A comprehensive new report from BriteCo, a leading provider of jewelry and watch insurance, reveals a pivotal transformation in the engagement ring market. For the first time ever, lab-grown diamonds now constitute the majority of center stones in newly appraised engagement rings. This significant trend is detailed in the inaugural “BriteCo Jewelry, Diamond, & Watch Price Index 2026,” an annual publication that offers in-depth analysis of market dynamics.

The index compiles extensive appraisal data from January 2019 through June 2026, encompassing all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. It provides a detailed overview across various jewelry categories, including engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, and luxury watches, alongside state-specific insights, seasonal patterns, and projections extending to 2028. BriteCo has made all data and charts publicly available for publishers.

The Rise of Lab-Grown Diamonds in Engagement Rings

The BriteCo report highlights a dramatic increase in the adoption of lab-grown diamonds, with their presence in newly appraised engagement rings surging from just 6% in 2019 to a dominant 51% in the first half of 2026. This trend signifies a major shift in consumer preferences, driven by evolving market dynamics and increasingly attractive pricing for lab-grown alternatives. The report also notes that the median sales price for engagement rings in 2025 was $6,939, while the appraised insurance replacement value stood at $9,676, reflecting the importance of understanding both values.

This growth trajectory indicates a clear tipping point in the jewelry industry, as consumers increasingly opt for lab-grown diamonds. The median sales price for natural diamond engagement rings in 2025 was significantly higher at $12,961, compared to $4,557 for their lab-grown counterparts. This substantial price disparity, combined with the doubling of median center stone size from 1.01 carats in 2019 to 2.0 carats in 2025, underscores the appeal of lab-grown options. Furthermore, the report observes a shift in metal preferences, with yellow gold surpassing white gold as the most popular choice for jewelry. This data collectively paints a picture of a dynamic market where lab-grown diamonds are reshaping traditional purchasing patterns and offering consumers more options.

Evolving Market Trends: Pricing, Size, and Metal Preferences

The BriteCo Index reveals a clear divergence in pricing between natural and lab-grown diamonds, with lab-grown options experiencing a significant price decline. The median sales price for lab-grown diamonds per carat dropped from $4,622 in 2019 to $2,057 in 2025, in stark contrast to natural diamonds, which were priced at $8,428 per carat. This price differential has made larger carat sizes more accessible to consumers, leading to a notable increase in the median center stone size of engagement rings. Concurrently, there has been a visible shift in precious metal preferences, with yellow gold overtaking white gold as the most popular choice, indicating broader changes in jewelry design and consumer tastes.

This detailed analysis underscores the dual pricing structure prevalent in the jewelry market, differentiating between the initial sales price and the insurance replacement value. According to Dustin Lemick, CEO of BriteCo, this distinction is crucial for consumers, as insurance values reflect the current retail replacement cost, often higher than the original purchase price due to inflation and other factors. The index provides transparency by presenting both figures across all categories and years, enabling a clearer understanding of jewelry values. The changing landscape is further evidenced by the decline of white gold from 51% of jewelry pieces in 2019 to 38% in 2025, while yellow gold rose to 39% and platinum increased from 11% to 16%, signifying a diverse and evolving market for precious metals.