Hybrid Diamond Jewellery: How Natural And Lab-Grown Stones Are Redefining Affordable Luxury

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

In the ever-evolving world of diamonds, designers are fusing the allure for the natural gemstone with lab-grown ones, crafting an affordable luxury that's fit for royalty. The result? Stunning hybrid pieces of jewellery.

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The Gulf region is a key player in natural and lab-grown diamonds. According to the market researcher Global Growth Insights, UAE and Saudi Arabia account for 72 per cent of demand in the region. The UAE lab-grown diamond market was valued at $799.35 million (Dh2.93 billion approximately) in 2025. Brands such as FYNE Jewellery, Solitario Dubai, RP Diamonds, among others, are experimenting in the space.

Market players expect the segment to fuel growth.

“It (hybrid jewellery) gives buyers multiple pathways to own fine diamond jewellery. Rather than competing, natural, lab-grown, and hybrid formats serve different consumer segments," said Rupesh Jain, co-founder of Lucira Jewellery.“The rising demand for lab-grown diamonds clearly reflects positive consumer acceptance and rising trust.”

Exclusive yet affordable

Pairing natural diamonds are paired with lab-grown accents is creating pieces that offer exclusivity and affordability. As consumer awareness grows, people explore formats that align with their budget and values. The key is to balance the two types of stones, according to Yash Kataria, Director of Kataria Group of Company, a century-old Indian conglomerate behind Kataria Jewellers.

“Since both stones share the same physical and optical qualities, the work lies in calibrating cut, size and placement,” Kataria said.

“We often rely on natural diamonds where fine detailing is needed. Lab-grown stones are used when a design needs volume or a touch of drama. When done correctly, the piece feels seamless," he said.“The wearer sees craftsmanship, not categories.”

Natural diamonds still hold their emotional and historical weight, while lab-grown diamonds have brought scale and creative freedom.“For us at Kataria Jewellers, this category has opened a fresh design space. It allows us to experiment with form, play with proportions and craft pieces that feel current yet timeless," he said.“That balance is driving its popularity."

History of synthetic diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds have quite the history. The first synthetic diamonds launched in 1954. The first gem-quality lab-grown diamonds were created in 1971, and in the 1990s, they became commercially available.

According to Mehul Jain, founder of Everbrite Jewellery, lab-grown rocks have unveiled creative possibilities, and hybrid pieces broaden options for consumers.

“The idea of owning naturally mined diamonds appeals to many buyers, but there is also a growing desire to explore scale or experimentation with larger diamond carats and shapes at a more accessible price point,” Mehul Jain said.“Hybrid designs create that middle path where fine jewellery becomes more inclusive without compromising luxury.”

What lends authenticity to the mix of natural and lab-grown diamonds? Experts attribute it to a balance through colour matching, consistent grading and meticulous craftsmanship. Rupesh Jain said:“Lab-grown diamonds share the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as natural diamonds - which makes it possible for both to blend seamlessly in a well-designed hybrid piece.”

Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in composition and hardness. They are equally durable and brilliant, and certified by the same gemological standards, such as the IGI (International Gemological Institute) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America). The difference lies purely in origin and accessibility, not performance.“For many conscious luxury consumers, sustainability and transparency are important purchase drivers," Jain said. "Hybrid jewellery is a great alternative.”

Take for example the "Crown of Coral" necklace. Dubai-based Mira Jewels combined a two-carat natural diamond centerpiece with five carats of lab-grown diamond accents. Result? A regal piece priced at $15,000 (Dh55,100 approximately).

“Consumer perception has undergone a major shift. Lab-grown diamonds are now seen not as substitutes, but as a progressive and legitimate choice within luxury jewellery," Jain said.“Younger buyers appreciate ethical sourcing, transparency, and the ability to buy larger, more expressive pieces at the same budget. This evolution is encouraging brands like ours to push creative boundaries in design."

Brands face technical challenges while curating an assembled piece of hybrid jewellery.“The main challenge is achieving absolute uniformity. Even minor variations in colour or clarity can stand out when two categories of stones sit side by side. We invest time in stone selection, pairing and matching until everything aligns with the client's expectations,” Kataria said.

He listed the lack of awareness as another challenge. "Many clients don't initially realise the craftsmanship required to create a hybrid piece,” he said.“Once they see the finesse and the outcome, the hesitation disappears."

For buyers' peace of mind...

Every hybrid piece is crafted thoroughly, with clients receiving certificates for the natural and lab-grown diamonds used in the design. Some jewellers also offer lifetime exchange and buyback policies.“To give clients complete peace of mind, we insure each piece against loss and theft at no additional cost," Kataria said.“The idea is simple: luxury should be enjoyed, not guarded with worry.”

Hybrid jewellery is positioned to feel more accessible while maintaining its luxury value. According to Kataria, natural diamonds help define the core price, while lab-grown stones allow us to elevate scale or intricacy without significantly increasing cost.

And consumer attitudes are shifting towards hybrid jewellery.“Today's buyers are more thoughtful, value-driven, and sustainability-minded. I've noticed that they want pieces that reflect their ethics as much as their aesthetics and value for money," Mehul Jain said.“This openness has unlocked tremendous creative freedom for designers. This is reshaping the entire design landscape across the industry.”

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