Why More Kiwis Are Choosing Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings in 2025

New Zealand has recently experienced a tremendous transformation in the way couples buy one of life’s most precious items: the engagement ring. Lab-grown diamond engagement rings are becoming increasingly prevalent in New Zealand because of several intertwined reasons, including heightened social and environmental awareness and value-seeking behaviour.

Therefore, we will talk about the reasons why a lot of people in New Zealand are selecting lab-grown diamonds in 2025 in this blog.

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
The Primary Reasons Kiwis are Choosing Lab-Grown Diamonds
The Emerging Trend in the Jewellery Industry
The Future of Engagement Rings in New Zealand
- In Summary

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, identical in chemical, physical, and optical characteristics to mined diamonds. The only difference is their origin: diamonds are created naturally far underground over billions of years, and lab-grown diamonds are produced using modern techniques, such as High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemically Vapor Deposited diamonds, resulting from a scientific process that takes a few weeks.

The Primary Reasons Kiwis are Choosing Lab-Grown Diamonds

Ethical Sourcing

The diamond mining industry has long been associated with serious ethical issues such as human rights violations, basic safety issues for workers, and environmentally destructive practices. Lab-grown diamonds are produced in controlled environments, with no ethical issues associated with sourcing them from the ground. For New Zealanders, who are increasingly mindful of social responsibility, this makes lab-grown diamonds a clear choice.

Environmental Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing priority for Kiwis. Lab-grown diamonds use far less water, energy, and land than mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds don’t physically come from the land and avoid destroying natural habitats and have a lower carbon footprint, making them a more sustainable alternative to mined diamonds. Some New Zealand jewelers are even working with carbon offset programs to lessen their environmental impact.

Affordability and Value

One of the biggest reasons for the increase in popularity is price. Lab-grown diamonds are, on average, 30% to 40% less than equivalent mined diamonds, sometimes more. This price difference means that couples can have a larger, better quality diamond, or more intricate ring styles, for the same budget. Younger generations in particular can gain access to a luxury item without going into debt.

No Compromise in Beauty or Quality

There is a common misunderstanding that lab-created diamonds are less than their mined cousins. They are graded using the same standards (the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat). Lab-created diamonds generally meet the same grade or superior quality than mined diamonds and many retailers are only selling one top grade.

Customization and Imagination

Because lab-created diamonds are less expensive, couples can enjoy more freedom to customize the rings. They can choose any cut with unique configurations and beautiful settings – the possibilities are endless. This flexibility is particularly appealing when wanting a ring that reflects the couple’s personality, style, and values.

The Emerging Trend in the Jewellery Industry

Luxury no longer needs to include excess and rarity. Luxury, for many New Zealanders, means intention, consideration and supporting positive outcomes. Lab-created diamonds capture this ethos by offering a choice to celebrate love without compromising values or sustainability.

The Future of Engagement Rings in New Zealand

The jewellery business in New Zealand is being reshaped by the shift to lab-grown diamonds. More designers and retailers are getting on board with these stones, shifting their preferences like today’s modern consumer. With advances continuing to be made in technology, and more of a conscience in regards to diamonds, lab-grown diamonds will probably only continue to grow in New Zealand.

In Summary

Lab-grown diamond engagement rings do not just represent a craze. They also represent a smarter form of sustainable purchasing to signify loving life-long commitments. Overall, as couples and individuals are searching for rings that speak to their values, lab-grown diamonds will continue to be a relevant symbol of modern and responsible luxury.

Get lab-grown diamond engagement rings from Stonex Jewellers and avail exclusive offers and discounts too. For Kiwis who place high value on ethics, the environment, and value-for-money as their purchasing strategies, lab-grown diamonds are the way to go!

AUTHOR BIO

Karsha

Karsha has been a writer for over 10 years and has been writing for Stonex Jewellers for more than two years where she has gained insights on how to capture the essence of the jewellery industry. She comes from a versatile background, having written for fashion & lifestyle beats and covering the trends of the market. Graduated from the domain of Journalism & Mass Communication — she knows how to depict the cultural and emotional significance of who styles what & when.