Guides & Education

  • The Economics of Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds: What Jewelers Do Not Want You To Know

    For more than a century, natural diamonds have been marketed as the ultimate symbol of love, permanence, and value. Entire industries were built on this promise, backed by corporations that enjoyed decades of very high profit margins. But times are changing, and not everyone is ready to embrace that change.

    Today, a quiet battle is taking place in the jewelry industry. On one side are the established companies who have long profited from mined diamonds. On the other are new technologies and a new generation of consumers who see lab grown diamonds as a smarter, more ethical, and more transparent choice. The question is not whether lab grown diamonds are real. They are chemically and visually identical to mined diamonds. The question is whether the old guard can accept that the world has moved forward. GIA


    The old guard and their margins

    Companies like Signet Jewelers, the parent company of Kay, Zales, Jared and others, have relied on natural diamond sales for decades. Their model depends on keeping mined diamonds special in the public imagination because the margins are enormous. When demand shifts toward lab grown, investors notice and pressure rises. That is why Signet and De Beers launched a major natural diamond campaign called Worth the Wait aimed at younger couples. signetjewelers.com

    Signet reports more than 6.7 billion dollars in annual sales. That scale helps explain why the company is focused on protecting its natural diamond margins. For decades those profits defined the foundation of their business, and any disruption from lab grown diamonds threatens that model.

    It is true that even large retailers like Signet now sell lab grown diamonds through brands such as Kay, Zales, and Jared. They have had little choice but to offer them because younger buyers increasingly demand it. Yet at the same time, their marketing and business strategy still leans heavily on natural diamonds, where the margins remain much higher. This split strategy reflects the challenge they face: meeting consumer demand while trying to protect the profitability of the natural diamond business that built their company.

    The pressure is real. Coverage has tied recent stock and guidance challenges to a tougher environment as lab grown gains share, and outside analysts have warned that younger buyers will continue moving in that direction. MarketWatch, Investing.com, The Bear Cave


    Why many big companies do not pivot to lab grown

    The answer is simple. Margins for lab grown are not as high as natural. These corporations built vast infrastructure over many years around the outsized margins that natural diamonds provide. If they pivot fully to lab grown, the unit economics no longer support those legacy costs, and shareholder expectations that were set on the natural model become hard to meet.

    As technology improves and production grows, lab grown prices have become more accessible to consumers. This adjustment reflects efficiency and wider adoption, not a drop in quality. For customers, it means they can choose a larger or higher quality diamond for the same budget, something the natural diamond market has never been able to offer. The Wall Street Journal

    And yet, instead of adapting to meet consumers where they are, some corporations try to rewrite the rules of the game the moment it stops favoring them. Changing the terms halfway through is not innovation, it is the protection of privilege. Greed should never outweigh a consumer’s freedom to choose. That is why our system of free enterprise exists: because the measure of success should always belong to those who provide the best product on a fair and open field.


    The Netflix vs Blockbuster analogy

    Think of natural diamonds as Blockbuster and lab grown as Netflix. Blockbuster made money on late fees and DVD rentals. Even after streaming arrived, the company resisted because it undermined the old profit machine. Netflix embraced a better way and changed everything. In our world, lab grown is the streaming model. It is not cheaper for the sake of being cheap. It is smarter, cleaner, and aligned with how modern consumers actually live and buy.


    What lab grown really is

    Lab grown diamonds are not imitations. They are real diamonds created through advanced technology that replicates the earth’s process of forming crystals under heat and pressure. The result is the same brilliance, the same fire, and the same durability. What differs is not quality but philosophy and value. GIA

    • Better value so you can choose size and clarity that fit your vision at a fairer price
    • Responsible sourcing without dangerous mining conditions or large scale environmental damage
    • Transparency about origin that aligns with modern values

    It is no surprise that younger generations are embracing lab grown for engagement rings and fine jewelry. MarketWatch


    How big players are fighting back

    Rather than adapt gracefully, several industry moves work to defend the old model.

    Heavy marketing for natural

    Signet and De Beers launched Worth the Wait to reframe natural diamonds for younger couples, while broader analysis shows the industry doubling down on campaigns that emphasize rarity and tradition as prices fall. signetjewelers.com, The Wall Street Journal

    Strategic exits from lab grown

    De Beers announced plans to close its Lightbox lab grown jewelry business and redirect focus to natural diamonds. That is a clear signal of where it wants the value narrative to land. De Beers Group Discontinuation of Lab-Grown Certification

    Meanwhile, certification expands where demand is growing

    The International Gemological Institute is expanding lab grown diamond certification capacity of the full 4Cs, reflecting strong demand and a push for consistent, transparent evaluation. IGI


    Why this matters for you

    This is not just an industry tug of war. It affects your choices as a consumer. If you are shopping for an engagement ring or a meaningful piece of jewelry, you deserve the truth. A mined diamond is not inherently better. It is often more expensive because the industry wants to keep it that way. Lab grown gives you freedom to choose a diamond that fits your values and your story with confidence and pride. The Wall Street Journal


    The future is already here

    Economics always catches up with reality. When a substitute delivers more value and aligns with modern values, it wins. Lab grown diamonds are not a passing alternative. They are the future of fine jewelry. The companies resisting this change are not protecting consumers. They are protecting margins. But the tide has already turned. The Wall Street Journal


    Haejin Jewelry storefront on Skillman Avenue in Brooklyn
    Our little corner in Brooklyn. Our storefront on Skillman Avenue is small. No marquee. No big ads. Just sincerity and care.

    For perspective, De Beers reported 3.3 billion dollars in revenue in 2024 . Haejin Jewelry began here, in a modest Brooklyn storefront. No big campaigns, no glossy billboards. Only careful work, fair pricing, and a belief that jewelry should be transparent, ethical, and accessible. Some companies optimize for margins. We optimize for meaning.

    We are small by design. We spend our time listening, guiding, and making pieces that hold stories. If you choose us, it is not because of a billboard. It is because you value honesty over hype and craftsmanship over campaigns.


    A note about local jewelers

    This conversation is not about small independent jewelers who serve their communities with care. In fact, many of them are adapting beautifully, offering both natural and lab grown diamonds so that customers can make the choice that feels right for them.

    Many independent jewelers serve their communities with care, whether they offer natural, lab grown, or both. What sets them apart is not the type of diamond they sell, but the way they listen to their customers, stand behind their work, and put trust and craftsmanship ahead of corporate margins. Supporting these small businesses means supporting people, not just products.


    At Haejin Jewelry

    At Haejin Jewelry, we honor both the beauty of diamonds and the people who wear them. That means authenticity, fairness, and a future where luxury does not come at the expense of conscience.

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  • How to Propose in Brooklyn: The Best Spots, Budgets, and Tips

    Buying the ring is only the beginning. The next step is deciding how to ask the question that will change your life. A proposal is not only about where you are or how it looks, but about how it feels. It is about creating a moment that belongs only to the two of you, a memory you will carry into every anniversary and every story you tell afterward.

    In Brooklyn you have every option. You can stand on the edge of the East River with the city lights behind you, wander through gardens where flowers bloom in every season, sit across from each other at a candlelit table, or celebrate with family and music. The choice is yours, and the beauty of a proposal is that there is no one way to do it. The best proposal feels like you.

    Romantic and Scenic Proposals
    Brooklyn is filled with views that feel like they belong in a film. These are moments that make the city itself part of your love story.

    • Domino Park at Sunset (Free to $50)
      This waterfront park in Williamsburg has quickly become a favorite place for couples. From the open lawns you can see the skyline stretch across the river. As the sun begins to set, the city glows and the water shimmers. Bring a blanket and a simple picnic. Sit close together as the light shifts and the sky changes color. Their website even lists the exact times for sunrise and sunset so you can plan the perfect moment. When the world grows quiet around you, lean in and ask your question. It will feel natural, intimate, and unforgettable.

    • Brooklyn Bridge at Dawn (Free)
      During the day the bridge is full of people, but at dawn it feels like a private walkway suspended above the water. The stone arches rise around you and the skyline opens in every direction. Few moments feel more timeless than standing hand in hand in the soft light of morning. Stop at the center, take a deep breath, and let the simplicity of the moment speak for you. Sometimes the quietest settings hold the deepest meaning.

    • Brooklyn Botanic Garden ($18 admission, proposal packages available)
      In spring the paths are covered with cherry blossoms. In summer roses bloom in rows of red and pink. In autumn the trees burn with color. Each season turns the Botanic Garden into its own world. For couples who love nature and quiet beauty, it is a perfect backdrop. The garden even offers proposal packages with private corners and photography, so you can plan the moment with care. Choose a favorite spot that feels personal, and let nature surround you with its blessing.

    Private and Intimate Proposals
    For couples who value warmth and closeness, sometimes the most unforgettable proposals happen away from crowds. These are moments that feel less like an event and more like a secret only the two of you will ever truly understand.

    • Candlelit Dinner in Dumbo ($150 to $500)
      The streets of Dumbo are lined with cobblestones and framed by bridges. Restaurants here feel made for romance. Vinegar Hill House offers rustic comfort and a garden where time seems to pause. Celestine sits by the water with views of the skyline glowing in the distance. At either place you can share a quiet meal, hold hands across the table, and when the moment feels right, bring out the ring. It is intimate, heartfelt, and full of tenderness.

      A candlelit dinner scene from Think Like a Man, where soft words and glowing light turn an ordinary evening into forever

      Think of this moment. The quiet room. The flicker of candles soft as stars. The words that begin with you are beautiful, and the way the world suddenly slows until only two hearts remain. It is not the food or the wine that lingers, but the way love fills the air and turns an ordinary table into a memory carried for a lifetime.

    • Rooftop at Home (under $100)
      There is a special kind of magic in proposing where your life already happens. A rooftop, a balcony, or even a familiar living room can be transformed with candles, fairy lights, and your favorite playlist. Cook dinner together or order from the place where you had your first date. Home proposals feel pure and true, because they say this is where our love began, and this is where our forever begins too.

    Grand Gestures
    Some partners love surprise, joy, and a touch of celebration. Brooklyn has spaces that turn a proposal into an event.

    • Brooklyn Winery ($1500 to $3000)
      Tucked in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Winery feels warm and full of atmosphere. The wood walls and glowing lights create an intimate space with character. Reserve a private room just for the two of you or invite close friends and family to arrive after the proposal. Raise a glass of wine and celebrate the moment with laughter and joy.

    • Prospect Park Picnic ($200 to $800)
      Prospect Park is large and full of life, but there are meadows and hidden corners that feel quiet and secluded. Local planners offer styled picnics with rugs, flowers, pillows, and food. Many include a photographer who appears at just the right moment. It feels like a scene designed only for your story. For couples who love nature but also want a little planning, this option offers both.

    • Live Music in Bushwick ($50 to $500)
      Bushwick is alive with art and sound. Work with a local musician to play your song in a cafe, a small bar, or even outside on the street. When the first notes begin, take your partner’s hand, drop to one knee, and let the music carry your words. For partners who love joy, energy, and a touch of drama, it is unforgettable.

    Other Creative Ideas
    Not every proposal has to be tied to a location. Some couples create experiences that reflect their relationship in a different way.

    • A Letter: Write a letter about the moment you knew you wanted forever. Read it aloud before you ask, or hand it to your partner as a keepsake after they say yes.

    • A Memory Walk: Plan a walk through the places that matter to you. The coffee shop where you first met, the street where you first kissed, the park where you often sit. End the walk with your question. It turns your shared history into a story that leads to forever.

    • A Private Film: Many couples create short video montages of their favorite moments together. Play it at home, or project it on a wall. When it ends, step forward with the ring.

    Do Not Forget the Details

    • Photography: A professional photographer in New York usually costs between $300 and $800 for a proposal package. Having the moment captured lets you relive it for years. If you want to keep it simple, ask a trusted friend to take photos discreetly.

    • Season and Timing: Consider how the season will shape the moment. Winter nights are cold but bring the glow of holiday lights. Spring brings blossoms and warmth. Summer sunsets are breathtaking but often crowded. Autumn is crisp and colorful. Choosing the right time will make the memory even stronger.

    • Budget: Proposals do not need to be expensive. They need to be thoughtful. A rooftop with candles may cost less than $100, while a private event can run into the thousands. Decide what feels right for your partner and for your future plans. Many couples prefer to save more for their wedding or honeymoon.

    • After the Yes: Think about what comes next. A dinner reservation nearby, a small gathering with friends, or simply a quiet walk home. The way you follow the proposal adds another layer to the story.

    Calming the Nerves
    Almost everyone feels nervous before proposing. That is part of what makes it real. Remember, you do not need a perfect speech. You do not need every detail to go exactly as planned. What your partner will remember is the love in your voice and the courage in your eyes. Take a deep breath, speak from the heart, and trust that your love is enough.

    What to Say When the Moment Arrives
    Your words do not have to be long. They only need to be true.

    You are my favorite person. I want to spend my life building something kind and beautiful with you. Will you marry me?

    If you share a story that always makes your partner smile, tell it. If there is a promise you want to make, say it. Your words are already perfect because they are yours.

    Final Tip: Make It Your Story

    • For those who love privacy: Choose home or a quiet corner of a park.

    • For those who love surprises: Plan a picnic or arrange music to begin at the exact right moment.

    • For those who love family: Invite loved ones to appear after the question or plan a celebration together.

    No matter where or how, the most unforgettable proposals are the ones that feel true to you. The ring is the promise. The proposal is the story you will tell for the rest of your lives. And in Brooklyn, every street, every skyline, and every park offers you a chance to begin that story in a way that feels just right.

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  • Lab‑Grown Diamonds vs. Mined Diamonds: The Honest Truth

    Why this question matters
    In Brooklyn, we care about the story behind what we wear. We want our jewelry to feel as good as it looks. One of the questions I hear most in our Williamsburg studio is: “What’s the real difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?”

    It’s not just science. It’s values and marketing. Some of the biggest diamond companies are actively trying to slow lab grown adoption with “buyer beware” language and new “verification” machines that put more spotlight on natural stones. Here’s what actually matters.

    How they’re made
    Natural diamonds form deep underground over billions of years.

    Lab grown diamonds are created in advanced labs that replicate those same conditions. The result is the same carbon crystal structure, the same sparkle and durability, grown in months instead of millennia. Both are real diamonds; the difference is birthplace.

    Cost difference
    Natural diamonds are positioned as rare and traditional, and they’re often priced with a higher markup. Lab grown diamonds don’t carry that same markup, which means you can often choose a larger or higher quality stone for the same budget.

    Environmental and ethical considerations
    Natural diamonds can carry heavy environmental and human costs depending on their origin.

    Lab grown diamonds avoid digging and landscape disruption, and as a result, their impact is much smaller. For a Brooklyn community that values sustainability and compassion, this difference matters.

    Myths and misconceptions

    • “Lab grown diamonds aren’t real.” They are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds.

    • “They don’t last.” A lab grown diamond will last forever, just like a natural one.

    • “They have no emotional value.” The meaning comes from your story, not the origin.

    Why Haejin Jewelry chooses lab grown
    We’re a Brooklyn, woman owned studio. We believe luxury shouldn’t require compromise. Lab grown diamonds align with our values:

    • Transparency — you know what you’re getting.

    • Accessibility — fine jewelry without inflated markups.

    • Sustainability — beauty with less harm.

    Big brands may try to protect the status of natural diamonds, but here in Williamsburg we choose what feels honest and fits real life. If you’re ready to create a piece that reflects your style and your values, visit our studio or explore our designs online.

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