Diamond Market in Transition:5 Trends Driving the Jewellery Market Shift in 2026

Laine
Jan 20
4 min read

A Rapidly Changing Landscape

In the almost 7 years since Laine Jewellery was born and close to 3 years since Laine Sparkle Lab’s launch, we’ve come such a long way, not only for the brand, but the diamond industry as a whole. Let’s dive deeper into the most significant transformations and 5 top trends of the industry in 2026 covering both natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds (LGDs) and precious metals.

1️⃣Lab Grown Diamonds Have Become the 👑Top Choice for Engagement Rings

Just a few years ago, natural diamonds were the undisputed choice for engagement rings. In 2024, nearly 90% of couples opted for natural diamonds when marking their forever moment. Fast forward to 2025, and the picture looks remarkably different: 9 out of 10 couples now choose LGDs for their engagement rings. This shift is not a passing trend — it reflects a deeper evolution in consumer priorities. And from 2026 onwards? LGDs are here to stay.

Why the change? Couples today are more pragmatic and value-driven. Many prefer to allocate their budgets toward experiences — dream weddings, travel adventures, or even a first home — rather than investing heavily in a single piece of jewellery. It’s increasingly common for proposers to consult their partners before purchasing a ring, and for engagements to happen in adventurous settings like ski slopes or diving trips, where practicality and affordability matter.

2️⃣Lab Grown Diamonds Have Become More Mainstream and Affordable

Lab-grown diamonds have moved from novelty to mainstream, and for good reason. While we have written about the benefits of LGDs in our blog before, here’s a quick look at why LGDs are winning hearts and becoming increasingly popular:

Affordability Meets LuxuryCompared to just a few years back, advances in technology have made LGDs more accessible than ever. Prices have dropped dramatically — by 2025, a one-carat LGD averaged HKD$3,000 to $4,000, compared to around HKD$40,000 to $50,000 for a natural diamond of similar quality. This cost advantage allows buyers to choose larger stones or higher grades without breaking the bank.
Quality and SpeedModern production methods like Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) deliver exceptional clarity and colour in merely 2-4 weeks, not millennia. As production scales, quality improves while costs decline, creating a virtuous cycle of affordability and desirability.
Ethical and SustainableToday’s consumers care about provenance. LGDs offer transparency and eliminate the environmental and social concerns associated with mining. For Millennials and Gen Z, this ethical edge is a compelling reason to choose LGDs.
Diminishing Secondhand Market

As the secondhand market for diamonds is relatively limited, the resell value of diamonds are no longer a major consideration for many consumers (apart from collectors, that is). While in the past, natural diamonds were more coveted due to their investment value, as this is not the case as much in recent years, regular consumers tend to gravitate towards LGDs given their better value for money.

3️⃣ The Rise of Fancy Coloured Diamonds: A New Era of Expression

One of the most exciting developments in the LGD market is the surge in fancy coloured diamonds. Once extremely rare and often auctioned only, hues like pink, green, and blue are now within reach thanks to lab technology. Among these, pink🩷 remains the most coveted, followed by green💚, yellow💛, and blue💙.

Coloured diamonds are no longer just for statement pieces — they’re becoming everyday luxury. Many clients now select vibrant stones to complement their wardrobe, embracing jewelry as a form of personal expression.

4️⃣ Natural Diamonds: A Market Under Pressure

As LGDs gain traction, demand for natural diamonds has softened. Prices for mined stones have fallen considerably, and their traditional value proposition — scarcity and heritage — is being challenged. While natural diamonds still hold symbolic appeal for some, the notion of diamonds as a reliable investment is fading. For those seeking long-term value, gold remains a more transparent and liquid asset.

5️⃣ Gold: The Quiet Performer

Over the past decade, gold has delivered impressive returns. Prices have surged more than 300% in the last 10 years. This performance explains why many consumers now view gold as a safer store of value compared to diamonds. For jewellery, 18K and 14K gold remain popular choices, offering durability and elegance without the volatility of diamond pricing.

18K Gold: 75% pure
14K Gold: 58.5% pure

Lower karat options like 9K or silver with gold plating exist, but they lack longevity and resistance to tarnish.

✨Laine Jewellery: Crafting Timeless Beauty Amid Change

At Laine Jewellery, we embrace these shifts while staying true to our ethos of elegance and bespoke designs paired with quality craftsmanship, values which we’ve held on to since our launch almost 7 years ago. Whether you desire a classic natural diamond or a bespoke lab grown masterpiece, our designs celebrate individuality and enduring style.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re introducing a special promotion on 2.14-carat diamonds, a symbolic weight for a day dedicated to love. Choose from an array of shapes and customise a piece that speaks to your story.

Looking Ahead

The diamond market will continue to evolve, but one truth remains: jewellery is more than adornment but rather a reflection of life’s most cherished moments. Whether you choose natural or LGDs, let your choice be guided by love, values, and the joy of creating memories.

Feel free to get in touch with Laine Jewellery for recommendations and advice on diamonds or customised rings! I offer free consultation services every Friday at my studio at One ifc in Central or Times Square in Causeway Bay, bookings required. Interested parties please make a reservation through Whatsapp or Laine Jewellery’s Facebook page!