What Everyone’s Actually Buying in Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry Right Now

Not long ago, people would lower their voice when they asked us about lab grown diamonds. “Is it... you know... real?”

Nobody whispers anymore. These days the question is simply, “Which one should I get?”

That change happened fast. Between January and June 2026, lab grown stones showed up in 51% of newly appraised engagement rings, up from just 6% in 2019. More than half of the rings being made right now have a diamond that was grown in a lab.

We talk with customers all day, so here is what we keep hearing and seeing, mixed with what the wider market is doing.

1. Bigger stones, same budget

This is the happiest side effect of lab grown. The typical engagement ring center stone doubled in size, from about 1 carat in 2019 to around 2 carats in 2025. Most people are not spending less. They are spending the same and getting a noticeably better stone.

The gap is real. In 2025 the median lab grown engagement ring sold for about $4,557, while a natural one came in around $12,961. That difference is why so many couples now start with the question “how big can we go?”

If you like a statement stone, look at our Oval Cut Engagement Ring with Asymmetric Scatter Side Accents. The long oval center is the star, and the little cluster of side stones around it feels like a garden.

2. Yellow gold is back, and it looks good

For years everyone wanted white metals. Now warm yellow gold is the fastest-rising choice in engagement rings. It suits almost every skin tone, and it makes a colorless diamond look even brighter by contrast.

We went deeper on this one in a separate post: Yellow Gold Engagement Rings: The Real Story Behind 2026’s Biggest Metal Comeback. Most of our designs can also be made in white or rose gold, so you can pick what feels like you.

3. Ovals, marquise, pears and other long shapes

The round brilliant is still the most popular shape, but its lead has never been smaller. Marquise sales jumped 94% in a year, the fastest growth of any fancy shape. Long shapes make fingers look longer, and they show more sparkle for the same carat weight, which is a nice bonus.

Want to see them side by side? Browse our oval, marquise and pear collections. A good place to start is the Marquise Cut Engagement Ring with Leaf Vine Band, or the Oval Cut Ring with Twisted Band and Marquise Accents if you like a little movement in the band.

Thinking of two stones instead of one? Our post on Toi et Moi rings explains why they are so popular this year.

4. Quiet luxury you can wear on a Tuesday

Not everyone wants a big ring. A lot of our customers are buying for themselves, and what they want is one beautiful piece that works with a plain shirt and jeans, then also looks right at a wedding.

That is why solitaire necklaces keep selling. The Pear Cut Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace has a soft, elongated shape that sits right at the collarbone. If you like something more modern, the East-West Radiant Cut Solitaire Necklace lies flat and sideways, which feels fresh without being loud.

Looking for a gift? The Diamond Bow Pendant Necklace is sweet and easy to wear every day. You can see everything else in our necklace collection.

5. Earrings you never take off

If you want one piece you will actually wear every day, make it earrings. Simple studs and small hoops are what people reach for, and they go with everything.

Our favorites for daily wear are the Three-Prong Round Diamond Martini Studs, the Double-Row Pavé Huggie Hoops, and the delicate Floating Round Diamond Earring Charm. The full range lives in our earring collection.

One practical tip: check the backs. Secure ones, like screw backs or push locks, mean you can stop worrying about losing a stone.

6. Tennis bracelets are having a moment

A line of diamonds around the wrist never really goes out of style, but it feels especially right now. The Round Diamond Four Prong Tennis Bracelet is a classic with a hidden safety clasp, so it stays put. For something less traditional, take a look at the rest of our diamond bracelets, including bangles and cuffs.

7. Make it yours

Customization used to be a luxury extra. Now it is normal. About 69% of US engagement ring buyers say they prefer a customized setting, and we see the same thing. People want a different shape, a different metal, an engraving, a small detail only they know about.

If you have an idea but cannot find it in the shop, tell us about your custom piece. A sketch, a photo from Pinterest or a few words is enough to get started.

A quick word on prices

If you are waiting for lab grown prices to fall much further, we would not count on it. The steep drops between 2020 and 2024 have slowed down in 2026. Prices have mostly settled, and well-cut stones are starting to stand apart from average ones. Waiting rarely saves as much as it used to.

How to buy well (our honest checklist)

• Ask for the certificate. A real grading report should always come with the stone. Our rings include a free IGI certificate. If any seller hesitates about this, walk away.
• Put cut first. A well-cut diamond can look far brighter than a poorly cut one of the same size. Spend your budget here before chasing a bigger number.
• Do not overpay for tiny differences. The gap between two neighboring color or clarity grades is often invisible to the eye.
• Pick the setting for your real life. If you type all day or work with your hands, a lower setting will save you from constant snagging.
• Check the return policy before you buy. Ours is 14 days, and shipping is free on orders over $300.

Want more detail? Our complete guide to buying lab grown diamond jewelry goes through it step by step.

The bottom line

A lab grown diamond is a real diamond. It has a clear origin and a fairer price tag, and it lets you choose a bigger or better stone than you might have planned for. The best piece is not the one a trend report tells you to want. It is the one that feels like you.

Still deciding? Send us a message with your budget, your occasion and a shape you like, and we will help you narrow it down. No pressure. You can also start browsing our engagement rings, wedding bands or full collection any time.