Acceptance of lab-created diamond jewellery increases

The Plumb Club, a US-based jewellery trade association, surveyed 2,000 men and women aged 25-60 about their preferences. The study found that 74 per cent of consumers were open to receiving a lab-created diamond engagement ring.

Furthermore, 83 per cent said they would accept a piece of lab-created diamond fashion jewellery, and the same amount expressed interest in lab-created colour gemstones.

When asked to choose between two diamonds of the same quality, 49 per cent said they would purchase a natural diamond, 17 per cent nominated a lab-created diamond, and 34 per cent did not have a preference.

"They say they would love to have a natural diamond, but the reality is they can get better quality for their money with lab."

Michael O’Connor, Plumb Club

In an interview with JCK Online, marketing director Michael O’Connor said that consumers remain focused on value for money.

“It’s interesting because more people said they are accepting of lab-grown, yet many people say they would prefer a natural diamond, and they are evenly split on whether they would buy one,” said O’Connor.

“They say they would love to have a natural diamond, but the reality is they can get better quality for their money with lab.”

Nearly half of the survey respondents said they preferred to buy from independent jewellery stores, while just under one-quarter nominated jewellery chain stores.

Around one-third of consumers said that the designer or brand of jewellery was the most influential factor in selection. In contrast, another 30 per cent said recommendations from friends and family persuaded them.

Earlier this year, the 2025 Real Weddings Study found that 52 per cent of couples had an engagement ring featuring a lab-created diamond, an increase of 6 per cent from the previous year and 40 per cent since 2019.

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