52% of Engagement Rings Went Lab‑Grown in 2024 — Why Moissanite Is 2025’s Must‑Have Gem
Lab-grown diamonds have officially overtaken mined diamonds in the UK engagement ring market, with reports indicating that approximately 52% of rings sold in 2024 featured synthetic stones. The shift marks a pivotal change in consumer behaviour across Britain, as ethical considerations, falling prices, and shifting values push lab-grown gems into the mainstream.
According to a report by The Guardian, the natural diamond industry is under growing pressure as traditional prices continue to decline. UK retailers have reported that mined diamond prices have dropped by around 26% over the past two years, while lab-grown equivalents have declined by 74% since 2020. With nearly identical visual and structural qualities to natural diamonds, the affordability of lab-grown options has made them an increasingly popular choice among younger couples.
De Beers, long considered a cornerstone of the natural diamond trade, has scaled back production and redirected focus toward its synthetic diamond division — a move that many analysts interpret as an acknowledgment of this changing market dynamic. In the UK, the trend is further reinforced by growing demand for personalised, ethically sourced jewellery. Source: The Guardian
A YouGov survey conducted in April 2025 shows that 29% of UK adults are open to purchasing lab-grown diamonds, with acceptance rates climbing to 49% among 18–24-year-olds. The motivations are largely economic and ethical in nature. Among those surveyed, 73% cited affordability as the primary driver, while environmental or ethical concerns influenced 28%. Just over half of the respondents — 52% — said they would be happy to receive a lab-grown diamond for an engagement ring.
As lab-grown diamonds become the new standard, a second shift is quietly gaining momentum — the rise of Moissanite as a preferred gemstone for 2025. Moissanite, an artificially created stone with a brilliance that often surpasses diamonds, is rapidly growing in popularity across the UK.
Though not yet dominant in terms of market share, Moissanite is benefiting from a surge in online interest and consumer curiosity. Recent Google Trends data indicate a significant surge in UK searches for “Moissanite engagement rings” over the past 12 months, particularly among younger, ethically minded consumers.
Market analysts report that advances in manufacturing and quality control are helping to position Moissanite as a strong alternative to both natural and lab-grown diamonds. According to a recent global outlook shared by UK Finance News, the Moissanite market is forecasted to grow steadily, with the UK showing early signs of strong adoption.
Moissanite’s key selling points include a Mohs hardness of 9.5, exceptional fire and brilliance, and significantly lower cost per carat compared to diamonds. Its conflict-free, hand-crafted origin further boosts its appeal for consumers concerned about sourcing and environmental impact.
Retailers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester have already begun expanding their Moissanite offerings, especially in halo and vintage-inspired settings. Industry insiders have noted an increase in showroom activity and custom orders for Moissanite rings, particularly among couples seeking both elegance and ethics without the price tag of traditional diamonds.
As the UK engagement market continues to evolve, jewellers are being challenged to meet the new expectations of today’s buyers, offering certified stones, transparent sourcing, and modern designs that reflect both style and substance. With lab-grown diamonds now established, and Moissanite rising fast, the future of British bridal jewellery is being reshaped by innovation and intent.
