As a Melbourne-based lifestyle writer who’s spent far too many weekends poking around jewellers’ workshops and chatting with designers over long coffees, I’ve come to appreciate how much storytelling sits behind a single gemstone. And lately, one story keeps coming up — loose lab grown diamonds.
If you’ve dipped a toe into the jewellery world recently, you’ve probably noticed they’re everywhere. Not in an “everyone’s pushing them” way, but more like an undercurrent that’s quietly reshaping how people think about diamonds, value, and even love. The shift didn’t happen overnight, and honestly, I was sceptical at first. But the more I spoke with gemologists, couples designing engagement rings, and jewellers trying to keep up with modern tastes, the more I realised something bigger is happening.
This isn’t just a trend. It’s a movement — and a surprisingly personal one.
Why Loose Lab Grown Diamonds Are Turning Heads
One thing you might not know is that diamonds grown in a lab aren’t new. Scientists have been experimenting with them since the 1950s, mostly for industrial use. What’s changed is the technology. Over the past decade, labs have mastered how to replicate the pressure and heat conditions that form diamonds underground — but in a controlled environment and without the million-year wait.
And the result? A diamond with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as a mined one.
When I first saw a loose lab grown diamond under a jeweller’s loupe, I honestly couldn’t tell the difference. Neither could the jeweller unless he checked the laser inscription. The sparkle, the clarity, the colour — everything we associate with a “real” diamond was right there.
But here’s the twist: people aren’t just excited because they’re identical. They’re excited because these gemstones give them more control, more transparency, and more creative freedom.
The Beauty of Buying Loose Stones
I’ve always believed that picking a diamond should feel personal, not prescriptive. Buying a finished ring off the shelf is convenient, sure, but selecting a loose stone first opens up an entirely different experience.
When someone buys loose lab grown diamonds, they get to:
1. Choose the gem that speaks to them
Every diamond — even lab grown ones — has its own personality. Maybe you love that slightly elongated oval or the fiery sparkle of a round brilliant. Starting with a loose stone lets you pick the exact character you want before worrying about settings or styles.
2. Understand the quality more clearly
Seeing a diamond unmounted gives you an honest view. No sneaky prongs hiding inclusions. No reflections from the metal changing the stone’s face-up colour. You can assess shape, symmetry, and brilliance without distraction.
3. Create something genuinely unique
This is where things get fun. I’ve met couples who walk into a jewellery studio with a loose stone, a few sketches, and a dream — and walk out weeks later with a ring that could never be bought ready-made. A lot of jewellers actually love this process because it lets them craft something meaningful rather than just selling inventory.
If you ever feel curious about browsing loose stones yourself, the selection of loose lab grown diamonds available online nowadays is surprisingly extensive, and a lot of platforms now explain grading in plain English, which is refreshing.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Really “Better”?
I don’t love blanket statements, especially in the jewellery world. People choose mined or lab grown diamonds for all sorts of reasons — emotional, ethical, financial, even cultural. But here’s what I’ve noticed.
They’re far more transparent
One of the trickiest parts of the mined diamond trade is traceability. Even with modern certification, the supply chain can get murky. Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, have a clean and fully documented origin. You know exactly where they came from and how they were made.
They’re kinder on the planet
Mining isn’t inherently evil, and some operations do great work rehabilitating land and supporting local communities. But it does require moving earth on a massive scale. Lab grown stones avoid that part entirely, and while they do use energy, many producers are shifting to renewables.
They offer more value for your budget
I always hesitate to pitch “you’ll save money” as the primary reason — it cheapens the emotional experience — but the reality is undeniable: lab grown diamonds usually cost 40–70% less than mined ones. For many Aussies, that means choosing a higher-quality stone, upgrading in size, or putting savings towards the honeymoon fund.
If you want a deeper look at how lab grown diamonds are influencing global markets, this article on lab grown diamonds gives a surprisingly good overview of the shift happening in major jewellery hubs like London.
How Loose Lab Grown Diamonds Fit Into Modern Jewellery Trends
As someone who writes a lot about fashion and lifestyle, I’ve noticed a huge change in what people want from jewellery. Pieces aren’t just symbols anymore — they’re reflections of personal stories, values, and taste.
And loose lab grown diamonds fit perfectly into that shift.
Bespoke is booming
Custom rings used to be a niche option. Now they’re practically mainstream. People want settings that feel personal: organic bezels, asymmetrical clusters, floating halos, knife-edge bands, split shanks… the possibilities are endless when you start with a loose stone.
Shapes beyond the classic round
A decade ago, every second engagement ring was a round brilliant. Now? Ovals, emeralds, pears, marquise, radiants — Australians have embraced more adventurous silhouettes. Lab grown diamonds make these shapes more accessible because you’re not paying the premium attached to mined fancy cuts.
Sustainability matters
Younger buyers, especially, want jewellery that aligns with their ethics. They’re researching sources, asking questions, sharing information on social media. Loose lab grown diamonds fit comfortably into this mindset — high sparkle, low footprint.
Men’s jewellery and unisex designs are rising
This one surprised me, but lab diamonds aren’t just for engagement rings. I’ve seen them in signet rings, cufflinks, even bold pendant necklaces that work for any gender. Starting with a loose stone makes experimenting with styles a lot easier.
What To Look For When Choosing Loose Lab Grown Diamonds
I’ve sat through enough grading sessions to know it can feel a bit overwhelming. But here’s a simpler way to approach it — a human way rather than a technical one.
Prioritise sparkle over perfection
A diamond’s brilliance often matters more than microscopic inclusions. Humans can’t see tiny clarity differences, but they can see a lively stone.
Look for balance in the 4Cs
Instead of chasing the highest grades, think about harmony:
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Colour that looks white to your eye
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Clarity without visible marks
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A cut that maximises sparkle
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A size that feels proportionate and meaningful
Ask to view the diamond in different lighting
Jewellery stores usually use bright, flattering lights. But take the stone near a window, then into softer indoor light. A great diamond should perform in all environments — not just under the jeweller’s spotlight.
Always check certification
Whether mined or lab grown, certification from IGI or GIA gives you confidence that what you’re buying is exactly what it claims to be.
Why Australians Are Embracing Lab Grown Stones
We’re practical people. We love good design, value transparency, and tend to side with sustainability if it makes sense. So in a way, it feels natural that lab grown diamonds have taken off here.
Couples tell me they like the idea of starting their marriage with something ethical. Parents buying graduation gifts like that they can choose a nicer stone within budget. Designers love the consistency and quality of lab grown material. Even collectors — those who swore they’d never stray from mined diamonds — are adding a few lab grown pieces because they see them as modern and thoughtful.
One jeweller in Sydney told me something that stuck:
“People aren’t choosing lab diamonds instead of mined diamonds. They’re choosing the story that fits them best.”
And that’s exactly it. These stones aren’t replacing tradition — they’re expanding it.
A Few Misconceptions I Keep Hearing
Let’s clear up the biggest ones.
“Lab grown diamonds are fake.”
Nope. Cubic zirconia is fake. Moissanite is an alternative. Lab grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to mined ones. They are diamonds.
“They’ll look different over time.”
Another myth. They age just like mined diamonds — which is to say, not at all.
“They’re all perfect.”
That would be convenient, but no. Lab diamonds still develop inclusions during growth, and their quality varies, which is why certification matters.
“They have no resale value.”
To be fair, most retail jewellery — mined or lab grown — doesn’t hold resale value unless it’s rare or antique. Lab diamonds resell for less, yes, but so do most mined stones bought at retail. People buy diamonds for sentiment, not investment (unless they’re collectors dealing in fancy colour diamonds — a different world entirely).
The Joy of Designing From Scratch
One of my favourite parts of writing about jewellery is hearing people describe their design journey. There’s something magical about holding a loose diamond for the first time — especially when it’s going into a piece you’ll wear every day.
I remember chatting with a couple who chose a lab grown radiant cut because they loved its “sunbeam” sparkle. They sketched their setting on the back of a café receipt. Weeks later, the finished ring had this soft, sculpted band that hugged the stone like it was always meant to be there. It wasn’t about price or trend. It was about crafting a moment that felt like them.
And I think that’s why loose lab grown diamonds resonate so deeply. They invite you into the creative process. They make you part of the story.
A Final Thought
If you’d asked me five years ago whether lab grown diamonds would become a mainstay in Australian jewellery, I probably would’ve shrugged and said, “maybe for a niche audience.” But standing here today — after speaking with dozens of industry insiders and countless buyers — it’s clear they’re shaping the future in a way that feels refreshingly human.
People want beauty, but they also want meaning. They want sparkle, but they care where it comes from. They want something timeless, but they want it to reflect modern values too.
Loose lab grown diamonds sit at that crossroads. They offer choice, creativity, transparency, and a chance to design jewellery that feels personal rather than prescribed. And honestly, in a world where so much feels manufactured, the ability to craft something unique — even from a lab grown gem — feels more precious than ever.