Diamonds at the crossroads

Today, natural and lab-grown diamonds aren't rivals but reflections of evolving tastes. Experts weigh in

- Sumita Bagchi

From Sydney Sweeney dazzling in 175 carats of Lorraine Schwartz diamonds at the 2025 Emmy Awards to Taylor Swift’s ‘rare’ old mine brilliant-cut engagement ring grabbing headlines and setting Google searches alight, natural diamonds have long symbolised the ultimate luxury.

Yet today, stars like Mindy Kaling, Emma Watson, and Leonardo DiCaprio are championing lab-grown diamonds on global stages, making eco-conscious sparkle just as covetable. The question: can the timeless allure of natural diamonds coexist with the rising glitter of their lab-grown counterparts? The brilliance of a diamond has always been entwined with ideas of permanence, rarity, and heritage. But as lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) continue to gain ground, the industry faces a new reality: two categories of stones— physically identical, yet distinct in story and symbolism—competing for consumer attention. Rather than one eclipsing the other, experts suggest that the two categories are beginning to coexist, each carving its own niche in luxury.

Lab-grown vs. natural

The biggest differentiator for LGDs is wearability and accessibility. No longer destined for high-security lockers and worn exclusively for weddings or special occasions, these jewels are made to be styled and lived in every day. Driving a sense of ownership that doesn't judge the pockets, the purchase sentiment is hugely emotional for LGDs. Whether it’s a woman buying her preferred diamond as a thoughtful gift or a symbol of independence, or friends marking milestones with matching jewels, each purchase carries personal meaning. These diamonds carry greater significance today, reflecting not just style, but intention, values, and conscious choice.