Lab-grown is now the mainstream choice
Lab-grown diamonds are no longer the alternative option for US engagement rings. They are becoming the default.
According to BriteCo's 2026 Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Price Index, lab-grown diamonds appeared in 51% of newly appraised engagement rings from January to June 2026, up from about 6% in 2019. The same report found the median lab-grown engagement ring sold for about $4,557 in 2025, compared with about $12,961 for a natural diamond ring.
That price gap is changing what couples buy. With lab-grown stones, they can choose a bigger carat, a higher grade or a more unusual cut for the same budget. Here are the trends shaping lab-grown engagement rings in the US through 2026 and into 2027, and the stones jewelers should have ready.
Note: the BriteCo figures are based on its own appraisal records, so they show a strong trend rather than an exact national market share.
9 lab-grown engagement ring trends for 2026 and 2027
1. Bigger center stones
Lower lab-grown prices mean couples are choosing larger diamonds. BriteCo's report found the median engagement-ring center stone grew from about 1 carat in 2019 to 2 carats in 2025. Expect 1.5 to 3 carat lab-grown centers to stay popular into 2027.
Shop the look: IGI-certified round brilliant lab-grown diamonds from 0.50 to 10 carats, and stones sorted by size such as 2 to 2.99 carat.
2. Oval and elongated shapes
Oval has become one of the most requested shapes in the US, close behind the classic round. Elongated shapes look larger face-up for their carat weight and make the finger look longer. Pear, marquise and elongated cushion are rising with it.
Shop the look: oval, pear and marquise lab-grown diamonds.
3. Clean, step-cut emerald and radiant stones
Emerald cuts suit couples who want a sleek, architectural look with long, mirror-like facets. Radiant cuts combine that rectangular outline with more sparkle. Both look especially sharp in high color grades.
Shop the look: IGI-certified, ready-to-ship emerald cut and radiant cut lab-grown diamonds around 1 carat.
4. Antique cuts: old mine and Portuguese
Vintage-inspired cuts are one of the strongest style stories heading into 2027. Old mine cuts have a soft cushion outline, a high crown and chunky facets that give a candlelit glow. Portuguese cuts have many extra facets for an intricate, kaleidoscope sparkle. In lab-grown form, these rare looks become affordable.
Shop the look: old mine cut and Portuguese cut lab-grown diamonds, and the newer moval cut, a modern oval with antique character.
5. Higher color and clarity for less
Because lab-grown stones cost less, many buyers trade up to D to F color and VVS to VS clarity instead of settling for a lower grade. An independent grading report, such as IGI, is now an expected part of the purchase.
Shop the look: IGI-certified stones in VVS1, VVS2 and VS1 clarity.
6. Rose cut and flat-back diamonds
For couples who want something softer and less traditional, rose cut lab-grown diamonds give a low-profile, vintage glow. They suit bezel settings and everyday wear.
Shop the look: rose cut diamonds, including clear white lab-grown rose cuts.
7. Fancy colored lab-grown diamonds
Pink, blue and champagne diamonds used to be out of reach for most couples. Lab-grown fancy colors make them affordable, either as a center stone or as side accents next to a white diamond.
Shop the look: pink, blue and champagne lab-grown diamonds in our lab grown diamonds collection.
8. Geometric and unique shapes
Kite, shield, hexagon and other geometric shapes appeal to couples who want a one-of-a-kind ring. They also work well in toi-et-moi (two-stone) designs, pairing two contrasting shapes side by side.
Shop the look: lab-grown kite, shield and fancy shapes and heart shaped diamonds.
9. Bezel settings and warm yellow gold
Bezel settings, which wrap the diamond in a thin metal rim, are popular for their clean look and everyday security. Yellow gold continues to rise as the metal of choice, which pairs well with antique cuts and champagne tones.
Design tip: combine an old mine or oval lab-grown diamond with a yellow gold bezel for one of the most requested looks right now.
What this means for US jewelers
For retailers and custom designers, these trends point to a simple stocking plan:
|
Trend |
What to keep in stock |
|---|---|
|
Bigger center stones |
IGI-certified lab-grown rounds and ovals from 1.5 to 3 carats |
|
Elongated shapes |
Oval, pear, marquise and elongated cushion |
|
Step cuts |
Ready-to-ship emerald and radiant cuts around 1 carat and up |
|
Antique looks |
Old mine, Portuguese and moval cuts |
|
Higher grades |
D to F color, VVS to VS clarity, with certificates |
|
Soft vintage glow |
Rose cut and flat-back lab-grown diamonds |
|
Color |
Pink, blue and champagne lab-grown stones |
|
Unique designs |
Kite, shield, hexagon and heart shapes for toi-et-moi rings |
A few tips for selling lab-grown engagement rings:
- Be clear about origin. Always describe a lab-grown diamond as lab-grown, and share the grading report with the customer.
- Show the budget advantage. Help couples compare what they can get in lab-grown versus natural for the same spend.
- Offer ready-to-ship stones. In-stock certified diamonds make it easier to turn around custom rings quickly, especially before the holiday proposal season.
- Lead with style, not just price. Antique cuts and colored stones help your rings stand out from mass-market options.
Find your next center stone
From IGI-certified ovals and emerald cuts to old mine, Portuguese and fancy colored stones, GDBS supplies loose lab-grown diamonds to jewelers and designers across the USA. Our stones are cut and finished at our own facility in Surat, India, so you buy direct from the manufacturer.
Browse the full lab grown diamonds collection, or send us your wholesale requirement for bulk orders, matched pairs or custom cuts.
FAQ
What is the most popular engagement ring shape in 2026?
Round remains a top choice, but oval is now close behind it in the US. Elongated shapes such as pear, marquise and elongated cushion are also growing.
Are lab-grown diamonds good for engagement rings?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical makeup, hardness and sparkle as natural diamonds, so they are just as durable for everyday wear.
What carat size is trending for lab-grown engagement rings?
Center stones have been getting larger. Many couples now choose lab-grown diamonds of around 1.5 to 3 carats because they cost far less than natural stones of the same size.
What is an old mine cut lab-grown diamond?
It is a lab-grown diamond cut in the antique old mine style, with a cushion-like outline, high crown and large facets that give a soft, vintage sparkle.
Should I buy a certified lab-grown diamond?
Yes. An independent grading report, such as an IGI certificate, confirms the diamond's origin, color, clarity and carat weight.
Can I order a custom-cut lab-grown diamond?
Yes. GDBS can cut lab-grown diamonds in custom shapes and sizes, and source matched pairs for side stones or earrings.