Couples Say Yes to Lab Diamond Engagement Rings in 2025 and 2026
Couples Say Yes to Lab Diamond Engagement Rings
A new generation of couples is redefining what “forever” looks like. According to an NBC Today Show report, lab diamond engagement rings are surging as technology makes them visually identical to mined stones — at a fraction of the cost.
Lab Diamond vs Natural Diamond — What’s the Difference?
As explained in the NBC Today Show segment, lab diamonds are created in a controlled environment rather than mined from the earth. Yet chemically, physically, and optically, they are identical to natural diamonds. Even jewelry experts can’t distinguish the two without specialized equipment. The Federal Trade Commission confirmed that lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds — not imitations.
Sales of lab diamonds grew nearly 13 % last year, officially surpassing mined diamond sales for the first time. They’re now featured by leading retailers worldwide, including luxury brands and major stores alike.
How Much Do Lab Diamond Rings Cost?
Price remains the biggest reason couples are making the switch. A 2 carat lab diamond ring typically costs around $2,500 USD, while the same 2 carat mined diamond can cost $25,000 USD. Even 3 carat oval lab diamond rings or 3 ct radiant cut diamonds offer incredible savings without compromising clarity or brilliance.
For the same price, you can choose a larger, higher-color stone, often with better clarity — a luxury that was once out of reach for most couples.
Sustainability and Modern Values
Gen Z couples and millennials are driving this trend. Many cite environmental and ethical concerns with mining as a motivating factor. Lab diamonds produce far less environmental impact and require no mining. That sustainability factor, combined with lower cost and identical beauty, has made lab diamonds the choice for more than half of U.S. engagement rings in 2025.
What Experts and Jewelers Are Saying
According to the founders of major online jewelers, lab diamonds are changing consumer expectations. The technology behind them ensures consistency, quality, and accessibility. Industry professionals confirm that under a microscope, even advanced jewelers can’t spot a difference. Only specialized testing equipment can reveal growth patterns that distinguish lab-made from mined stones.
Real-World Comparisons
The NBC segment showcased identical 3 carat pear-shaped diamond rings — one lab-grown and one mined. Under studio lights and even under a microscope, both looked identical. The lab diamond cost about $9,800 USD compared to $33,000 USD for the natural stone — a price difference that makes many couples reconsider what “value” means in fine jewelry.
Where to Buy Certified Lab Diamonds
Always choose a reputable retailer that provides IGI or GIA certified Lab Diamonds. At Future Jewellery, each piece is crafted in solid 14K or 18K gold and set with certified Lab Diamonds that meet strict clarity and color standards. Explore our signature collections below: