The Economic Impact of the Lab-Grown Diamond Boom

Lab-grown diamonds have been making waves in the jewelry industry, offering consumers an ethical and affordable alternative to mined diamonds. The rise of lab-grown diamonds has not only sparked a shift in consumer preferences but also created significant economic impacts. In this blog post, we will explore the economic implications of the lab-grown diamond boom.

Growing Market Share: According to CNN Business, the market share for lab-grown diamonds currently stands at around 7% of the specialty diamond market ¹. This may seem relatively small, but it represents a significant increase in demand and sales for lab-grown diamonds. As consumer awareness and acceptance of lab-grown diamonds continue to grow, their market share is expected to expand further, potentially disrupting the traditional diamond industry.

Decreasing Prices: One of the key economic consequences of the lab-grown diamond boom is the downward trend in prices. With more lab-grown diamonds entering the market, the increased supply has led to more accessible price points. Quartz reports that the abundance of lab-grown diamonds has created more demand, resulting in more affordable options ². This affordability factor has made lab-grown diamonds an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers, further driving their market growth.

Impact on Traditional Diamond Industry: The emergence of lab-grown diamonds has posed challenges to the traditional diamond industry. The implied uncertain resale value and perceived lack of value associated with lab-grown diamonds, perpetuated by the mined diamond industry have affected consumers' willingness to purchase them, impacting the market for natural diamonds ³. Forbes highlights that the lab-grown diamond market's growth has been estimated between 15% to 20% in recent years, further signaling the potential shift in consumer preferences ⁴. Traditional jewelers have started embracing lab-grown diamonds to stay relevant and cater to changing consumer demands.

Job Creation and Technological Advancements: The lab-grown diamond boom has not only resulted in shifts within the market but also brought about positive economic impacts. As the demand for lab-grown diamonds grows, there is a need for skilled technicians and scientists to produce these diamonds. This has led to job creation in the lab-grown diamond industry, contributing to local economies. Additionally, the technological advancements required for lab-grown diamond production have created opportunities for innovation and research in related fields.

Environmental and Humanitarian Factors: Lab-grown diamonds have gained popularity among young consumers due to their lower environmental impact and humanitarian benefits. Mined diamonds often carry high environmental costs, including extensive land excavation and carbon emissions ⁵. By choosing lab-grown diamonds, consumers can support sustainable practices and reduce their ecological footprint. This shift in consumer behavior towards more responsible purchasing decisions can further drive the growth of the lab-grown diamond market.

The economic impact of the lab-grown diamond boom is multi-faceted, encompassing market share growth, decreasing prices, challenges for the traditional diamond industry, job creation, and positive environmental implications. Additionally, the FTC's new regulations regarding the language used when talking about lab-grown diamonds ensure clarity and accuracy in advertising practices. As the lab-grown diamond market continues to expand and gain acceptance, it is important for stakeholders to adapt and innovate to stay ahead in this evolving landscape.

Sources:

• The many facets of advertising diamonds with clarity
• [Warning letters re-"mined" diamond sellers to describe products accurately](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog