JB Insights
Unleashing creativity: the design freedom offered by lab-grown diamonds
By Lisa Mukhedkar-Founder and CEO Aukera- Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery

Lisa Mukhedkar is the Founder of Aukera- Lab Grown Diamond Jeweller
Lab-grown diamonds are emerging as a compelling alternative to traditionally mined stones in the dynamic world of fine jewellery. As dazzling as their natural counterparts in brilliance, durability, and composition, these lab-made marvels are not just rewriting the rules of luxury but also redefining what it means to wear jewellery, with conscience and creativity.
What truly sets lab-grown diamonds apart, however, is the extraordinary design freedom they offer. With greater availability and more accessible price points—nearly 30-40% lower than mined diamonds—designers and consumers alike are no longer restricted by cost when it comes to scale, setting, or innovation. Larger, high-quality stones can be incorporated into custom designs, allowing bold artistic visions to flourish without compromise.
India’s lab-grown diamond jewellery market, pegged at $264.5 million in 2022, will grow at 14.8% CAGR, reaching $1,192.3 million by 2033, as per an ET Retail report. This explains the shift in consumer mindset, particularly evident among younger buyers, who are seeking jewellery that reflects their values and personal stories. Engagement rings, in particular, have become deeply personal artefacts—designed not just to symbolise love but to express individuality. Many couples are veering away from the conventional solitaire and opting for coloured stones, unique cuts, asymmetry, and mixed metal bands. From astrological motifs and birthstones to rings that incorporate the story of a couple’s journey, the emphasis is on crafting a ring that speaks of individuality.
Designers are responding to this demand with greater creative freedom, made possible by the versatility and easy availability of lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds enable quick customisation with technical precision, allowing customers to bring their unique visions to life, without the steep price tag or ethical ambiguity of mined stones.
This creative liberation is fuelling a wave of experimentation in contemporary jewellery design. There’s a noticeable move toward mixing metals—pairing white and yellow gold or combining rose gold with platinum—to create unique, expressive pieces. Asymmetrical settings, bold colour contrasts, and unorthodox stone placements are also on the rise, making each piece a true reflection of the wearer’s personality.
Even men’s jewellery is seeing a shift, with lab-grown diamonds being used in refined, minimalist styles like cufflinks, bands, and bracelets. These modern pieces reflect not just personal style but also an alignment with sustainable and ethical values—key concerns for today’s consumer.
With a far lower price tag but the same clarity, brilliance, and sparkle, lab-grown diamonds stand out for their sheer versatility. You no longer have to burn a hole in your finances to own jewellery that’s both trendy and just as dazzling as mined diamonds.
Moreover, lab-grown diamonds are ushering in a more democratic era of bespoke design. Thanks to advances in production and design technology, custom creations can now be brought to life rapidly and with exacting detail. This opens doors for more people to own jewellery that is not only beautiful but also meaningful and responsibly sourced.
Ultimately, lab-grown diamonds are not just about sustainability or savings—they are about creative freedom. As the boundaries of jewellery design expand, these stones enable consumers and designers to dream bigger, bolder, and express more freely.
Education
The New-Age Jewellery Professional: Why Tech Education for Jewellery Industry is the Biggest Growth Driver
#JbExclusive
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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