JB Insights
New Plumb Club research shows growing awareness and acceptance of lab-grown diamonds, gems
The Plumb Club Industry and Market Insights 2025 reveals that shoppers are increasingly aware of, and more open to, lab-grown gem options. This, despite the industry having many different opinions on the subject. The consumer survey, completed with over 2,000 jewelry buying ,consumers across the county, shows a definite upswing among customers compared to only 2 years prior and provides retailers with insight and direction for business planning.
84% of consumer respondents said they are aware of the choice of lab-grown diamonds in fine jewelry. The 2025 survey noted an increase of 13% from the 2023 survey in customers who feel they know the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds and a decrease of 15% in customers who feel they do not know the difference. 49% said they are not confident of the differences.
The survey highlights that for lab-grown gems, such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires, 83% of customers say that if they learned the gems were chemically, optically and physically the same as their mined counterparts they would be open to buying them. Regarding the openness to receiving lab-grown diamonds in jewelry, other than engagement and bridal pieces, 83% say that they are. 74% said they would be open to receiving a lab-grown diamond for an engagement ring.
Price consideration is a determining factor for 31% of consumers considering a lab-grown diamond or lab-grown diamond engagement ring, while getting a higher clarity or color of diamond is the determining factor for 30%.
When it comes to preference for a diamond’s origin, 37% of respondents say they do not have enough information to make the decision between natural or lab-grown. 33% said they would prefer a lab-grown and 30% said they would prefer a natural diamond. When comparing two diamonds of the same cut, color, quality and size, 49% of respondents said they would prefer a natural diamond.
The insights shared here are part of a multi-faceted research study initiated by The Plumb Club with the assistance of Paola Deluca, The Futurist, and Qualtrics, a world-renowned survey and analytics firm. The study was conducted with a sampling of over 2,000 men and women from the ages of 25 – 60 with a balanced demographic and psychographic mix across the US with the goal of understanding how individuals engage with jewelry. Respondents had all attended some college or higher and had a combined household income of at least $75K/year. Additional information from this expansive research will be shared over the next several weeks.
The research document will be shared in its entirety during the JCK Las Vegas Show with a presentation on Saturday, June 7 2025.
Education
The New-Age Jewellery Professional: Why Tech Education for Jewellery Industry is the Biggest Growth Driver
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The jewellery industry is no longer defined by craftsmanship alone. Today, it sits at the intersection of design, technology, sustainability, finance, branding, and global trade. As consumer expectations evolve and competition intensifies, structured education and continuous skill development are emerging as the most powerful growth catalysts for the sector.
For a dynamic industry like India’s jewellery market, education is not optional — it is strategic.
From Karigar to Knowledge Professional
For decades, the backbone of the industry has been generational craftsmanship. While this legacy remains invaluable, modern jewellery businesses now demand professionals who understand:
- Gemology and diamond grading
- CAD and 3D jewellery design
- Retail management and consumer psychology
- Digital marketing and brand storytelling

- International trade compliance and tariffs
- ESG and sustainability frameworks
Institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America and the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery have played a key role in formalising education pathways, helping transform traditional artisans and retailers into globally competitive professionals.
Trend Watch: Rise of Tech-Integrated Learning
One of the strongest education trends shaping the industry is technology integration.
- CAD & CAM Training: Digital prototyping reduces costs and speeds up product development cycles.
- AI in Retail Forecasting: Data-driven inventory planning is replacing intuition-based buying.

- Blockchain Awareness: Traceability in diamonds and coloured gemstones is becoming a compliance requirement rather than a luxury.
- Lab-Grown Diamond Expertise: As lab-grown diamonds gain market share, understanding grading, pricing dynamics, and consumer positioning has become critical.
Educational programs now increasingly blend online modules with hands-on workshops, enabling faster upskilling for working professionals.
The Bridal Economy & Consumer Education
India’s bridal jewellery segment continues to drive demand, but the modern bride is informed and research-oriented. She compares:
- Natural vs lab-grown diamonds
- Hallmarking standards

- Ethical sourcing claims
- Design originality
Retailers who invest in staff education see higher trust conversion rates. Well-trained sales professionals are no longer “salespeople” — they are consultants guiding life-defining purchases.
Financial Literacy in Jewellery
Another emerging area is financial education within the industry itself. With gold functioning as both adornment and asset, professionals must understand:
- Gold monetisation frameworks
- Hedging strategies

- Commodity price cycles
- Working capital management
Structured knowledge helps businesses move from being inventory-heavy traders to strategically managed enterprises.
Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing
Global buyers increasingly demand proof of ethical sourcing and environmental compliance. Education around responsible mining practices, supply-chain transparency, and ESG reporting is becoming central to export competitiveness.
Industry bodies such as the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council regularly conduct seminars and workshops to align Indian exporters with evolving global standards.
The Future: Hybrid Skills Will Win
The next generation jewellery professional will not be defined by a single skill. The future belongs to those who combine:
- Design sensibility
- Technical expertise
- Business acumen

- Digital fluency
- Ethical awareness
For a sector contributing significantly to India’s exports and employment, education is the bridge between heritage and high growth.
Knowledge is the new luxury. As the jewellery industry transitions into a more organised, tech-enabled, and globally integrated ecosystem, continuous learning will determine who leads and who lags. The sparkle of the future will not just come from diamonds — it will come from informed minds shaping the industry.
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