Lab-Grown Diamonds Gain Popularity for Engagement Rings

Improved manufacturing and lower prices drive increased demand for lab-created diamonds.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:31pm

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The engagement ring market is seeing a rise in lab-grown diamonds as an alternative to natural diamonds. Improved manufacturing efficiency and supply increases have caused lab-grown diamond prices to drop significantly in recent years, now costing up to 72% less than natural diamonds. As a result, lab-grown diamonds now make up nearly half of all diamond engagement ring sales in the U.S. Buyers are also choosing larger lab-grown diamonds, with the average size increasing from 1.31 carats in 2019 to 2.45 carats in 2025.

Why it matters

The growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds is disrupting the traditional diamond engagement ring market. With more affordable and larger options available, consumers now have more choices when it comes to selecting the perfect ring to symbolize their commitment. This trend reflects changing consumer preferences and a shift away from the perceived rarity and higher prices of natural diamonds.

The details

Lab-grown diamonds are created using one of two main processes: High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical-Vapor Deposition (CVD). These manufacturing methods produce diamonds with the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural diamonds. While gemologists can spot minor differences under high magnification, lab-grown and natural diamonds are largely indistinguishable to the naked eye. However, lab-grown diamonds may not hold the same resale value as natural diamonds due to their mass-produced nature.

  • In 2019, lab-grown diamonds cost around 26% less than natural diamonds.
  • By 2025, lab-grown diamond prices dropped to 72% less than natural diamonds.
  • Lab-grown diamonds made up nearly half of diamond engagement rings sales in the U.S. in 2024.
  • The average size of a lab-grown center diamond for an engagement has increased from 1.31 carats in 2019 to 2.45 carats in 2025.

The players

Annabel Iwegbue

Cosmopolitan's assistant culture editor who interviewed 36 people for her series 'Is It Just Us?' to explore the trend of larger engagement rings.

Paul Zimnisky

An independent diamond industry analyst.

Brilliant Earth

A jewelry company that provides a buying guide on the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds.

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What they’re saying

“Engagement rings are getting larger and more unique. Taylor Swift's world stopping engagement was such a conversation starter, and we noticed a lot of that conversation was focused on how large her ring was.”

— Annabel Iwegbue, Cosmopolitan's assistant culture editor (Cosmopolitan)

“Everyone who wanted a larger ring wanted a ring that made a statement. They want it to reflect their personal story and make sure it's something that feels emblematic of their personal style.”

— Annabel Iwegbue, Cosmopolitan's assistant culture editor (Cosmopolitan)

What’s next

As the lab-grown diamond market continues to evolve, industry analysts will be closely watching to see if the trend of larger and more affordable engagement rings continues, and how it impacts the traditional natural diamond market.

The takeaway

The rise of lab-grown diamonds is providing consumers with more options and flexibility when it comes to selecting an engagement ring. This shift reflects changing consumer preferences and a move away from the perceived rarity and higher prices of natural diamonds, ultimately making the dream of a larger, more unique ring more accessible.