Over the last few months, I've been slowly but surely growing my investment jewelry collection, from tennis bracelets to diamond studs. The sheer number of hours I've spent researching and agonizing over the current state of the diamond industry qualifies me as an expert at this point. Since I'm Gen Z, my priorities aren't always set on dropping three months of rent on a diamond piece, making affordable, under-$1000 options my go-to when I'm picking out diamond jewelry to add to my cart. The biggest bang for my buck I've found? Lab-grown diamond jewelry.
Although mined diamonds have long existed, lab-grown diamond earrings, necklaces, and studs have only hit the mass market within the last few years. Prior to that, lab-grown diamonds were only considered legitimate by the GIA (the Gemological Institute of America, which sets the standards all diamonds on the market) from 2007 and onward. There's a laundry list of pros and cons when it comes to lab-grown diamonds, but as a young shopper without a trust fund to spend who's prone to losing pieces, I've found myself becoming a bigger fan of lab-grown diamonds since beginning my investment-jewelry hunt.
With bridal-heavy brands like Grown Brilliance, James Allen, and Vrai that have perfected their lab-grown-diamond search process stepping into the fashion jewelry space, there's never been a better time to pick up a pair of lab-grown diamond studs or a tennis bracelet. Below, shop the best lab-grown diamond jewelry pieces to invest in, starting at just $400.
Lab Diamond Earrings
The best investment in the lab-grown-diamond space is diamond earrings. Whether you're on the hunt for a pair of everyday studs or dramatic drop earrings, the options on the market are endless.
Lab Diamond Necklaces
Although I love the look of a tennis bracelet, I can't afford most mined versions in my lifetime. Thanks to the availability of lab-grown diamonds, though, there are so many options on the market that won't break your bank. While some of these pieces are definitely on the pricier side, they're only a fraction of what you would pay for a mined-diamond necklace, most of which start in the low thousands.
Lab Diamond Bracelets
I'll let you in on a little secret: As a fashion editor who's tried on countless tennis bracelets, both lab grown and earth mined, I have to admit there's truly no difference. While I already have a tennis bracelet, I've been looking to add a fun, kitschy style to my collection that I know I'll be able to pass down for generations.
Lab Diamond Rings
Although most people assume lab-grown diamond rings are exclusively engagement rings and wedding bands, I've found the best everyday lab-grown pieces for under $1000 that you can wear and stack with your existing collection, whether it's sentimental jewelry or pieces from a 12-pack of jewelry you found at your local mall.
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