5 Celebrities Choose Lab-Grown Diamond Rings
Hollywood A-listers are embracing lab-grown diamonds, reshaping the luxury jewelry scene. Here's why:
- 100% real diamonds, made in labs instead of mines
- 20-30% cheaper than mined diamonds
- Ethical and environmentally friendly
5 celebrities leading the trend:
- Emma Watson - Wore lab-grown diamond earrings at 2018 Oscars afterparty
- Meghan Markle - Sported lab-grown diamond earrings from Kimai
- Bindi Irwin - Engagement ring features a 2.01-carat lab-grown diamond
- Penelope Cruz - Launched a sustainable fine jewelry collection with lab-created diamonds
- Nikki Reed - Founded BaYou with Love, offering lab-grown diamond jewelry
Lab-grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds but:
- Created in weeks, not millions of years
- Cost about 90% less
- Have a smaller environmental impact
The trend is growing fast:
- In 2018, only 2% of U.S. diamond engagement rings had lab-grown stones
- By April 2023, that number jumped to 45%
Lab-grown diamonds are changing the game in celebrity jewelry choices and the wider market, offering a blend of luxury, ethics, and affordability.
Related video from YouTube
1. Emma Watson's Lab-Grown Ring Choice
Emma Watson, Harry Potter star and sustainability champion, made waves at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty. Her jewelry choices? A masterclass in eco-friendly glamour.
Watson rocked:
- Earrings made from lab-grown diamonds and recycled gold
- A recycled gold sapphire cuff from Ana Katarina
- A responsibly-sourced bracelet and ring from Ana Khour
This wasn't just about looking good. It was a statement.
"The fashion industry is the second-biggest pollutant of freshwater on the planet. It has such a huge environmental impact and such a big human impact", Watson has said.
Her choice to wear lab-grown diamonds at such a high-profile event was a game-changer. It showed that you can have luxury AND sustainability. No need to choose.
Why does this matter? Lab-grown diamonds are:
- Chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds
- Free from ethical concerns linked to traditional mining
- Typically 20-30% cheaper than mined diamonds
Watson's move sparked conversations about the environmental and ethical impacts of traditional diamond mining. It put lab-grown alternatives in the spotlight.
And it's not just Watson. More and more celebrities are choosing lab-grown diamonds for engagement rings and red carpet events.
The impact? Huge. Watson's choice helped destigmatize lab-grown diamonds. She showed they're a desirable option in the luxury market.
In the world of celebrity influence, Watson's lab-grown diamond choice stands out. It's a perfect example of using star power to push for positive change in fashion and jewelry.
2. Meghan Markle's Ring Update
Meghan Markle's jewelry choices are turning heads in the sustainable fashion world. While her engagement ring isn't lab-grown, her recent picks show she's all about ethical bling.
In 2019, Meghan tweaked her engagement ring. She swapped the plain yellow gold band for a fancier micro-pavé one. This small change got people talking about personal style and how family jewelry can evolve.
But it's Meghan's other jewelry that really shows she's into sustainability. In January 2019, she rocked earrings from Kimai, a brand that's all about lab-grown diamonds.
"It's so exciting for us, especially as we just launched in November", said Sidney Neuhaus, co-founder of Kimai. "Her team contacted us, and we sent them to her a month or so ago. She really loved these earrings."
The "Felicity" earrings she wore? They're 18-karat gold with lab-grown diamonds, priced at $806. This wasn't just a fashion choice - it was Meghan making a statement about ethical jewelry.
Meghan's not just into lab-grown diamonds. She's also been spotted wearing Vargas Goteo pieces. This brand supports endangered wildlife through its designs. For example, she wore the Manta Kiss Stack Ring, which helps manta ray conservation.
These choices show a bigger trend in the jewelry world. Ethical sourcing and sustainability are becoming a big deal. Brands like Kimai are leading the charge, offering alternatives to traditional mined diamonds.
"Before a diamond gets to its final customer it will exchange hands approximately 15 times. It is therefore extremely hard to trace the supply chain of a natural diamond and have accurate information about which country they came from, which mine, and who cut them", explains Jessica Warch, co-founder of Kimai.
Meghan's engagement ring is still a beautiful nod to Princess Diana. But her other jewelry picks show she's thinking about the future of luxury and ethics. By wearing brands like Kimai and Vargas Goteo, Meghan's using her fame to highlight sustainable and ethical jewelry options.
As more celebs jump on the lab-grown diamond bandwagon, it's clear this isn't just a fad. It's about changing values in the luxury market. Now, ethics and sustainability are becoming just as important as how much a gem sparkles.
3. Bindi Irwin's Nature-Inspired Ring
Bindi Irwin, wildlife warrior and Steve Irwin's daughter, got engaged on her 21st birthday at the Australia Zoo. Her fiancé, Chandler Powell, picked a ring that's as unique as Bindi herself.
Let's break it down:
The ring sports a 2.01-carat oval diamond on a twisted rose gold band. But here's the kicker: it's not your average sparkler.
- The diamond? Lab-grown.
- The band? Recycled rose gold.
- The design? Nature-inspired.
Bindi's over the moon about it. She said:
"Chandler chose the most perfect ring - it's made from recycled rose gold and the gem is a lab grown 2.01-carat diamond. I love that its twisted band is nature inspired and scattered with diamonds. I have always dreamed of a vintage style ring as I'm quite traditional."
Kathryn Money from Brilliant Earth chimed in:
"The ring's design, particularly the band that resembles a twisting vine, exudes a nature-inspired look -- the perfect nod to Bindi's commitment to wildlife and conservation."
This ring isn't just pretty – it's a statement. It screams "eco-friendly" from every angle. And get this: it's worth between $25,000 and $70,000. Proof that you can go green without sacrificing luxury.
Bindi's ring is more than just bling. It's a symbol of her values, her family's legacy, and a nod to sustainable living. She's showing the world that you can have a knockout ring AND stick to your principles.
In short? Bindi's ring is setting a new standard for eco-conscious couples. It's proof that you can say "I do" to both your partner and the planet.
sbb-itb-d0b3b91
4. Penelope Cruz's Red Carpet Ring
Penelope Cruz is shaking up the luxury jewelry scene with her bold embrace of lab-grown diamonds. The Spanish actress isn't just talking the talk - she's walking the walk on red carpets worldwide.
In May 2018, Cruz made a splash at the 71st Cannes Film Festival. She unveiled her Atelier Swarovski collection, decked out in synthetic diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. But the real showstoppers? A pair of earrings featuring 3-carat lab-grown diamonds - the biggest ever seen at Cannes at that time.
Cruz isn't just wearing these pieces; she's helping create them. Her MoonSun collection with Atelier Swarovski draws inspiration from the night sky. Picture this: a ring with four polished bands, studded with white crystals like stars, all plated in rose gold.
But Cruz didn't stop there. She took things up a notch during Paris Couture Week, launching a 100% sustainable fine jewelry collection. We're talking lab-created diamonds set in 18-karat fair-trade gold. Her favorite piece? A ring with three pear-shaped, lab-created rubies surrounded by lab-created diamonds.
Cruz's passion for ethical jewelry shines through in her words:
"To think that I am making something responsible, beautiful and empowering for women to wear is very emotional for me."
And she's not alone in this journey. Her red carpet choices have sparked a trend. Celebrities like Zendaya, Karlie Kloss, Laura Dern, Mandy Moore, and Olivia Palermo have all been spotted wearing pieces from Cruz's collection at major events.
Cruz is proving that you don't need to sacrifice style for sustainability. With her red carpet appearances and innovative designs, she's showing the world that lab-grown diamonds can hold their own in the world of high-end jewelry. It's not just about looking good - it's about feeling good about what you're wearing.
5. Nikki Reed's Early Support
Nikki Reed, the "Thirteen" and "Twilight Saga" star, jumped on the lab-grown diamond train early. In 2017, she launched BaYou with Love, a brand that's shaking up Hollywood's view on eco-friendly bling.
Reed doesn't just talk the talk. She's hands-on in the creation process, making sure every piece hits the mark. Her brand uses recycled gold from an unexpected source: old computer parts. This clever move caught Dell's eye, leading to a cool collab.
"It's so fascinating how we were somehow able to merge the fashion and technology worlds with this. I don't think I've ever seen that before", Reed said.
But Reed doesn't stop at recycled metals. BaYou with Love offers lab-grown diamonds made using solar power in California. These gems are Kimberley approved and conflict-free, ticking both eco and ethical boxes.
Reed's influence goes beyond her brand. She's on the Environmental Media Association board and is a UN Ambassador for green initiatives. With 3.1 million Instagram followers, she's got a big megaphone for pushing eco-causes and smart shopping.
Her work's making waves. Just a year after launching her jewelry line, Reed snagged the audience award at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Reed's busting myths about sustainable luxury in Hollywood:
"The biggest misconception is that sustainability and luxury cannot coexist. It is an absolute myth, and as you see from our jewelry - every piece is 14-18k gold - no one is compromising on that."
With prices from $78 to $1,027, Reed's making eco-luxury more accessible. This smart pricing, plus her focus on quality and ethics, is helping lab-grown diamonds become the new normal in Tinseltown.
Reed's early backing and ongoing push for lab-grown diamonds have been key in shifting Hollywood's take on sustainable jewelry. She's showing that green options can be both fancy and affordable, setting a new bar for celeb endorsements in sustainable fashion.
What Makes Lab-Grown Diamond Rings Different
Lab-grown diamonds are shaking up the jewelry world. But what sets these sparklers apart from mined diamonds? Let's dig into the details.
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They're chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. The big difference? They're made in labs, not dug from the earth.
These gems are created using tech that copies nature's diamond-making process. Instead of millions of years, lab diamonds form in weeks or months. Talk about a time-saver!
Here's where it gets interesting: lab-grown diamonds typically cost about 90% less than natural diamonds. Check out these numbers:
| Carat | Natural Diamond | Lab-Grown Diamond | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | $7,661 | $1,115 | 85% |
| 2.0 | $29,365 | $3,183 | 89% |
| 3.0 | $63,232 | $4,641 | 93% |
No wonder stars like Penelope Cruz and Nikki Reed are fans. You get more sparkle for your dollar without skimping on quality.
Many celebs also like lab diamonds for their eco-friendly factor. No mining means less impact on the environment. It's luxury with a cleaner conscience.
How are these gems made? There are two main methods:
- High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT): This copies the earth's natural diamond-making conditions.
- Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): This "grows" diamonds layer by layer.
Both methods create diamonds that look just like mined ones to the naked eye.
Lab-grown diamonds are getting more popular. There's been a 52% jump in engagement rings with these man-made marvels compared to last year. Celebrities are helping make these gems more mainstream.
As Beryl Raff, former CEO of Helzberg Diamonds, said:
"A lab diamond doesn't say 'I love you' any less than a mined diamond says 'I love you'."
One thing to note: while lab diamonds are cheaper upfront, they don't hold their value as well as natural diamonds. Natural diamonds typically keep about 50% of their initial value, while lab-grown diamonds are worth less when resold.
The bottom line? Lab-grown diamonds offer the same beauty and toughness as natural diamonds, often for much less money. They're eco-friendly, ethically sourced, and gaining popularity among the rich and famous. Whether you're a celebrity or not, these gems let you get more bling for your buck while being kinder to the planet.
As the tech gets better and more stars wear these stones, we'll likely see lab-grown diamonds become an even bigger deal in high-end jewelry. It's a trend that's here to stay, showing that science and luxury can work together beautifully.
Conclusion
Lab-grown diamonds are taking the celebrity world by storm. And it's not just a fad - it's changing the entire jewelry game.
Think about it: Emma Watson, Meghan Markle, Bindi Irwin, Penelope Cruz, and Nikki Reed aren't just wearing these diamonds. They're leading a charge towards ethical, sustainable bling.
And boy, are people following. In 2018, only 2% of diamond engagement rings in the U.S. had lab-grown stones. Fast forward to April 2023? That number shot up to 45%. Talk about a sparkly revolution!
So, why are lab-grown diamonds so hot right now? Let's break it down:
- They're ethical. No worries about conflict diamonds or sketchy mining practices.
- They're green. Way smaller carbon footprint than traditional mining.
- They're wallet-friendly. Usually 20-30% cheaper than mined diamonds.
Jeremy Auslander from Roxbury Jewelers spills the tea: "Young couples are snagging 2- and 3-carat lab-grown diamond rings for $3,500 to $5,000." That's a lot of sparkle for your buck!
But it's not just about size and price. These lab-grown beauties are so good, you can't tell them apart from mined diamonds. As Beryl Raff, former Helzberg Diamonds CEO, puts it: "A lab diamond doesn't say 'I love you' any less than a mined diamond."
And it's not stopping at engagement rings. Penelope Cruz is teaming up with jewelry brands to create whole collections with lab-grown diamonds. Talk about a trend with staying power!
Looking ahead, lab-grown diamonds are here to stay. They tick all the boxes for younger generations - ethical, eco-friendly, and affordable. In fact, about 70% of folks aged 21-40 now prefer lab-grown over natural diamonds.
This shift is shaking up the jewelry world. Old-school diamond sellers need to get with the program, while new players in the lab-grown game have a chance to shine bright in the ethical luxury market.
So, whether you're a celeb or just looking for some guilt-free sparkle, lab-grown diamonds are proving that the future of bling is looking pretty darn bright.
FAQs
Do any celebrities have lab grown diamond engagement rings?
Yep, lab-grown diamonds are catching on in Hollywood. Let's look at a couple of big names who've gone this route:
Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed are leading the pack. Reed's engagement ring? A stunning lab-grown diamond. But it's not just about the bling for her. She's turned her passion for sustainable jewelry into a business, launching her own brand that only uses lab-grown diamonds.
Here's what Reed had to say about it:
"When we were getting engaged, cultivated diamonds hadn't really hit the market in the way that we are now. Interestingly enough, I have such a wonderful, sweet, open-minded husband who's fully on board with me, at some point, redesigning my ring with a cultivated diamond."
This shows how fast the lab-grown diamond market is growing, and how people's views are changing.
Bindi Irwin, Steve Irwin's daughter, is another celeb who's jumped on the lab-grown train. Her ring? A 2.01-carat lab-grown oval diamond in a recycled rose gold band. It's a perfect fit for someone who's all about saving the planet.
These celebs aren't just making fashion choices. They're shaping what consumers want and pushing the jewelry industry to be more ethical. As more famous faces choose lab-grown diamonds, we'll likely see this trend keep growing, making sustainable luxury more common.