Everything To Know About Lab-Grown Diamonds

“Lab-grown diamonds are the great equaliser,” says Jean Dousset, the great-grandson of Louis Cartier who pivoted his namesake label to exclusively lab-grown stones in 2023. “People don’t have to compromise anymore to own something exceptional.” Once considered the understudy to mined diamonds, these stones (and therefore, the best ​lab-grown diamond brands), have officially taken centre stage – and they’re not just performing, they’re dazzling. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Not simulants, not stand-ins. We’re talking pure carbon, identical in chemical, physical, and optical makeup to what’s been pulled from the earth for centuries – just made in a lab, not dug up from a mine.

So why the lingering hesitation? Stigma, mostly. The kind passed down like an heirloom from an era when “real” luxury was defined by scarcity and secrecy. But times – and tastes – have changed. “I started working with lab-grown diamonds because it was a smarter, more conscious choice,” says Jennifer Fisher, who now incorporates them across her fine jewellery designs. “They offer the same brilliance and clarity – but they align with how I want to shop and design today.” In an article that ran earlier this year, Jessica Sailer, former Vogue editor and founder of the new lab-grown line Pietro offered this: “Imagine if Hermès introduced an AI technology that could produce a perfect Birkin bag using the same materials in the same atelier, but in a fraction of the time. The craftsmanship would be identical. Would you want one?” Why, yes; yes, of course!

Vogue’s guide to leading lab-grown diamonds:

That sentiment is echoed by a growing number of designers (and their clients) who love that you can go bigger, bolder, and cleaner – ethically and aesthetically – without inflating the price tag. Of course, the “four Cs” still matter – colour, cut, clarity, and carat – but so do the other Cs: conscience, customisation, and carbon footprint. Whether you’re buying a diamond ring for a fiancée, a friend, or yourself (because yes, self-gifting is a love language), lab-grown diamonds offer a compelling – and undeniably glamorous – case for the future of fine jewellery. Ahead, discover the best places to shop for lab-grown diamond jewellery, from dainty necklaces to diamond earrings to show-stopping statement pieces.

To help guide your shopping journey, we tapped four jewellery experts to answer the most frequently asked questions about lab-grown diamonds. From the science behind the sparkle to their ethical implications, consider this your lab-grown cheat sheet.

Mejuri
​With a devoted celebrity following that includes Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, and Selena Gomez, Mejuri has firmly established itself as a go-to jewellery label for crafting irresistible, everyday pieces. Vogue’s jewellery director, Daisy Shaw-Ellis, encapsulates its appeal: “Its pieces are egalitarian and versatile – two things we value greatly.”​

Building on its commitment to accessible luxury, Mejuri expanded into lab-grown diamonds in 2023, aiming to make high-quality diamonds more attainable without compromising sustainability. Co-founder Noura Sakkijha explains, “Our expansion into lab-grown diamonds is a way to make high-quality diamonds (especially the larger sized stones) more accessible to our customers, without compromising our sustainability efforts.” ​

The collection features timeless classics reimagined with lab-grown diamonds, including tennis bracelets, pavé rings, and simple pendant necklaces – ideal gifts for a loved one or oneself. Each piece is meticulously crafted in 14k solid gold, ensuring both elegance and durability. ​Mejuri’s lab-grown diamonds are SCS Global certified, recognised as the top benchmark for sustainability, reflecting the brand’s dedication to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.

Styles offered: Everyday fine jewellery, engagement rings, wedding bands in yellow gold and white
Price range: Pieces start at £128

Pandora
Once known primarily for its charm bracelets and giftable price points, Pandora has undergone a chic reinvention. In 2022, the Danish brand entered the lab-grown diamond space with a clear message: sustainability is the new status symbol. The stones are cut and polished using 100 per cent renewable energy, set in recycled gold and silver, and IGI-certified at 0.50 carats and above.

To mark the shift, the brand launched its “Diamonds for All” campaign featuring Pamela Anderson, Grace Coddington, Precious Lee, and Amita Suman – an eclectic, intergenerational cast that reflects Pandora’s new direction: inclusive, ethical, and refreshingly stylish. The lab-grown collection includes sleek asymmetric rings, polished bangles, and minimalist studs – all with the sort of effortless cool that feels right on time (and right for Gen Z).

Styles offered: Everyday fine jewellery
Price range: Pieces start at £109

Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth has long been at the forefront of ethical fine jewellery, and in the world of lab-grown diamonds, it’s a pioneer. The brand first introduced lab-created stones in 2012 – well before most retailers caught on – and has continued to push the category forward with collections that prioritise both innovation and sustainability. “We started Brilliant Earth to raise the ethical standards of the diamond industry and to create a new way to buy beautiful fine jewellery,” said co-founder and CEO Beth Gerstein in 2024. And they’ve made good on that promise.

In recent years, the brand has introduced collections like the Capture Collection, which features diamonds grown using CO2 captured before it can be released into the atmosphere, and the Renewable Collection, made using wind and solar energy at every stage of the process. In a meaningful partnership with Dr. Jane Goodall, Brilliant Earth also launched a limited-edition line benefiting conservation efforts – with proceeds supporting her namesake institute.

All of this complements the brand’s original mission: to offer beautiful, traceable stones with transparency built into every step. Brilliant Earth was one of the first retailers to offer Sustainably Rated lab-grown diamonds, independently certified for climate neutrality and clean technology investment. Brilliant Earth aims to have 100 per cent of its gold and silver repurposed or Fairmined, with a longer-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions across its operations and supply chain by 2050. It’s proof that lab-grown luxury doesn’t just sparkle – it leads.

Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding jewellery, everyday fine jewellery, fancy-coloured stones, custom designs
Price range: Pieces start at £180

Vrai
Vrai is one of the few fine jewellery brands that can claim a zero-emission sparkle. Every one of its lab-grown diamonds is cultivated in the Pacific Northwest using hydropower from the Columbia River, making it one of the only carbon-neutral producers of diamonds in the world. The brand’s partner in this feat of science-meets-sustainability? The Diamond Foundry, a tech-forward company backed by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio, who has long championed alternatives to traditional mining.

Exclusively working with lab-grown stones, Vrai has carved out a niche for itself at the intersection of innovation and luxury. Their direct-to-consumer model means you’re not paying the usual markup for quality; what you see is what you get – and what you get is excellent. Each diamond is cut and polished by master artisans (some trained in Belgium’s famed cutting houses) and comes with a certificate of authenticity that guarantees both quality and sustainability credentials.

The aesthetic? Minimal, sculptural, and quietly impactful – perfect for those who want their jewellery to say something without shouting. In addition to ready-to-wear earrings, rings, and necklaces, Vrai offers a robust custom engagement ring program, complete with concierge-style support and endlessly chic settings.

Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding jewellery, everyday fine jewellery, custom designs
Price range: Pieces start at £372

Kinn
In the realm of fine jewellery, Kinn stands out as a purveyor of modern heirlooms designed to transcend fleeting trends. Founded in 2017 by Jennie Yoon, Kinn was born from a deeply personal mission: to recreate and reimagine her family’s stolen antique jewelry. This intimate origin story infuses each piece with a sense of continuity and timelessness, aiming to be cherished across generations.​

Kinn’s collection seamlessly blends classic elegance with contemporary minimalism. From meticulously crafted engagement rings and wedding bands to everyday essentials like the Solis ring – a bestseller featuring an elegant ribbed design inspired by Yoon’s mother’s vintage pleated ring – each piece embodies a narrative of heritage and modernity. Crafted in Los Angeles, Kinn is committed to responsible manufacturing, utilising recycled 14k gold and ethically sourced gemstones. The brand offers both lab-grown and natural diamonds, ensuring adherence to the Kimberley Process for conflict-free sourcing.​

Styles offered: Everyday fine jewelry, engagement rings, wedding bands, personalized and custom jewelry
Price range: Pieces start at £665

Jean Dousset
Jean Dousset may be the great-grandson of Louis Cartier, but his career has never been about resting on pedigree. With early training at Chaumet in Paris and an apprenticeship under Alain Boucheron, he quickly established himself as a force in high jewellery, culminating in a role overseeing international exhibitions at Van Cleef & Arpels. But it was in 2010 – when he opened his own showroom in Los Angeles – that Dousset began rewriting the rules on his own terms.

In April 2023, he made perhaps his boldest move yet: transitioning his entire brand to lab-grown diamonds. The pivot wasn’t just about ethics – it was about creative freedom. “Lab-grown diamonds have freed us from the constraints of rarity and price,” he told Vogue. “They allow designers to be more creative than ever before.” That creative license is on full display in Dousset’s recent work, including the bespoke engagement ring he designed for Paris Jackson: a five-carat vintage-inspired piece with distinctive metalwork and sculptural accents. “Jean brought a truly innovative approach,” Jackson told Vogue. “He collaborated with me to design a piece that beautifully integrated unique metalwork, silhouettes, and accents.”

Today, every Dousset diamond is lab-grown, GIA-certified, and set in designs that reflect both his Place Vendôme roots and a thoroughly modern sensibility. It’s jewellery that honours tradition – while giving it a long-overdue update.

Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding jewellery, everyday fine jewellery, custom designs
Price range: Pieces start at £550

Jennifer Fisher
Jennifer Fisher has always approached jewellery as deeply personal – and deeply powerful. The designer, known for redefining modern essentials with her signature hoops and dog tags, entered the lab-grown diamond space not to jump on a trend, but to offer something meaningful. “I have a mine-cut stone that is of significant size,” she told Vogue, “and I don’t know who, if anyone, was harmed mining it. That doesn’t feel great.”

Her lab-grown collection, launched in early 2023, is a sharp departure from the micro pavé-drenched engagement offerings flooding the market. Think pinky rings with major emerald cuts, simplified martini-set studs, and substantial tennis necklaces made to sit perfectly whether your hair is up or down. “I stopped wearing my engagement ring on my wedding finger three years ago,” Fisher explains. “Now I wear it on my pinky – and people literally stop me on the street."

Designed in 18k gold, her pieces favour substantial, single-stone silhouettes over sparkle overload. “The market is already saturated with pavé,” she says. “People want one visually extraordinary stone – not a bunch of tiny ones shoved into a setting.”

Though she doesn’t plan to expand into traditional engagement rings, Fisher has found that women – particularly those buying for themselves – are gravitating toward her lab-grown pieces as milestone markers: for anniversaries, divorces, or just the joy of wearing a serious rock on any finger they please. “They’re not buying them to be subtle,” she says. “They’re buying them because they want a stone that feels bold, modern, and truly theirs.”

Styles offered: Rings, tennis necklaces, diamond studs
Price range: Pieces start at £1,289

Blue Nile
Blue Nile practically invented the modern online diamond-buying experience. Founded in 1999 with a then-radical idea – that transparency and education could actually elevate jewellery shopping – it quickly became the go-to destination for diamonds you could click to buy without stepping foot into a velvet-draped showroom. And in 2022, Blue Nile made another major move: it introduced lab-grown diamonds into its mix, proving that the future of fine jewellery is not just digital, but decidedly sustainable.

The brand’s lab-grown offerings are expansive, running the gamut from just-under-a-carat solitaires to over-four-carat showstoppers, all available at the click of a very well-manicured finger. And while many retailers have embraced lab-created stones, Blue Nile stands apart by offering GIA grading reports with every purchase – a move that brings mined-diamond-level rigour to the lab-grown space.

Custom engagement rings are still a major focus here, but the brand has also expanded into everyday wear: think classic tennis bracelets, diamond studs, and sleek stacking bands that feel elevated without tipping into OTT.

Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding jewellery, everyday fine jewellery, custom designs
Price range: Pieces start at £1,500

Stone and Strand
Founded by Nadine McCarthy Kahane in 2013, Stone and Strand has always set out to make fine jewellery feel cooler, more conscious, and far less intimidating. Based in New York City, the brand strikes a balance between downtown edge and Fifth Avenue craftsmanship – producing its pieces in the same workshops as some of the industry’s biggest names.

That philosophy is especially clear in its “Rathe” collection, a line of lab-grown diamond pieces crafted with recycled gold and serious style. The designs range from playful (heart-cut studs, asymmetric silhouettes) to timeless (eternity bands, delicate pendants), all with a distinct minimalist-glam sensibility. It’s fine jewellery that’s ethically made, editorially polished, and designed to mix, match, and wear on repeat.

Styles offered: Everyday fine jewelry
Price range: Pieces start at £99

Kendra Scott
Think you know Kendra Scott? Think again. The designer best known for her kaleidoscopic gemstones and bold silhouettes has recently taken a chic detour into the world of lab-grown diamonds – and the result is gorgeously minimalist. Her debut fine jewellery line, launched in 2024, is a noticeable shift: refined bands, delicate drop earrings, and whisper-thin pendants crafted with ethically made diamonds and pared-back elegance.

Each diamond is graded at or above H colour and VS clarity, with stones 0.5 carat and above certified by the International Gemological Institute. It’s a collection that still speaks to the Kendra Scott customer – approachable, warm, and sparkle-loving – but with a sleeker edge. For those used to her signature drusy stones and vibrant hues, the diamond edit offers something subtler: a timeless, everyday kind of luxury that doesn’t need to shout.

Styles offered: Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and watches
Price range: Pieces start at £100

Noémie
​Founded in 2016 by designer Yuvi Alpert, Noémie is a New York-based fine jewellery brand that's redefining luxury with a direct-to-consumer model. Noémie's collection features solid 18-karat gold and diamonds of VS clarity and F-G colour, ensuring each piece meets high standards of quality and brilliance. The brand offers a range of designs, from timeless classics to modern styles, catering to diverse tastes. For those seeking personalised creations, Noémie provides custom design services, collaborating with clients to bring unique visions to life without additional design fees. ​

By overseeing the entire production process – from design to sourcing and manufacturing – Noémie delivers exceptional craftsmanship directly to consumers. This approach not only ensures quality but also offers fine jewellery at more accessible prices, making luxury attainable without compromise.

Styles offered: Everyday fine jewellery, engagement rings, and custom designs
Price range: Pieces start at £350

Rare Carat
Think of Rare Carat as your diamond-savvy best friend – only armed with AI, GIA gemologists, and access to over a million diamonds. Launched in 2016 as a search engine for comparing diamond prices (“Kayak for diamonds,” as it was dubbed early on), the platform has since evolved into one of the most trusted managed marketplaces in the lab-grown diamond space.

The brand’s lab-grown offerings lean into value and transparency without sacrificing quality. Their expansive inventory includes diamonds of every cut, carat, and clarity imaginable – many available with 360-degrees HD imaging and grading reports from trusted labs like IGI and GIA. Every customer is paired with expert concierge support (yes, even via text), making it easy for first-time shoppers to navigate the process with confidence.

What sets Rare Carat apart? Its tech-forward model. “We’re using AI to analyse diamonds, predict value, and detect overpricing,” says founder Ajay Anand. Whether you’re shopping for a classic solitaire or a custom engagement ring with a personal twist, Rare Carat offers a data-driven path to diamonds – no jargon, no pressure.

Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding bands, loose diamonds
Price range: Lab-grown diamonds start around £350

The Invisible Jewels
Founded by Kym Canter, The Invisible Jewels takes an understated yet impactful approach to luxury, offering jewellery that speaks to those who appreciate quiet elegance with a modern edge. At the brand’s core is its signature “naked” diamonds – a unique design concept where stones are meticulously pierced and set without traditional metal settings, giving the illusion of being suspended in mid-air. This innovative technique enhances brilliance from every angle, resulting in bold, empowering, and effortlessly personal pieces. From delicate necklaces and bracelets to striking hair accessories and face gems, every lab-grown diamond is made using renewable energy and is fully traceable across the value chain, ensuring transparency and ethical integrity.

Styles offered: Necklaces, bracelets, hair accessories, and face gems
Price range: Pieces start at £400

Grown Brilliance
For the diamond maximalist looking to dabble in lab-grown, Grown Brilliance is for you. The brand works exclusively with lab-grown diamonds – no mined options, no compromises – and it shows in the scale, sparkle, and scope of its offering. Whether you’re designing your dream engagement ring from scratch or shopping one of the label’s ready-to-ship bestsellers (hello, bezel-set pendant necklaces and brilliant-cut studs), the emphasis here is on choice – and certified quality.

All loose stones from Grown Brilliance’s Design Your Ring program come with grading reports from top-tier labs like IGI and GIA, and pieces with centre stones over half a carat also arrive with full certification. The ethics are in check, too: every gem is created in a controlled environment with strict labor standards and sustainability commitments – and the brand backs its craftsmanship with a lifetime warranty.

It’s a modern approach to fine jewellery: design-forward, accessible, and free from the baggage of traditional sourcing. If you believe diamonds should shine without casting a shadow, Grown Brilliance makes an undeniably strong case.

Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding jewellery, everyday fine jewellery, custom designs
Price range: Pieces start at £2,100

Dorsey
Dorsey, the cult-favourite jewellery label founded by Meg Strachan in 2019, has redefined heirloom jewellery for the modern era. Inspired by her grandmother’s trove of vintage gems, Strachan launched the direct-to-consumer brand with a mission to craft archival-inspired designs using lab-grown stones – no markups, no mining, no compromises. “I wanted to create jewellery that felt storied and meaningful but didn’t require an inheritance to acquire,” Strachan told Vogue. “There’s something incredibly empowering about being able to buy your own diamonds.”

Now, Strachan is expanding the vision. In 2025, Dorsey introduced its first-ever moissanite collection – a dazzling new chapter that speaks to the brand’s continued innovation. While moissanite isn’t lab-grown diamond, its fire, brilliance, and durability make it a compelling choice for customers seeking a gemstone alternative with major impact. Dorsey’s moissanites come in unexpected novelty colours – viridian green, slate blue, and classic white – and appear across updated versions of fan-favourite styles like the Theodora bracelet, Porter drop earrings, and James necklace.

“Our customer has been asking for a stone like this for a long time,” Strachan tells Vogue. “Moissanite is such a beautiful stone, and we’ve been able to source it in these novelty colours – which just fits so perfectly with who our customer is.” She envisions them layered with collarless coats and crisp button-downs – statement pieces meant to stand out, not blend in.

Taylor Swift famously wore Dorsey earrings during her All Too Well short film, giving the brand a front-row seat to pop culture history. Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski are also regulars, layering Dorsey’s bezel-set white sapphires and lab-grown diamonds with enviable ease. In March 2025, Dorsey launched its “Paracord Capsule”, blending the rugged texture of parachute cord with its signature lab-grown sparkle. These are the kinds of pieces that look equally at home at a gala or on a coffee run – chunky, polished, and intentionally nostalgic.

Styles offered: Fine and fashion jewellery
Price range: Pieces start at £2,000

James Allen
James Allen may not be a designer’s atelier, but it has arguably done more to democratise diamond shopping than nearly any modern jeweller. Founded in 2006 by Oded Edelman, James Schultz, Michele Sigler, and Dean Lederman, the brand set out to make buying an engagement ring online not just possible, but pleasurable. Their secret? Technology. Specifically, 360-degrees HD Diamond Display Technology that lets shoppers inspect their potential diamond from every angle – what the brand calls “the world’s diamond supply, photographed for your laptop.”

Offering both mined and lab-grown diamonds, James Allen leans into accessibility. Think simple, classic solitaire rings, customisable wedding bands, and tennis bracelets designed for milestone moments. While its lab-grown offerings weren’t the brand’s starting point, today, they’re central to its mission: making high-quality diamonds – real diamonds, lab-created or mined – available to a broader audience.

Customisation is a cornerstone: choose your diamond, your setting, and your metal with just a few clicks. And if you’re worried about shopping online? James Allen offers 30-day returns and round-the-clock customer support.

Styles offered: Engagement rings, wedding bands, tennis bracelets, earrings, and personalised fine jewellery
Price range: Pieces start around £1,000

Idyl
Idyl, founded in Antwerp in 2020, is turning the fine jewellery model on its head – with lab-grown diamonds and a modular design approach that’s equal parts elegant and ingenious. The concept? Minimalist base pieces (think dainty studs and delicate chains) that transform with interchangeable add-ons, taking you from desk to dinner with ease.

Every piece is crafted in Antwerp using traceable, conflict-free gold and rigorously vetted lab-grown diamonds – because sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With fans like Eva Longoria, Mila Kunis, and Kaia Gerber, Idyl’s vibe is quiet luxury meets low-effort versatility. These are the jewels you reach for daily – and layer forever.

Styles offered: Everyday fine jewellery and high jewellery
Price range: Pieces start at £295