I’ve spent more than a decade writing about jewellery trends in Australia, but every now and then something comes along that genuinely shifts the way we think about beauty, value and the stories we wear. Lately, that change has been unfolding quietly — in boutiques, in Instagram reels, even in the conversations people are having while browsing pieces with friends — and it centres around one small but striking accessory: the lab grown diamond pendant.
Now, I’ll admit, the first time I heard about lab grown diamonds years ago, I imagined something futuristic and maybe a bit clinical, like a gemstone fresh off a sci-fi assembly line. But that’s not even close to reality. The more I’ve learned, the more I’ve realised just how deeply personal and meaningful these stones can be.
And honestly? The rise of the lab grown diamond pendant says a lot about what Australians value today: sustainability, transparency, individuality, and a desire to treat ourselves without the heavy feeling that sometimes comes with traditional luxury.
So, if you’ve been curious about why everyone from younger couples to seasoned jewellery lovers is gravitating toward these pieces, here’s what’s really happening.
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The Shift: From “Is it real?” to “Is it responsible?”
There’s a little moment that happens when someone compliments a pendant you’re wearing — you reach up, touch it lightly, and for a second, you remember exactly why you bought it.
For some people, it’s sentiment.
For others, it’s style.
And increasingly, it’s about values.
Lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds. That’s something people often don’t realise until they’re standing in a showroom holding both side-by-side. The sparkle, the fire, the clarity — it’s all the same. What’s different is the footprint. Instead of being extracted from the earth, these diamonds are grown in highly controlled, ethical environments using advanced technology.
I’ve spoken with jewellers who tell me that ten years ago, shoppers were sceptical. Today, the question isn’t about authenticity at all — it’s about whether you want your luxury to leave a positive mark.
A lab grown diamond pendant sits neatly in the middle of that shift. It’s small enough to wear every day but meaningful enough to represent a conscious choice.
Pendants Are Personal — And That’s Why They’re Thrive with Lab Grown Stones
Unlike engagement rings, which often come with traditions and expectations, pendants feel wonderfully personal. You choose the shape, the chain length, the metal tone, the size of the stone — all for you. No rituals, no pressure. And without the sometimes eye-watering price tags of traditional mined diamonds, lab grown options let people upgrade their jewellery wardrobe with pieces they’ll genuinely wear rather than hide away for “special occasions.”
A few things I’ve noticed from people who’ve recently switched to lab grown pendants:
1. They’re choosing larger stones without guilt.
An everyday 1-carat diamond pendant feels downright glamorous, but it’s also something people would hesitate to invest in with mined stones. Lab grown diamonds shift that calculus. Suddenly, what felt “too indulgent” becomes accessible.
2. They mix and match more confidently.
Layered necklaces have been a massive trend in Australia of late. A delicate bezel-set lab grown diamond pendant pairs beautifully with a hammered gold disc or a thin rope chain. Instead of one pendant for life, people are curating little collections.
3. Custom settings are back in fashion.
Because the cost per carat is far more forgiving, buyers are spending more on design — sculptural settings, romantic vintage vibes, floating diamonds, sliding pendants, you name it.
Behind the Scenes: How Lab Created Diamonds Become Jewellery
I once visited a workshop in Sydney where a jeweller walked me through the journey of a lab created stone, and I swear, it was more mesmerising than anything I’d imagined.
Diamonds form through two primary technologies:
- HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) – A tiny seed of carbon is placed under immense heat and pressure, mimicking how diamonds form deep underground.
- CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) – A plasma cloud forms inside a chamber, gradually layering carbon atom by atom onto a crystal.
If that sounds scientific, that’s because it is — but the result is undeniably romantic: a diamond born from human ingenuity rather than environmental disruption.
These stones are then cut and polished the exact same way mined diamonds are. A master cutter still sits at the bench, still works with magnification, still shapes the facets to bring out the fire. In other words, the artistry is unchanged — just the origin.
And here’s the bit that feels almost poetic: because these diamonds start in such controlled conditions, the final stone often has exceptional clarity. Nature can be unpredictable. Technology is far more precise.
Why Pendants Are the Perfect Way to Experience Lab Grown Diamonds
If you’re new to lab grown stones, a pendant is one of the easiest — and most rewarding — pieces to start with. No sizing issues. No wear and tear concerns. And because it’s worn close to the collarbone, it catches the light beautifully even at modest sizes.
But there’s something else too.
Pendants become part of your daily “signature.” They sit quietly on your skin as you go to work, meet friends, walk the dog, or duck into your favourite café for a flat white. They don’t scream for attention — they offer that soft glimmer that feels more like an extension of you.
And I can tell you from experience: people notice. Not in an over-the-top way, but with those casual compliments that make your day a little warmer.
If you’re curious about browsing different designs, this collection of lab grown diamond pendant options is a good place to start — the range is modern, refined and easy to wear across seasons.
(Here’s the link as naturally promised: lab grown diamond pendant
Sustainability: The Conversation That’s Not Going Away
You might not know this, but sustainability has become one of the strongest deciding factors for jewellery buyers under 40 — especially women. I’ve seen survey after survey demonstrating the same trend: people want beautiful things, but they don’t want the planet to suffer for them.
Lab grown diamonds use significantly fewer natural resources and avoid the deep environmental disturbances associated with mining. Add to that the reduced social impact, and it’s easy to see why lab created diamonds are becoming a sort of “quiet luxury with clear conscience.”
And no — choosing a lab grown diamond doesn’t mean sacrificing heritage, quality or emotional value. Jewellery has always been about the meaning we personally attach to it. Your reasons are what make it sentimental, not its geological history.
For a fuller dive into the benefits of lab created diamonds, there’s a thoughtful overview here that I came across while researching:
lab created diamonds
The Investment Question (Because Someone Will Always Ask)
Whenever I write about jewellery, someone inevitably asks whether lab grown diamonds are a “good investment.” And I always give the same honest answer: jewellery shouldn’t be bought like stocks.
Yes, mined diamond prices behave differently on the resale market. Yes, lab grown diamonds generally cost less and may continue trending that way as technology advances. But the real value of personal jewellery lives in emotional longevity — not financial return.
Buy a pendant because:
- It makes you feel elegant.
- It marks a moment in your life.
- It brings out your style.
- It aligns with your values.
- It’s something you’ll reach for instinctively as you walk out the door.
That’s the kind of “investment” that pays you back every day.
How to Choose a Lab Grown Diamond Pendant You’ll Love for Years
If you’re considering one, here are some quick, practical tips to make the process easier:
1. Decide your diamond shape.
Rounds offer timeless sparkle, pears feel romantic, emerald cuts look slick and sophisticated. Go with the shape that suits your personality rather than the one trending on TikTok this week.
2. Match the metal to your wardrobe.
If your favourite pieces lean warm-toned — bronzes, rusts, oatmeal linens — yellow gold will feel right at home.
White gold or platinum sits beautifully with cooler palettes like blues and greys.
Rose gold? Soft, feminine and surprisingly versatile.
3. Think about chain length.
The standard 45cm chain works for most people, but a 40cm chain sits higher for a chic, modern look — great for layering.
4. Don’t underestimate simplicity.
Some of the most breathtaking pendants I’ve seen are nothing more than a clean bezel or a floating solitaire. Minimalist designs tend to age well.
5. Ask for certification.
Any reputable jeweller will provide grading reports, even for lab grown stones. It’s worth having for peace of mind and future insurance.
The Unexpected Emotional Side of Lab Grown Pieces
Here’s something I wasn’t expecting when I first started interviewing people who switched to lab grown diamonds: the sense of pride they felt. Not pride in the price — pride in the choice.
Several people told me they liked being able to say, “It’s lab grown,” almost as a small badge of modern responsibility. It’s the same sort of quiet satisfaction you get when you buy an eco-friendly product that still feels beautiful and luxurious.
One woman I met at a launch event recently summed it up perfectly:
“It’s nice wearing something pretty that doesn’t cost the earth — literally or figuratively.”
And honestly, I think that sentiment is at the heart of the trend.
Final Thoughts: A Pendant With Purpose
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about lab grown diamonds, a pendant is the perfect place to start. It’s versatile, meaningful and surprisingly easy to incorporate into your everyday style.
But more than that, it represents a new kind of luxury — one shaped by choice, transparency and a softer footprint. Whether you’re buying for yourself or choosing a gift for someone who deserves something thoughtful, a lab grown diamond pendant has that rare combination of elegance and intention.
And as someone who’s spent years watching jewellery trends rise and fall, I honestly don’t think this one is going anywhere. Australians are embracing pieces that feel good, look stunning and align with the world we want to build. And that feels like a beautiful thing to wear close to your heart.
