Article: DE BEERS SHUTS DOWN LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS BRAND

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?
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Falling Prices: Lab-grown diamonds have plummeted in value as supply skyrocketed.
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Lack of Emotional Connection: Customers still see natural diamonds as more meaningful, symbolic, and personal.
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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:
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Authentic — no shortcuts, no synthetics
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Timeless — to mark the moments that matter
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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.
- Visit our Harrogate showroom (14 Cambridge Street, Harrogate, HG1 1RX)
- Or book your private consultation with us today