New York : Two thirds of jewelers now sell lab grown diamonds (LGDs), says a survey of over 600 independent retailers across the United States and Canada.

That figure is up from just 10 per cent five years ago, according to Instore, the US magazine for the jewelry industry, which commissioned the survey.

More than half (56 per cent) said the best lab growns were technically as good as the best mined diamond.

But fewer than a third (31 per cent) said lab growns were “symbolically” their equal. That figure’s is up from 17 per cent in 2016.

Jewelers said the big selling points for lab growns were “more stone for the same price” and consumers’ concern for the environment.
Instore’s 2021 Big Survey was carried out during August and September. Responses were anonymous.