Lab-Grown Diamonds — Why Gen Z Is Ditching Mined Stones for Good

In 2023, a viral video on TikTok showed a couple comparing two identical-looking engagement rings — one lab-grown, one mined. When viewers learned the lab-grown diamond cost nearly 60% less, the video racked up 12 million views in days. The comments exploded with praise for ethical sourcing, budget flexibility, and sustainability — all things that have made lab-grown diamonds the fastest-growing category in the jewelry world.

Even celebrities are hopping on the trend. When Meghan Markle wore lab-grown diamond earrings from Kimaí, the jewelry world took notice. Suddenly, shoppers were Googling “celebrity lab diamond brands,” “ethical engagement rings,” and “best lab-grown diamonds NYC.” The stigma around non-mined stones was fading — replaced by a new standard of sustainability and affordability.

According to a 2024 Bloomberg report, nearly 70% of Gen Z couples now consider lab-grown diamonds when shopping for engagement rings. With lower costs and no sacrifice in cut, clarity, or carat size, these stones allow for bolder styles — think radiant halos, 3-carat solitaires, or custom vintage settings without breaking the bank. At Global Sky Diamonds, we’ve helped clients design everything from micropavé cathedral bands to cushion halos — all with lab-grown centers that dazzle like the real thing.

Lab diamonds aren’t fake — they’re just born in a lab instead of the Earth. Chemically and visually identical to natural stones, they’re GIA-certified and increasingly favored by both budget-conscious and eco-conscious buyers. Whether you're buying a proposal-ready ring or custom earrings, the smart move in 2025 is clear: lab-grown diamonds are here to stay.