The latest BriteCo Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Price Index 2026 reveals a historic shift in the U.S. engagement‑ring market. For the first time, lab‑grown diamonds accounted for 51% of newly appraised engagement rings in the first half of 2026, surpassing natural diamonds for the first time since the index began tracking data in 2019.
Growth of lab‑grown diamonds
Lab‑grown adoption has risen steadily each year, moving from 6% of engagement rings in 2019 to 47% in 2025 and now 51% in early 2026. The trend reflects both falling prices and larger stone sizes. The median lab‑grown diamond price dropped from $4,622 per carat in 2019 to $2,057 per carat in 2025. At the same time, the typical lab‑grown center stone grew from about 1.01 carats in 2019 to 2.0 carats in 2025, offering consumers more sparkle for less money.
Natural‑diamond market remains premium
Natural diamonds continue to command higher prices. In 2025, the median natural‑diamond price was $8,428 per carat, up from $6,237 per carat in 2019. A median natural‑diamond engagement ring sold for $12,961 in 2025, compared with $4,557 for a median lab‑grown ring.
Overall ring pricing
The median sales price for all engagement rings in 2025 was $6,939, while the median appraised (replacement) value was $9,676. Appraised values are typically higher to reflect inflation, sales tax and any discounts applied at the time of purchase.
Changing metal preferences
Metal choices have also shifted. White gold fell from 51% of jewelry pieces in 2019 to 38% in 2025, allowing yellow gold to take the lead at 39%. Platinum’s share rose modestly from 11% to 16% over the same period.
Watch and other jewelry insights
The index also tracks luxury watches. In 2025, the median watch sales price was $8,442, with a median appraised value of $11,000. Brand differences are stark: Rolex watches posted a median sales price of $10,081 and a median appraised value of $13,900.
Among other categories, wedding bands had the highest median sales price in 2025 at $7,252. December emerged as the strongest month for jewelry shopping across the full‑year data set. Yellow gold leads the fancy colored‑diamond market, while blue sapphire tops the colored‑gemstone segment.
Methodology
The index draws on anonymized appraisals recorded from January 2019 through June 2026 across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It includes 60 charts covering engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, eternity and anniversary bands, fancy colored diamonds, colored gemstones, precious metals, and luxury watches. Projections extend trends through 2028, and the index will be updated annually.
These findings underscore a lasting transformation in consumer preferences, with lab‑grown diamonds offering a cost‑effective alternative that does not compromise on size or brilliance. While natural diamonds retain a premium position, the growing share of lab‑grown stones suggests a lasting market realignment.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
