CUSTOMIZATION AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE SURGE IN LGDS

Lab-Grown Diamonds are reshaping luxury, offering personalization possibilities through cutting-edge technology; the shift to customization is being led largely by millennials and Gen Z, who value innovation more than tradition

- Dhwani Rathod and Aviva Dharmaraj

Personalization has become the cornerstone of the growing demand for Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs), a sector which is gaining more and more acceptance in major geographies. LGDs offer unprecedented flexibility in design, allowing consumers to craft pieces that reflect their personal stories, styles, and values. This shift towards customization is being driven mostly by millennials and Gen Z, with the younger cohort increasingly seeking uniqueness and innovation over tradition.

Technological Innovations Empowering Customers

Advances in technology have opened new avenues for personalization using LGDs, enabling jewellers to offer an interactive and tailored experience to customers. Tools such as 3D modelling software, CAD (computeraided design), and virtual consultations allow consumers to design their pieces in real time, and enable them to visualize adjustments instantly. Brands such as VRAI, known for its high-profile clientele, including Emma Stone and Taylor Swift, have embraced these advancements. VRAI collaborates with diamond experts to craft bespoke rings, which are then produced and shipped within two weeks.

"We can cut and shape lab-grown diamonds in many ways," says Surendra Bhavnani, Director of Laxmi Impex, Mumbai, adding, "Not only that, but coloured diamonds whether in yellows, blues, or pinks-are also available at more affordable prices, giving consumers more freedom to express themselves through their designs." Bhavnani's point highlights how customization is not just about altering traditional cuts, but also about expanding creative possibilities.

Enhanced Customization Through Prototyping