De Beers Shuts Down Its Lab-Grown Diamond Line: What’s Next for This Market?

The prestigious company De Beers, a global leader in the diamond market, has announced the permanent closure of its lab-grown diamond line, Lightbox.

This decision, which has made waves in the gemstone industry, confirms what many market experts had long anticipated: synthetic diamonds are failing to deliver lasting value for customers.

According to the official statement, the main reason behind this move is the lack of value appreciation for lab-grown diamonds. In this article, we’ll explain how the decision was made, how it affects the Colombian emerald market, and why a natural gemstone will always be superior to a synthetic one.

The Domino Effect in the Synthetic Gemstone Market

The shutdown of Lightbox represents more than just a business strategy; it reflects how the market is reacting to lab-grown gems in general—including Colombian emeralds.
As the prices of these stones drop dramatically, their appeal as a long-term investment and luxury symbol fades. This trend raises doubts about the viability of producing other lab-grown gems, such as emeralds.

What About Lab-Grown Emeralds?

While they are marketed as an affordable alternative, lab-grown emeralds have not managed to position themselves as real competitors to natural emeralds—especially those from Colombia.
Lack of value appreciation, loss of natural essence, and mass production prevent them from captivating the interest of those seeking luxury and authenticity. That’s why, when it comes to natural vs. lab-grown emeralds, authenticity always wins.

Why Are Natural Emeralds Superior?

Colombian natural emeralds remain the top choice for collectors, jewelers, and gemstone lovers for several reasons:

• Origin and Authenticity: Every natural emerald tells a geological story millions of years in the making, making each one a unique piece.

• Value Over Time: Unlike synthetics, natural emeralds tend to maintain or even increase their value.

• Unparalleled Beauty: Colombian natural emeralds possess a color, brilliance, and depth that cannot be replicated artificially.

• Exclusivity: Their rarity and origin make them highly sought after in the international market.

Emerald By Love: The Authentic Colombian Emerald

In a world where natural is once again being valued over artificial, Emerald By Love stands out as your trusted source for 100% natural Colombian emeralds.
Each stone we offer is a unique gem, selected with strict standards of quality, sustainability, and beauty. If you're looking for an emerald with soul, history, and authenticity, you've come to the right place.

Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and passionate about constantly learning more about precious gems and high-end national jewelry.
She currently works for one of Bogotá’s most prominent jewelry houses, Emerald By Love, which has over 40 years of experience and two physical stores in Colombia’s capital, located in the city center.