Lab-Grown Diamond

Couples Embrace Lab-Grown Diamonds as Engagement Trends Evolve for 2025

Australia’s engagement ring landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, with new data revealing that 70% of couples are now choosing lab-grown diamonds a significant 14% jump from 2024. The findings reflect a global shift, but the trend is particularly strong in Australia, where transparency, value, and ethical sourcing have become central to purchasing decisions.

Bespoke jeweller Taylor & Hart reports that the surge is driven by a “growing demand for sustainability, ethical sourcing and better value,” sentiments that strongly mirror what Australian consumers have been telling jewellers and grading laboratories. With the cost of living rising and buyers becoming more informed, many couples are discovering that lab-grown diamonds offer a larger, higher-quality stone at a more accessible price point, without compromising on brilliance or beauty.

Bigger Diamonds, Better Value

The research shows that the average carat weight for engagement rings has increased from 1.30ct in 2024 to 1.75ct in 2025. This preference for larger stones is especially notable in Australia, where consumers are increasingly prioritising standout centre stones supported by accredited, independent certification.

As Australia’s only CIBJO-accredited laboratory, the Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA) continues to emphasise the importance of reliable, independent grading for both natural and lab-grown diamonds. With the rise in lab-grown popularity, ensuring accurate grading particularly for colour, clarity, and cut quality has become more essential than ever.

Oval Cuts Reign Supreme

When it comes to shapes, oval diamonds have maintained their position as Australia’s most in-demand cut, surpassing the traditional round brilliant for yet another year. Ovals offer exceptional finger coverage, a timeless silhouette, and a modern flair qualities that strongly appeal to today’s couples.

Celebrities continue to influence Australian buyers, with high-profile engagements featuring oval diamonds dominating social media and bridal inspiration boards. Georgina Rodríguez’s dramatic oval diamond, Winnie Harlow’s striking 8.5-carat centre stone, and earlier icons such as Hailey Bieber, Kourtney Kardashian, Blake Lively, and Lady Gaga have all contributed to the shape’s enduring popularity.

This influence is reflected in purchasing trends, with Taylor & Hart noting that the average oval diamond chosen in 2025 has increased to 1.75ct, up from 1.30ct the year prior.

What This Means for Australian Buyers

Australia’s diamond market is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with more consumers seeking:

Ethical and transparent sourcing
Value-driven purchasing options
Larger, beautifully cut stones
Independent certification they can trust

At DCLA, we welcome this shift toward informed, responsible purchasing. Whether choosing a natural diamond or lab-grown diamond, buyers deserve fully transparent, independently verified grading—and a clear understanding of what they’re investing in.

As trends continue to evolve, one thing remains constant: Australian couples are rewriting tradition in ways that prioritise authenticity, expression, and ethical choice—values that align strongly with the future of the diamond industry.

$3.3m Loss as Brilliant Earth Customers Spend Less

Brilliant Earth, which sells both natural and lab grown diamonds

Brilliant Earth, the US-based “ethical jeweler”, reported a $3.3m net loss for the first quarter of 2025, as customers opted for less pricey goods.

The total number of orders rose by over 12 per cent (40,525 to 45,535) but the average value fell by more than 14 per cent ($2,402 to $2,062).

Brilliant Earth, which sells both natural and lab grown diamonds, said net sales were down 3.5 per cent to $93.9m.

“We’re pleased with our first quarter performance, which demonstrates the continued strength and resilience of our business model as we delivered our 15th consecutive quarter of profitability as a public company,” said CEO Beth Gerstein, referring to its adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of $1.1m, rather than its $3.3m GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) net loss.

Gerstein said Q1 engagement ring sales had increased year-on-year, fine jewelry bookings had enjoyed a double-digit boost and sales in the two weeks to Valentine’s Day broke company records.

Brilliant Earth, based in San Francisco, California, and Denver, Colorado, was founded as an online-only business in 2005 and went public in 2021. Since then it has opened 41 bricks and mortar stores.

Source: IDEX

Swarovski Debuts New Lab-Grown Diamond Colors

Crystal brand Swarovski introduced 16 new synthetic-diamond colors at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.

The new hues fall into four creative categories in which Swarovski claims to play a role, it said last week. Each of the four areas — fashion, art, music and architecture — includes four colors of cushion-cut lab-grown diamonds.

Every category in the collection is led by a “hero” color. These include Androgyny Flamingo for fashion, Cubist Sky for art, Heavy Metal Cherry for music, and Gothic Cognac for architecture. Some of the other colors in the collection are Punk Lipstick, Surrealist Butter, Draped Fire and Electro Arctic.

The stones showcased in Paris range from 1.25 to 2.50 carats, while the 16 colors will be available at stores in 0.25- to 1.50-carat sizes.

“I’d like to think that these stones have endless potential, and are able to bring any idea to life,” said Markus Langes-Swarovski, a member of the Austrian jeweler’s executive board. “The colors, cuts and sizes are created to inspire jewelry that has never been made or even dreamed of. It’s a toolbox of unlimited creativity.”

Swarovski first launched laboratory-grown diamonds in 2018.

Source: Diamonds.net