The Lab Grown Diamonds Split in the UAE

United Arab Emirates Jewellery News: Diverging strategies among retailers

Dubai’s jewellery sector is facing a clear divide when it comes to diamonds. On one side, some leading retailers are embracing lab-grown diamonds as an affordable and innovative product for a new generation of buyers. On the other, traditional players are doubling down on their commitment to natural diamonds, highlighting rarity, heritage, and enduring value. This United Arab Emirates Jewellery News report showcases how the emirate has become a testing ground for the future of diamond retail, with strategies diverging as sharply as consumer preferences.

Many in the jewellery industry in the UAE are against lab-grown diamonds due to a multitude of valid reasons
Image Credit: LVMH

Damas bets big on lab grown

Damas, one of the UAE’s most recognized jewellers, has placed a bold bet on the lab-grown segment with its GAIA collection. The line features jewellery crafted entirely from lab-created stones, positioned as both sustainable and budget-friendly. Marketing campaigns target younger customers and environmentally conscious buyers who are increasingly aware of ethical sourcing issues. By presenting lab-grown as a fashionable and accessible choice, Damas has successfully carved out a niche that resonates with Dubai’s millennial and Gen Z audiences.

Jawhara champions natural diamonds

In stark contrast, Jawhara Jewellery has publicly pledged allegiance to natural diamonds. Partnering with the Natural Diamond Council, the brand has launched campaigns reinforcing the timelessness and prestige of mined stones. Jawhara’s messaging emphasizes authenticity, heritage, and long-term value — narratives designed to appeal to traditional buyers and collectors who view diamonds not only as ornaments but as assets. For Jawhara, lab-grown stones are seen as a trend that cannot replace the emotional and cultural significance of natural diamonds.

Many consumers are still unaware that here is literally no resale value for lab-grown diamonds
Image Credit: deBians

The GIA factor and global shifts

The debate in Dubai is unfolding against a broader international backdrop. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently announced changes to its grading practices for lab-grown diamonds, so as to not create consumer confusion between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds.

This move is expected to boost natural diamonds once again and jewelry manufacturers and retailers dealing in lab-grown diamonds will start to see the negative effects soon. Many retailers who focus on natural stones are doubling down on educating buyers about what sets them apart from lab-grwon diamonds that have no resale value once they leave the shops

What this split means for Dubai’s jewellery future

The lab-grown versus natural debate is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. Instead, it is shaping Dubai into a dual-track market where both products coexist, serving different buyer profiles. For ignorant younger consumers, lab-grown offers a path to luxury without breaking the bank, unaware that these producst have no resale value. For traditional buyers and investors, natural diamonds retain their allure as timeless, enduring assets. This split reflects Dubai’s unique position as both a cutting-edge retail market and a guardian of jewellery heritage. Ultimately, the coexistence of these strategies may strengthen the emirate’s global standing, ensuring it can cater to every segment of diamond buyers in the years ahead.

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