Bridal Reimagined: Why The Modern Indian Bride Is Saying ‘Yes’ To Lab-Grown Sparkle

Last Updated:July 23, 2025, 10:52 IST

Lab-grown diamonds account for nearly 20% of the global diamond market and have overtaken mined stones in over half of U.S. engagement rings, as per market data

Bridal jewellery has long been the crown jewel of Indian weddings, a gleaming symbol of heritage, family pride, and tradition passed down through generations. But today, a quiet revolution is underway. The modern Indian bride is no longer just wearing what’s expected of her; she’s curating her bridal story on her own terms. And at the heart of this transformation is a growing shift toward lab-grown diamonds – brilliant, ethical, affordable, and deeply personal.

As Indian weddings evolve from being tradition-bound spectacles to intentional, personalised celebrations, lab-grown diamonds are emerging as the stone of choice for a new kind of bride, one who values not just sparkle, but substance.

“Today’s brides are no longer simply inheriting tradition, they’re rewriting it,” says Rupesh Jain, Co-Founder of Lucira, a homegrown lab-grown diamond jewellery brand leading this conscious-luxury shift. “Lab-grown diamonds are leading the change as conscious, personal, and beautifully modern choices.”

A Global Trend with Local Momentum

What was once a niche choice has now become a global phenomenon. Lab-grown diamonds account for nearly 20% of the global diamond market and have overtaken mined stones in over half of U.S. engagement rings, as per market data. In India too, the demand is rising, particularly among millennials and Gen Z couples looking to combine aesthetics with ethics.

“The idea of luxury has expanded,” says Jain. “For modern brides, it’s not just about carats and cost, it’s about clarity of conscience. Transparency, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility now matter just as much as the traditional Four Cs.”

This value shift is also deeply practical. With lab-grown diamonds priced up to 80% lower than mined diamonds of similar size and quality, couples are choosing to redirect wedding budgets toward experiences and investments such as dream honeymoons, new homes, or even long-term financial goals.

The Personal Touch: Design Freedom and Customisation

The appeal of lab-grown diamonds goes beyond price and sustainability, it’s also about unparalleled creative freedom. Without the limitations of sourcing, lab-grown diamonds offer endless possibilities in terms of design, cuts, and scale, allowing brides to be more expressive with their jewellery.

“Without the supply and pricing constraints of mined diamonds, brides are free to explore bespoke creations that feel personal and deeply expressive,” Jain adds. “At Lucira, that freedom is at the heart of every design.”

Vidita Kochar Jain, Co-founder of Jewelbox, echoes the sentiment and notes a surge in demand for customised, meaningful designs among Indian brides.

“Weddings have always been rooted in tradition,” she says, “but the modern bride is making space for jewellery that aligns with her individual style and values. It’s not just about sparkle, it’s about self-expression, meaning, and intention.”

She shares an example, “Recently, a bride commissioned a one-carat diamond cut in the shape of the letter ‘A’ for her mangalsutra. That’s the kind of emotional storytelling and innovation that’s easily possible with lab-grown jewellery.”

From Heirlooms to Identity: Reframing Bridal Jewellery

Where once bridal jewellery was mostly about preserving family legacy, today it’s about reflecting personal identity. Brides are no longer content with one-size-fits-all sets dictated by tradition or family elders. They want jewellery that feels authentic, versatile, and aligned with who they are from engagement rings and wedding-day chokers to post-wedding trousseau pieces.

“We’re witnessing a new kind of bridal expression – conscious, confident, and contemporary,” says Kochar Jain. “And the appeal goes beyond aesthetics. It’s also about the peace of mind that comes from knowing your jewellery is ethically sourced without compromising on quality or brilliance.”

At Jewelbox, brides are now choosing lab-grown diamonds not just for the engagement ring, but across the entire wedding look — blending heirloom-inspired motifs with modern silhouettes and bold, fashion-forward cuts.

Beyond the Big Day: Diamonds That Grow With You

Another reason lab-grown diamonds are resonating with brides today is their versatility. They’re not just made for the wedding album — they’re made to be worn, styled, and lived in, long after the festivities are over.

Whether it’s a statement solitaire worn to a work event or a delicate pendant styled with everyday outfits, lab-grown diamond jewellery easily bridges the gap between bridal and beyond.

“The question isn’t whether lab-grown is the future,” says Rupesh Jain. “It’s how you want to wear it.”

Conscious Is the New Classic

In a culture where weddings are deeply tied to tradition and symbolism, lab-grown diamonds are giving Indian brides the chance to reclaim tradition on their own terms, keeping the sparkle, but infusing it with meaning, mindfulness, and individuality.

“For today’s bride,” says Vidita Kochar Jain, “it’s not just about looking beautiful on her wedding day, it’s about making beautiful choices that reflect who she truly is.”

As sustainability, ethics, and storytelling become central to how we define luxury, lab-grown diamonds are no longer just an “alternative.” They are the new classic one that tells a story not just of love, but of intention and empowerment.

Swati Chaturvedi

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More

view comments

First Published: