gemological Institute of America).

Price Sensitivity: Lab-grown prices have dropped 50–70% since 2020, making them accessible but less “exclusive.”

Lab-Grown Diamonds: The Advantages

Despite shifting preferences, lab-grown diamonds dominate in three key areas:

Affordability Without Compromise -

Lab-grown diamonds cost 60–80% less than natural ones. For example, a 2-carat lab-grown diamond might cost

3,000, whilea natural onecould exceed 3,000, while a natural one could exceed 20,000. This lets buyers prioritize size, quality, or design without blowing budgets.

Explore CaratX’s Lab-Grown Collection here for stunning options.

Ethical and Environmental Benefits -

Natural diamond mining has long been linked to:

Environmental Damage: Land erosion, water pollution, and high carbon emissions (WWF Report).

Human Rights Issues: Conflict diamonds and unsafe labor practices.

Lab-grown diamonds, made in controlled labs, eliminate these risks. A 2023 study by MIT found that lab-grown gems produce 90% fewer carbon emissions than mined diamonds.

Customization and Innovation -

Lab-grown technology allows for unique colors and cuts (like vivid blue or pink diamonds) that are rare or impossible in nature.

Why Are Preferences Shifting Toward Natural Diamonds?

The rise in natural diamond preference isn’t random. Here’s what’s driving it:

Marketing Muscle -

Natural diamond brands have doubled down on storytelling, emphasizing:

Heritage: “Billions of years in the making.”

Emotional Value: “Real is rare.”

Lab-Grown Saturation -

As lab-grown diamonds flood the market, their novelty has faded. Some consumers associate lower prices with lower status.

Confusion About Quality -

Many still believe lab-grown diamonds are “inferior,” despite being graded using the same 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat) as natural stones.

Sustainability: The Gen Z Factor

Younger buyers (ages 18–34) prioritize sustainability more than any other generation. For them, lab-grown diamonds align with values like:

Climate Action: Avoiding mining’s ecological footprint.

Blockchain tech tracks a diamond’s origin (learn more in CaratX’s Ethical Sourcing Guide here).

However, even eco-conscious shoppers are torn. A 2024 report by The International Gem Society found that 41% of Gen Z buyers worry lab-grown diamonds lack “emotional authenticity.”

For Retailers: How to Navigate the Shift

Jewelers must balance demand for both natural and lab-grown diamonds. Here’s how:

Educate, Don’t Persuade -

Use tools like CaratX’s Blockchain Certification to prove lab-grown diamonds’ authenticity.

Share side-by-side comparisons of natural vs. lab-grown stones.

Highlight Ethical Practices -

Promote brands that use recycled metals or carbon-neutral labs. CaratX’s Sustainable Vendors here lead the way.

Offer Flexible Pricing -

Bundle lab-grown diamonds with premium settings or custom designs to maintain perceived value.

The Future of Lab-Grown Diamonds: 3 Predictions

Price Stabilization -

As production scales, lab-grown diamond prices will stabilize, making them a reliable budget option.

Hybrid Collections -

Brands will blend natural and lab-grown gems in one piece (e.g., a natural diamond center with lab-grown accents).

Tech-Driven Trust -

Blockchain and AI will become industry standards for verifying origins. CaratX’s Blockchain Hub here explains how this works.

Why CaratX Is the Ultimate Platform for Sellers

Whether you’re selling natural or lab-grown diamonds, CaratX marketplace offers:

Global Reach: Connect with 18+ international buyers instantly.

Cost Savings: Slash tariffs, storage fees, and returns. See Pricing.

Speed: Ship orders in 1 week with trusted logistics partners.

Trust: Pre-shipment checks and blockchain-backed certifications.

Join 1,200+ sellers on CaratX here and start scaling today.

Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds -

Factor Lab-Grown Diamonds Natural Diamonds Cost 800–800–3,000 per carat 4,000–4,000–20,000+ per carat Environmental Impact 90% lower carbon emissions High water/energy use Ethics Conflict-freeRisk of “blood diamonds”Resale Value Lower (20–40% of purchase)Higher (50–70% of purchase)

(Sources: Federal Trade Commission, GIA)

The Choice Is Yours -

Lab-grown diamonds are here to stay, but natural diamonds aren’t disappearing. The key is transparency: buyers deserve to know exactly what they’re getting, whether it’s a billion-year-old natural gem or a sustainable lab-grown alternative.

Ready to Sell Smarter? Join CaratX, where innovation meets tradition. Register as a seller and tap into a $90B global diamond market.

Follow CaratX for cutting-edge insights on diamonds, luxury trends, and smart selling strategies.