Pandora's Shiny New Lab-Grown Collection Is Taking Diamonds Mainstream

I’ve never considered myself to be a ‘diamonds girl’. Not because I didn’t like them but because the thought of owning them in any context outside of an engagement ring seemed somewhat unlikely. In the past, we’ve been led to believe that adding diamonds to our jewellery collection required a milestone moment such as engagement, anniversary, or big birthday – something life-defining befitting of the eye-watering luxury price-tag. But times are changing as is the way we’re buying diamonds – and, in fact, the diamonds themselves.

According to research, the market for lab-grown diamonds has increased by 2,860 per cent in just five years as more and more of us consider adding these man-made diamonds to our jewellery box than ever. And thanks to the relaunch of Pandora’s Diamonds collection, I have a feeling 2023 might be their biggest year yet. With its latest ‘Diamonds For All’ campaign, fronted by actress and all-round icon Pamela Anderson, legendary stylist Grace Coddington and a whole host of other inspirational women, the popular charm-bracelet brand has made it its mission to change the way we think about diamonds with an elevated jewellery collection centred around these more affordable and sustainable sparklers.

But what exactly are lab-grown diamonds? To most folks, they are optically, chemically, thermally, and physically identical to their earth-born and mined counterparts. However, here's the game-changer—they are crafted above ground. Pandora's lab-grown diamonds are nurtured through innovative Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) technology. This process yields rough diamonds that are indistinguishable from those extracted from the depths of the Earth. These are then meticulously cut and polished, mirroring the age-old craftsmanship of traditional diamonds. As well as being more affordable and therefore more accessible, Pandora’s lab-grown diamonds are also created with sustainability in mind, using 100% renewable energy in the manufacturing process. The entire product process results in a carbon footprint that is approximately five percent of that of a similar sized mined diamond.

And as for the jewellery itself? Well, the pieces are as dazzling as you’d expect. Cut and polished with 100% renewable energy, and set in 100% recycled silver or gold, there are rings, earrings, necklaces, you name it, broken down into four collections - Era, Infinite, Nova and Talisman - which cater to different styles, occasions and pricepoints. Each one offering the same standards on the four Cs – colour, clarity, carat and cut – as their natural counterparts. Prices across the board start from just £225 which by comparison is a fraction of what you would expect to pay meaning that diamonds can finally make their way into our everyday wardrobes.

Below we’ve curated an edit of the Pandora Diamonds pieces we’re most impressed by, ranging from sweet and understated daily essentials through to more knockout occasion styles. Didn’t consider yourself a diamonds girl either? Prepare to change your mind.