Gen Z Has Changed The Way We Wear Jewelry

by / ⠀Featured / May 2, 2025

Gen Z has changed how we communicate and interact with the world around us. They have amplified social matters, stayed true to their values, and put ethical practices at the forefront. They’ve brought old-school fashions back, made second-hand shopping trendy, and shown true love comes without price tags attached. Remember those commercials that had us believe true love warranted a diamond engagement ring priced at the equivalent of three months’ salary? Gen Z thinks that the company has some audacity. They aren’t having it, and no longer value diamonds the same way as our generation. Not real diamonds, anyway.

LabGrown.com

Gen Z gave lab-created diamonds new life. The gemstone has been around for decades but no one paid it much attention, assuming the jewelry was fake, low-quality, substandard pieces. Gen Z ignored the myths and misconceptions that stopped us from saving money on the alternative and bought jewelry that felt right to them. We watched lab-created pieces pop up everywhere, even on celebrities,  until diamonds were pushed to the back of the line.   Gen Z was there for it; now everyone has jumped aboard, from Gen Z  to the Greatest Generation.

Who can blame them? If we knew then what we know now.

Lab-grown diamonds are nearly identical to mined ones and sell for a fraction of the cost. The average person cannot differentiate between the two gemstones, but certainly notices the extra money left in the bank account after the purchase.

Plus, lab-created diamonds are created ethically and without conflict.

We can’t always say these things about mined diamonds.

See also  Generation Z displays stronger financial habits than Baby Boomers

The Low-Down on Lab-Created Diamonds

Lab-created diamonds are made in a controlled environment inside a lab using high-pressure technology. The finished product looks nearly identical to mined diamonds. Only experts can tell the two gemstones apart. Mined diamonds are mined from the Earth’s crust; that process is never easy. Lab-grown gems offer the same beauty, shine, and quality as mined diamonds with perks galore.

Diamonds aren’t easy to come by.  Miners find them in the Earth’s crust after volcanic eruptions. Mining diamonds can be dangerous and often occurs in war-laden locations. This leads to potential conflict issues, with proceeds funding wars and crime.

Lab-created diamonds can be made in mass production inside a lab using high-tech methods.  The final product is stunningly beautiful. The average person cannot differentiate between a natural diamond and a lab-grown one, as Gen Z quickly learned (although most could have cared less what anyone said). If you worry about what people will say, rest assured, they’ll never even know it’s lab-created unless you spill the beans.

Lab-created diamonds:

  • They are real diamonds.
  • Feature the same chemical composition as mined diamonds.
  • Feature the same quality as real diamonds.

Why Gen Z  Buys Lab-Grown Diamonds

Gen Z is all about sustainability and is often called the “sustainability generation” since they prefer sustainable products and, according to surveys, most are willing to pay 10% more for good-for-the-earth products.

Diamond mining damages the Earth in big ways. Gen Z is not a fan.

Diamond mining consumes massive amounts of water and contributes to the already overwhelming problem of carbon emissions in the U.S. It leaves a huge carbon footprint, further harming the environment. It’s responsible for about 143 pounds of CO2 emissions per carat, whereas lab-grown uses about six pounds.

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Plus, growing diamonds in the lab reduces land consumption and uses less energy. Gen Z loves to hear it and proudly supports companies dedicated to fighting climate change and environmental damage.

Gen Z understands the difficulty of earning a dollar. Good values and second-hand goods take priority over brand-new, expensive pieces. They even learned the secret to saving money on jewelry without anyone else noticing: go lab-grown.

Why spend money on jewelry when the same piece costs a fraction of the price when it’s made in the lab? Shoppers save an average of 30% on lab-grown pieces but can save up to 50%. That’s a lot of bang for your buck, and Gen Zers want more for their money (as we all should).

Gen Z appreciates aesthetics. Lab-grown diamonds perfectly dress up their neck, finger, wrist, or ears with flattering gems. Versatility and uniqueness are the spice of life in 2025!

 Gen Z cares about the companies they buy from and how they make products. Long ago, we had no idea the diamond industry used child labor, enforced unsafe working conditions, and paid workers poorly.  The new generation found the receipts and broadcast the information to the world. The Kimberly Process helped the diamond industry improve conditions in recent years, yet wrongdoers find loopholes, and in some areas, the chaos still exists.

Lab-created jewelry is conflict-free, ethically produced, and free from unsafe working conditions or poor wages. Gen Z stands behind companies that take care of those who make them the brand they are.

Celebs Have Joined The Lab-Grown Diamond Trend

TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and celebrity endorsements have worked wonders in growing lab-created diamonds to their current status.  When influencers got wind of lab-grown diamonds, they posted about it. Their social status helped the word spread quickly, and soon, everyone owned a piece or two of lab jewelry.  Celebs like Leonardo DiCaprio, Meghan Markle, and Emma Watson wear lab jewelry and aren’t afraid to tell their fans and foes!

See also  Dear Gen Z, Here’s What Will Really Make You Happy at Work – From a Gen Xer

Be Like Gen Z: Do What Feels Right 

Lab-grown diamonds defy expectations for Gen Z’ers who are conscious about the world, their pocketbooks, and their fellow human beings. Their willingness to give the gemstone a try started a trend accepted by people from every generation and walk of life.  Why not enjoy life like a Gen Z and grab the perks of lab-created gemstones firsthand when it’s time to add new pieces to your jewelry box? The selection, prices, and service at LabGrown.com make the company a top choice for all your lab-created jewelry needs.

About The Author

Brianna Kamienski

Brianna Kamienski is a highly-educated marketing writer with 4 degrees from Syracuse University. With a comprehensive understanding of communication theory, she's able to craft meaningful work that conveys what clients want to say to their clients. Brianna is the proud mother of two boys, Chase and Cooper.

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