EditorsAug 23, 2022
What Signet’s Blue Nile Acquisition Could Mean for the Jewelry IndustryLab-GrownNov 08, 2022
Blue Nile Moves into Lab-Grown Diamonds
The jewelry company is now selling lab-grown diamonds loose and set in engagement rings.
Blue Nile, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, is now selling lab-grown diamonds loose and set in engagement rings. Pictured is the Blue Nile showroom in Silicon Valley in California.
Akron, Ohio—Blue Nile, fresh from its Signet Jewelers acquisition, is now selling lab-grown diamonds loose and set in engagement rings.
Previously, the retailer offered fashion fine jewelry with lab-grown diamonds from De Beers-owned brand Lightbox, but this marks its first foray into the lab-grown bridal category.
Blue Nile’s website has a “build your own ring” feature, allowing shoppers to customize their own engagement rings.
That feature now includes the option to choose a lab-grown diamond.
“Made for your moment. An affordable and sustainable option, our lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from a natural stone,” the website reads.
At press time, customers can choose from 5,913 lab-grown diamonds in a variety of shapes with the ability to filter by different characteristics pertaining to the 4Cs.
The most expensive option is a 4.19-carat round lab-grown diamond that is an ideal cut, D-color stone with VVS2 clarity for $36,536.
The most affordable option is a 0.76-carat emerald-cut lab-grown diamond graded as very good cut, D-color, and VS2 clarity for $816.
The site also lets customers filter by delivery date with many options taking just a week to arrive.
Industry analyst Paul Zimnisky recently tweeted about the Blue Nile development, noting that parent company Signet did not wait long to introduce lab-grown diamond engagement rings and loose stones to the newly acquired company.
Wow, Blue Nile now selling loose/engagement lab-grown. Signet didn't wait long... pic.twitter.com/hpOourPNbp
— Paul Zimnisky, CFA (@paulzimnisky) November 5, 2022
“I am kind of surprised in that I thought Signet would reserve Blue Nile as its higher-end e-commerce platform, only selling natural diamonds outside of Lightbox fashion jewelry,” said Zimnisky in a statement to National Jeweler.
When Signet initially announced its Blue Nile acquisition, it said the purchase was intended to boost bridal offerings and digital capabilities.
The company was placed at the top of its “Accessible Luxury” portfolio, which also includes Jared, James Allen, and also recently acquired Diamonds Direct.
“I think this move is further commoditizing these online diamond selling platforms, and could have a longer-term negative impact on the Blue Nile business,” added Zimnisky.
“I think [Signet CEO] Gina Drosos has done a lot right for Signet since she has been at the helm. In general, the company seems to be in a strong position, especially given the macro backdrop. However, I think she could be making a longer-term strategic mistake with the way the company is now positioning lab-diamonds with natural diamonds side by side,” he said.
Notably, fellow Signet banner James Allen and competitor Brilliant Earth have similar “create your own” ring builders, offering natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Signet Jewelers and Blue Nile did not respond to requests for comment.
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEOQVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ CollectionThe brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is … Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.
Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
