Lab-Grown Stones Now Lead Engagement Ring Sales

Lab-grown center stones have overtaken mined diamonds in engagement ring purchases, shifting the U.S. jewelry market.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Jewelry

Lab-Grown Stones Now Lead Engagement Ring Sales

Live Poll

Would you choose a lab-grown diamond over a mined one for an engagement ring?

Lab-grown center stones now make up 61 percent of all engagement ring purchases, a share that rose 239 percent since 2020. Retail prices for polished natural diamonds have fallen 40 percent over the past four years, narrowing the cost gap.

Why it matters

Lower prices for comparable carat sizes are pulling engaged couples toward lab-grown stones, and some mined-diamond owners are trading up within the lab-grown category. Shifting buyer values around mining's human rights and environmental impact are also contributing to the change.

Lab-grown center stones account for 61 percent of engagement ring purchases, up 239 percent since 2020. A 2.0 carat lab-grown stone averages $4,300, compared with about $7,000 for a 1.6 carat natural diamond, while polished natural diamond retail prices have dropped 40 percent over four years.

The players

Mervis Diamond Importers

Mervis Diamond Importers is a jewelry wholesaler that has reported increased customer demand for lab-grown diamonds.

Friendly Diamonds

Friendly Diamonds is a diamond retailer whose representative reports customers upgrading from mined to lab-grown stones.

The details

Engaged couples are choosing lab-grown center stones over mined diamonds, and some owners of mined diamonds are upgrading their jewelry with lab-grown pieces. Retailers including Mervis Diamond Importers and Friendly Diamonds report rising customer demand for lab-grown stones.

2020: Lab-grown share of engagement center stones began its 239 percent rise, and The Guardian reported on diamond mining human rights issues.
Over the last four years: Retail prices of polished natural diamonds fell 40 percent.
2026 to 2034: Lab-grown diamond market value is projected to grow from $33.54 billion to $91.85 billion.

Culture Shift

The move toward lab-grown stones follows concerns about mining conditions raised in The Guardian's 2020 reporting on diamond mining human rights issues. Buyers are now weighing ethical sourcing alongside price when choosing engagement rings.

Shoppers comparing engagement rings can now find a 2.0 carat lab-grown stone at about $4,300, far below the roughly $7,000 price of a 1.6 carat natural diamond. Buyers weighing budget against sourcing values have a more affordable option for center stones.

The takeaway

Engagement ring buyers now have a real choice between lab-grown and mined center stones, and price is only one factor. Comparing carat size, cost, and sourcing values before purchasing can help shoppers match a stone to their budget.