Lab-grown diamonds have come a long way. They’re chemically identical to mined diamonds, often more affordable, and backed by serious science. So why do some women still whisper “don’t tell anyone it’s lab” when they slide on that ring?
The stigma is real—and more common than you'd think. Even in 2025, with celebrities wearing lab-grown, luxury brands embracing them, and younger buyers leading the charge, there’s still hesitation. So let’s talk about why that is.
It's not about the stone—it’s about perception
Let’s be honest: diamonds have always been more than just sparkle. They’re tied to status, romance, and tradition. For decades, mined diamonds were marketed as the only way to say “forever.” Lab diamonds are newer. Disruptive. And for some, they don’t fit the fantasy they’ve been fed since childhood.
So when a woman chooses a lab diamond, even if she loves it, she might still feel the pressure to keep it quiet—just in case someone thinks it means she settled.
The “cheaper” label still lingers
This is probably the biggest reason for the hush-hush. Lab diamonds cost less. That’s a fact. And unfortunately, some people interpret “less expensive” as “less valuable” or worse—“less loved.” In reality, many couples choose lab-grown to get a better cut, bigger stone, or more custom design without compromising on ethics or budget. But the outdated thinking still holds: if it didn’t cost a lot, it must not mean a lot.
And let’s be clear—this stigma doesn’t usually come from the person wearing the ring. It comes from everyone else in the room.
Women still feel judged—for their choices and their sparkle
There’s a strange pressure around engagement rings. They’re not just jewelry—they’re public proof. Proof of love, status, how “well” you’re doing. And unfortunately, some women still feel that if they admit to wearing a lab diamond, others might assume their partner couldn’t afford a “real” one—or that they settled for second best.
It’s ridiculous, but it happens. I’ve had clients specifically ask us not to mention their ring is lab-grown, even though they chose it themselves. They didn’t want their friends, moms, or colleagues to weigh in.
On the flip side: the “brag” factor
Some women do the opposite—they proudly tell everyone their ring is lab-grown. Because for them, it’s about values. About being smart, conscious, and modern. But that confidence often comes after pushing past judgment. It’s not always easy to be the one explaining why you went against tradition, even when you know it was the right move.
Luxury is evolving—but not everyone got the memo
The truth is, the diamond industry is shifting fast. More luxury brands are offering lab-grown. Celebrities are wearing them on red carpets. Even old-school clients are starting to see lab diamonds as a separate, valid category—not a knockoff. But public perception always lags behind reality. The judgment hasn’t fully caught up to the facts.
So if someone chooses to stay quiet about their lab diamond, it’s not because they’re ashamed of the stone—it’s because they’re navigating everyone else’s outdated ideas.
So what can we do about it?
Honestly? Talk about it. Normalize it. The more people openly wear and celebrate their lab-grown diamonds, the faster the stigma fades. And if you’re someone who chose lab-grown—own that choice. You made a smart, conscious, stunning decision. That’s not something to whisper about.
Final word
A diamond is personal. Whether it’s lab-grown or mined, what matters most is what it means to you. There’s no shame in choosing modern luxury. No shame in making a value-driven decision. And absolutely no shame in choosing a ring that fits your story—not someone else’s expectations.