Why luxury fashion is finally embracing lab-grown diamonds
Something really exciting is happening in luxury fashion — and I’m here for it. Lab-grown diamonds are no longer a niche trend; they’re now stealing the spotlight on red carpets, runways, and watch dials. Prada, TAG Heuer, Fred, Stella McCartney and Anna Wintour — yes, the editor-in-chief of Vogue — are embracing the innovation and intention behind lab-created stones.
As a gemologist, designer, and founder of VONA, I’ve always believed lab-grown diamonds represent not just a new material — but a new mindset. What was once seen as a budget alternative is now a symbol of conscious craftsmanship, creative freedom, and modern luxury.
From Constraint to Creative Freedom
Prada
Prada’s Eternal Gold collection didn’t just add new jewelry to their universe—it reshaped the conversation. Using a signature triangle-shaped "Prada Cut" lab-grown diamond and fully traceable recycled gold, Prada redefined what sustainable luxury can look like. These diamonds weren’t just chosen for ethics—they were chosen for creativity. Instead of designing around what’s available, Prada started with pure imagination.
Fred
The LVMH-owned jeweler, unveiled its Audacious Blue diamonds—lab-grown stones created to mimic the sunlight dancing on the sea. The color, clarity, and consistency of these diamonds would have been almost impossible to find naturally. So instead, they grew their vision—literally.
TAG Heuer
Known for precision and pushing boundaries, TAG Heuer turned heads with the Carrera Plasma watch, which includes lab-grown diamonds on the dial, case, and even the crown—some in vivid pink and yellow hues. These elements are not just decorative. They’re revolutionary, using scientific innovation to challenge what we thought was possible in high horology.
These are limited-edition gestures, not full-scale replacements — but they prove a point: lab-grown diamonds let creative direction come first. Designers can imagine a vision and then grow the exact stone needed.
The Red Carpet Glow-Up
Anna Wintour
Editor-in-chief of Vogue and soon to step down, wore a necklace with lab-grown diamonds — a bold move from fashion’s most influential voice. Her choice proves these gems aren’t just ethical; they’re fashionable too.
Stella McCartney
Has long been a pioneer in ethical fashion, Stella McCartney’s sustainability message hit a high note at the 2024 Met Gala. She dressed celebrities like FKA Twigs, Cara Delevingne, Ed Sheeran, and herself in custom pieces featuring over 500 carats of lab-grown diamonds — all set in recycled gold.
Why Fashion Finally Said Yes
For years, the narrative around lab-grown diamonds was shaped by what they weren’t: not rare, not traditional, not ancient. But today, a new story is taking hold—one that celebrates intention, innovation, and design. As brands increasingly adopt lab-grown stones, they’re unlocking forms and colors that were once too rare, expensive, or impractical.
Luxury is no longer about what’s hard to find. It’s about what’s worth creating. Lab-grown diamonds allow for:
- Total design freedom (shape, size, color, precision)
- Fewer environmental harms
- Transparent sourcing
- Consistent quality for high-end design
Where VONA Stands
At VONA, we craft with lab-grown diamonds not because it’s easier—but because it’s better. For the planet. For the people who wear our pieces. And for the creative freedom it gives us to bring your most meaningful moments to life.
Luxury is no longer just about status—and we’re here to prove that conscious can be stunning. So yes, lab-grown diamonds are redefining luxury. And that's why we say:
We mine the day, not the earth.