Lisa Ingram, Kay Jewelers’ vice president of merchandising, is unequivocal about the role that lab-grown diamonds play at the retailer’s 1,000+ stores nationwide: “Lab-created diamonds aren’t just an alternative anymore.
“Today’s shoppers aren’t just following tradition; they’re choosing rings that feel right for them, and for a growing number, that means lab-created,” she tells JCK.
The Signet-owned retailer’s new Signature collection of bridal rings reflects that reality. Composed of six rings, retailing from $1,999.99 to $3,999.99, the range is just one of Kay’s lab-grown bridal offerings; its collaborations with Neil Lane Artistry, Leo Legacy, and Monique Lhuillier also feature lab stones.
The desire for bigger diamonds helps explain rising interest in lab-grown. “Many couples gravitate toward 1.5 to 2 carats, but with lab-created diamonds, they’re able to go even bigger while staying within budget,” Ingram says. “The $3,000 to $5,000 range remains a sweet spot, striking the right balance of quality, size, and value.”
Round is still the No. 1 shape, she adds, “but pears, ovals, and marquise cuts are also trending for their elegant, elongated look.”
The rules of engagement, however, have changed, Ingram points out. “Today’s shoppers are rewriting the traditional bridal formula,” she says. “Modern couples aren’t just looking for a beautiful ring—they want something that feels personal, tells their story, and fits their lifestyle. Striking shapes, unique settings, and colored stones have become more popular than ever.”
Don’t assume that means Kay has abandoned natural diamonds. Mined stones “continue to hold a strong appeal, especially for those who love the idea of a stone formed over millions of years,” Ingram says. “Many couples see them as an investment in tradition and rarity. On the other hand, lab-created diamond buyers tend to be more focused on maximizing size and sparkle for their budget.”
That the bridal market boils down to diamond buyers choosing between long-term investment and more bang for the buck is perhaps no surprise—for Kay’s and retailers like it, the challenge lies in embracing that complexity.
Top: Kay Jewelers’ new Signature collection of lab-grown diamond engagement rings retails from $1,999.99 to $3,999.99.
- Subscribe to the JCK News Daily
- Subscribe to the JCK Special Report
- Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
- Follow JCK on X: @jckmagazine
- Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
