Lab-Grown Diamonds Shine as Ethical, Affordable Alternatives

Experts share the best places to shop for lab-grown diamond jewelry, from engagement rings to tennis bracelets.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Lab-grown diamonds are becoming a popular alternative to mined diamonds, offering a more affordable and potentially more ethical option. Experts share the top brands and retailers for purchasing lab-grown diamond jewelry, including Grown Brilliance, Dorsey, Ritani, Or & Elle, James Allen, Marrow Fine, Brilliant Earth, Blue Nile, Friendly Diamonds, Vrai, Liori Diamonds, Jean Dousset, and Clean Origin.

Why it matters

Lab-grown diamonds are gaining traction as a more sustainable and socially responsible choice compared to mined diamonds, which have been linked to issues like child labor and conflict in war-torn regions. The lab-grown diamond industry is also making strides to minimize environmental impact through the use of renewable energy and recycled materials.

The details

Lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory through processes like High Pressure/High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), which allow diamonds to form in a matter of weeks rather than thousands of years. While it's nearly impossible for the naked eye to distinguish a lab-grown diamond from a natural one, lab-grown diamonds can be more affordable and offer greater transparency about their origins.

  • Lab-grown diamonds have been commercially available since the early 2000s.
  • The lab-grown diamond industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with more brands and retailers offering these alternatives.

The players

Meg Strachan

Founder and CEO of lab-grown diamond brand Dorsey.

Josh Sherman

Vice president of marketing at Grown Brilliance, a brand offering lab-grown diamond and gemstone jewelry.

Lisa Rosen

CEO of the International Gem Society, a leading resource for gem professionals.

Joel Klein

Founder of Ritani, a jewelry brand that offers lab-grown diamonds and customizable options.

Jean Dousset

Founder of the eponymous lab-grown diamond jewelry brand and great-great-grandson of iconic jeweler Louis Cartier.

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What they’re saying

“Lab-grown diamonds are exactly the same on the molecular level as mined diamonds. Diamonds deemed 'rare' in mined terms can be created in lab-grown form that are just as beautiful as their counterparts and will cost much less.”

— Meg Strachan, Founder and CEO of Dorsey (ELLE.com)

“Lab-grown diamonds have found a large market with consumers concerned about illegally traded 'conflict diamonds' used to finance wars or 'blood diamonds' mined with forced labor.”

— Lisa Rosen, CEO of the International Gem Society (ELLE.com)

The takeaway

As the lab-grown diamond industry continues to evolve, consumers now have more ethical and affordable options when it comes to purchasing fine jewelry. By understanding the benefits and considerations around lab-grown diamonds, shoppers can find pieces that align with their values and personal style.