But lately, I’ve noticed something different happening in the world of fine jewellery here in Australia. The sparkle hasn’t dimmed — it’s just been redefined.
Every time I pop into a boutique in Sydney’s Paddington or scroll through local jewellers’ Instagram feeds, I see more people talking about lab diamond necklaces and custom made engagement rings. And it’s not just marketing buzz. There’s a genuine movement happening — one that’s reshaping how we think about beauty, ethics, and even value.
So, I decided to dig into this glittering trend myself. And what I found was… well, honestly, kind of beautiful.
A New Era of Diamonds
The first thing that surprised me? A lab-grown diamond is, quite literally, a diamond. Not an imitation, not cubic zirconia, not a “look-alike.” It’s the same carbon structure, the same sparkle, and — when crafted well — indistinguishable from a mined diamond to the naked eye.
But the magic is in how it’s made.
Inside a lab, these diamonds are grown using advanced technology that replicates the exact conditions of natural diamond formation — high pressure, high temperature, intense time. The result: a gemstone that’s chemically and physically identical to its mined cousin, without the environmental or social concerns tied to traditional mining.
When I spoke to a local jeweller in Surry Hills, she told me something that stuck.
“It’s not about replacing tradition,” she said. “It’s about evolving it.”
And that feels like the perfect way to describe what’s happening.
The Rise of the Lab Diamond Necklace
Among all the pieces being reimagined, the lab diamond necklace has become the quiet hero. It’s elegant, subtle, and deeply personal — the kind of jewellery that works with every outfit and occasion.
You might not realise it, but necklaces are often where people start when they first explore lab-grown jewellery. They’re versatile, less tied to cultural expectations (unlike engagement rings), and they let people experience that diamond brilliance without feeling like they’re making a big statement about sustainability or status.
I recently came across a collection at Novita Diamonds, and honestly, it was hard to tell that these weren’t mined stones. The settings were timeless — delicate chains, minimalist pendants, even a few bold tennis-style designs that looked like something straight off a red carpet. The craftsmanship was every bit as refined as traditional fine jewellery, yet the price was refreshingly down-to-earth.
And that’s another part of the story — accessibility.
The Price of Transparency
Let’s talk about cost, because it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of the conversation.
Lab-grown diamonds can be anywhere from 30% to 50% cheaper than mined ones. That’s not because they’re “lesser” stones — it’s because the supply chain is shorter, the production is more efficient, and the markups are smaller.
In a world where jewellery often feels like a luxury for the few, lab-grown options open the door for many. Suddenly, owning a half-carat diamond pendant or a dazzling tennis necklace isn’t just for milestone birthdays or anniversaries. It’s for anyone who wants to celebrate themselves — and do it consciously.
But price isn’t the only form of transparency that matters.
The ethics behind lab-grown diamonds are what really seal the deal for a lot of Australians.
There’s an undeniable comfort in knowing your diamond wasn’t mined under questionable conditions or extracted at the expense of fragile ecosystems.
In other words, it’s beauty without baggage.
The Emotional Side of Conscious Luxury
You know that feeling when you put on a piece of jewellery and it just feels right? It’s not just about how it looks — it’s about what it stands for.
That’s something I’ve heard echoed by customers again and again. One woman I spoke to, a teacher from Melbourne, told me she’d bought her first lab diamond necklace after saving up for months. She said,
“It wasn’t just about the sparkle — it was about owning something beautiful that didn’t come at someone else’s expense.”
It’s a small but meaningful shift. For years, luxury was about exclusivity — the idea that the rarer and harder to get something was, the more valuable it became. But today’s consumers (especially younger ones) are rewriting that rulebook.
Now, value also means values.
Sustainability, traceability, ethical sourcing — these aren’t buzzwords anymore. They’re the new standard.
How Lab Diamonds Fit Into the Bigger Jewellery Picture
Of course, necklaces are only one part of the growing love affair with lab-grown gems.
We’re seeing the same trend in custom made engagement rings, where couples are increasingly opting for stones that align with their ethics and budget.
One Sydney jeweller I spoke to described it perfectly:
“When couples come in, they want something that reflects who they are — not just a diamond for the sake of it. Lab-grown gives them freedom. They can choose a bigger stone, a unique cut, and still know it’s a responsible choice.”
It’s worth noting that the technology behind these diamonds has advanced rapidly.
A decade ago, you might’ve found only small, colourless stones.
Now? You can find every cut imaginable — oval, pear, emerald, radiant — and even fancy colours like pinks and yellows.
The result? Custom pieces that once would’ve cost a fortune now feel within reach.
And if you’ve ever worked with a designer to create something from scratch, you’ll know how addictive that process can be. It’s not just jewellery — it’s storytelling in sparkle.
The Shift in Social Perception
I’ll admit — when lab diamonds first hit the market, there was scepticism. Some traditionalists called them “fake,” others dismissed them as a passing trend.
But fast forward a few years, and attitudes have shifted dramatically.
Celebrities, designers, and even investors are now publicly supporting lab-grown gems.
In fact, several major luxury brands are quietly adding them to their collections, sometimes without fanfare, just letting the quality speak for itself.
And it’s not just about jewellery. It’s part of a broader cultural move toward conscious consumption. The same way people now check where their coffee beans are sourced or what fabric their clothes are made from, they’re asking where their sparkle comes from too.
That’s why the term lab grown diamonds has become a badge of honour, not a disclaimer.
It’s proof that style and ethics can coexist — and thrive.
(If you’re curious to dig deeper into this evolving movement, this article on lab grown diamonds gives a great snapshot of how modern couples are reimagining what romance and responsibility look like.)
Choosing the Right Lab Diamond Necklace
If you’re thinking about getting one yourself — whether as a gift, a keepsake, or simply because you deserve a little shine — there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Know the 4Cs — they still matter.
Cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight apply just as they do for mined diamonds. A well-cut lab diamond will have that crisp, fire-like brilliance you want.
2. Ask for certification.
Reputable jewellers provide grading reports from labs like IGI or GIA, ensuring you know exactly what you’re getting.
3. Choose your metal wisely.
White gold offers a sleek, modern look, while yellow or rose gold brings warmth and vintage charm. If you’re going for everyday wear, platinum might be worth considering for its durability.
4. Think about lifestyle.
A dainty solitaire pendant might be perfect for daily wear, while a cluster or tennis-style necklace makes a statement for special occasions.
5. Support local if you can.
Australia has some incredible jewellers working with lab-grown stones now. Many even let you customise your design — perfect if you want something truly one-of-a-kind.
Beyond the Necklace — A New Kind of Legacy
What fascinates me most about this whole shift is how it’s changing the meaning of heirlooms.
For generations, we’ve passed down jewellery as symbols of love, history, and continuity. But now, a lab diamond necklace can carry that same sentiment — perhaps even more so, because it reflects the values of our time.
We’re the generation learning to love luxury responsibly.
And maybe, one day, someone’s granddaughter will wear that same lab-grown diamond necklace and think, “My grandmother was part of the movement that made jewellery kinder.”
That’s a legacy worth leaving.
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of Conscious Choices
Standing in a boutique recently, watching a young couple choose their first diamond pendant, I realised something simple but profound — sparkle is eternal, but how we create it doesn’t have to stay the same.
The world’s changing.
Our values are evolving.
And jewellery, somehow, is reflecting that shift in the most graceful way imaginable.
Lab-grown diamonds don’t take away the romance — they add a new layer to it.
They tell a story of innovation, integrity, and individuality. Whether you’re wearing a classic solitaire or a full diamond necklace that catches the sunlight just right, it’s not just about looking beautiful — it’s about feeling good about what you’re wearing.
So if you’ve ever dreamed of that timeless diamond shimmer but wanted it to align with your modern values, maybe now’s the perfect time to explore this quiet revolution in jewellery.
After all, the future of luxury isn’t just bright — it’s brilliantly sustainable.