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Article: DE BEERS SHUTS DOWN LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS BRAND

Fogal and Barnes Harrogate Jewellers opinion on de beers no longer producing lab grown diamonds
2025

DE BEERS SHUTS DOWN LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS BRAND

In a headline that’s rippling across the jewellery world, De Beers has officially closed Lightbox, its lab-grown diamond brand. After years of investment, the world’s most iconic diamond name is pulling the plug — and that speaks volumes.

At Fogal & Barnes Fine Jewellers of Harrogate, this only reinforces what we’ve always believed: natural diamonds and gemstones are timeless, valuable, and irreplaceable.

 

Why De Beers Is Moving On from Lab-Grown Diamonds

When De Beers launched Lightbox in 2018, it was seen as a major shift — a luxury giant backing lab-grown stones. But six years later, the venture has ended. Why?

  • Falling Prices: Lab-grown diamonds have plummeted in value as supply skyrocketed.

  • Lack of Emotional Connection: Customers still see natural diamonds as more meaningful, symbolic, and personal.

  • Brand Identity Conflict: De Beers' brand was built on rarity, history, and value — lab-grown never quite fit that image.

 

The Value of Natural Diamonds

A natural diamond forms over billions of years. It is rare, unique, and full of character. Unlike lab-grown stones, which used to take four weeks to manufacture, now only takes 150 minutes to develop.

A natural diamond holds emotional and financial value that lasts for generations.

At Fogal & Barnes, we only specialise in natural diamonds and gemstones — no imitations, no compromises.

Because our customers don’t just want jewellery. They want legacy!

 

Why Fogal & Barnes Only Offers Natural Stones

We’re proud to be one of the UK’s few jewellers who exclusively work with 100% natural diamonds and gemstones. Every piece in our Harrogate showroom is hand-selected for its beauty, quality, and enduring value.

We believe that fine jewellery should be:

  • Authentic — no shortcuts, no synthetics

  • Timeless — to mark the moments that matter

  • Investment-Worthy — to hold or grow value over time

 

Visit Us in Harrogate — Experience the Real Difference

If you’ve been considering a special piece — engagement rings, diamond bracelets, tennis necklaces or gemstone jewellery — come see what true craftsmanship feels like.

We invite you to experience our collection of natural diamonds and gemstones in person.

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