By now, we all know someone who got engaged with a lab-grown diamond and whispered it like a secret. The implication being: it’s sparkly, sustainable, and (gasp) affordable. But in 2025, lab-grown diamonds are no longer a budget compromise—they’re a conscious luxury. And frankly, they’re everywhere.
The science is impressive, yes, but the style is what’s truly worth noting. These diamonds are chemically identical to their earth-mined counterparts and, to the naked eye, just as radiant. The difference? No mining. No guilt. And often, no five-figure price tags. So if you’ve been eyeing that 1.5 carat for your right hand (or left), now’s the time.
But not all lab-grown diamond retailers are created equal. Some focus on bridal; others are reimagining fine jewelry entirely, giving it a Gen Z glow-up. Below, I’ve rounded up the seven best brands making seriously beautiful things—with integrity, polish, and just the right amount of sparkle. Whether you're planning a proposal or just feel like rewarding yourself for surviving Q3, these are the brands worth knowing.
Blue Nile
Gorgeous Pieces From a Trusted Retailer
Price range: £150 to £11,000
Shipping: Free 2-day shipping
Returns: 30-day return policy
Extras: Free ring resizing (1 year), polishing + prong inspection every 6 months
Blue Nile is the lab-grown equivalent of that friend who always makes the reservation, always looks polished, and always knows the wine list. The brand has been around for over 20 years and recently stepped into the lab-grown category with the quiet confidence of a seasoned gem dealer. Their diamonds are GIA-analyzed, their prices are refreshingly transparent, and their customer service has a touch of old-school luxury (hello, complimentary resizing and six-month check-ins).
What sets Blue Nile apart is its mix of quality and customization. You can build your own ring, yes, but you can also pick up a pair of Round Brilliant Stud Earrings that look like you just got a promotion at LVMH. I’m partial to their Scalloped Pavé Diamond Ring for engagements and their Lab-Grown Diamond Tennis Bracelet for everything else—birthdays, breakups, or simply Tuesday.
VRAI
Modern Designs Made With Renewable Energy
Price range: $150 to $20,000+
Origin: Zero-emission diamonds grown in the U.S.
Style vibe: Architectural, understated, ultra-wearable
Owned by Leonardo DiCaprio (yes, that Leonardo), VRAI is the brand for people who want their jewelry to say “I care about the planet, but also love a good stack.” All diamonds are created in a zero-emission foundry using hydropower, making them as eco-friendly as they are Instagrammable. The aesthetic? Think sculptural meets minimalism—less red carpet, more Architectural Digest meets Glossier HQ.
Highlights include the Knife-Edge Bezel Ring and the Tennis Bracelet that looks just as chic with tailoring as it does with vintage Levi’s. If you want your diamonds with a side of design philosophy, this is your brand.
Astrea London
High Jewellery That Just Happens to Be Lab-Grown
Price range: From £3,000, bespoke high-end
Flagship: Fairmont Windsor Park
Diamond grade: D and E colour only – the top 1% globally
Astrea London is where lab-grown diamonds meet high jewellery fantasy. If most lab-grown brands aim for wearability, Astrea leans unapologetically into glamour—the kind that deserves velvet ring boxes, private fittings, and maybe a vintage Bentley waiting outside. Their pieces are striking, sculptural, and often feel more suited to a Bond Street showcase than an algorithm-friendly grid.
Every stone is D or E colour, placing them at the very top of the diamond spectrum—and it shows. There’s a kind of light only these stones catch, that quiet sparkle you notice mid-conversation or across the dinner table. It’s jewellery made to be remembered.
Whether you’re shopping for a showstopper engagement ring or a signature piece that says main character, Astrea delivers a sense of drama with a conscience. No mining, no compromise—just brilliance, expertly cut.
Kimaï
Made-to-Order Diamonds with Serious Style Cred
Price range: £200 to £5,000+
Ethics: Lab-grown diamonds, recycled gold, made-to-order production
USP: Personalised luxury with cult appeal
If you’ve ever wondered where the cool fashion girls are getting their diamonds—spoiler alert—it’s Kimaï. Founded by two childhood friends from Antwerp (read: diamond capital of the world), the brand has quickly become a favourite among the style set for its lab-grown diamonds, made-to-order production model, and conscious materials.
Everything is crafted just for you, which not only cuts waste but makes the whole experience feel more personal. The customer service is practically concierge-level, and you’re kept in the loop from the moment you hit "order" to the moment you slip that forever piece onto your hand (or neck, or ear).
The aesthetic is where Kimaï really shines. You’ll find whisper-thin gold chains with dainty diamonds that look like they’re floating on your décolletage, alongside bold dome rings and chunky huggies that strike the perfect balance between timeless and trend-aware. It’s polished, yes, but never boring—and always Instagrammable in that understated, “just threw this on” kind of way.
Matilde
Sustainable Sparkle You’ll Actually Wear Every Day
Price range: £100 to £2,500
Ethics: Lab-grown diamonds, recycled gold, carbon-neutral
Style mood: Understated elegance meets modern heirloom
If you’re the kind of person who wants your jewelry to whisper rather than shout, Matilde is the brand for you. A sustainable and ethical alternative to flashier names, this London-based label (founded by Matilde Mourinho, yes, that Mourinho) has quietly become the go-to for beautifully made, wear-it-forever pieces.
There is quite literally not a single item in the collection we wouldn’t be thrilled to receive in a little velvet box. The Cluster Ring is a standout—modern, delicate, and a brilliant option for low-key brides-to-be. Then there’s the Chuva Necklace, a fine gold chain subtly interrupted by one perfectly-placed lab-grown diamond. It's the kind of piece that turns a crisp white shirt into a look.
Matilde’s designs are less about trends and more about permanence—the jewelry equivalent of a really good linen blazer or a cashmere scarf you stole from your mother. Chic, ethical, and designed to be worn on repeat.
Mejuri
Minimalist Cool With A Grown-Up Shine
Price range: from £150
Lab-grown collection: Recently expanded
Design ethos: Everyday luxury, curated and clean
You might know Canadian favourite, Mejuri, for their signature everyday pieces—like their near-perfect mid-sized hoops (literally the best hoops you’ll ever wear) and the cult-favourite croissant-shaped Charlotte Rings that have practically earned icon status. But it’s well worth digging into their growing lab-grown diamond collection, which is quietly redefining what “fine jewelry” looks like in 2025.
Expect timeless silhouettes with a twist: tennis bracelets that feel a little chunkier (read: cooler) than your average, pavé rings that stack like they were made for it, and the Zig-Zag Diamond Ring—a playful, off-beat piece that reads both modern and heirloom-y, depending on how you wear it. The vibe is refined but unfussy, the kind of sparkle you don’t need a dress code for. Which, frankly, is the whole point.
Grown Brilliance
Big Looks Without the Big Price Tag
Price range: £200 to £20,000
Style focus: Maximalist sparkle
Perks: Frequent sales and financing options
If you want the look of a 3-carat without needing a new credit limit, Grown Brilliance delivers. The pieces are bold, shiny, and designed for those who want the drama. Their Hidden Halo Oval Ring is a fan-favourite, and they offer one of the most extensive collections of lab-grown bridal and fashion jewelry online.
Grown Brilliance also partners with designers (like Badgley Mischka), giving their collection a red carpet vibe that’s still wearable. Think big studs, bold solitaires, and a pricing structure that doesn’t make you flinch.
Brilliant Earth
Design-Your-Own With Ethics Built In
Price range: £300 to £25,000+
Custom services: Bespoke design studio
Ethics: Climate-neutral, responsibly sourced materials
Brilliant Earth is like the Everlane of fine jewelry—transparent, clean, and highly clickable. They let you build your own ring down to the last detail, and the site’s user interface is better than most fashion retailers, which is saying something. Every diamond is traceable, and the brand puts sustainability at the forefront of its sourcing and packaging.
Whether you want an Art Deco-inspired emerald cut or a halo that’s visible from space, Brilliant Earth can make it happen. Bonus: they now offer showroom appointments, so you can try things on before you commit.
