CollectionsSep 25, 2023
Neil Lane’s Latest Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds Lab-GrownOct 18, 2023
Prada Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection
A year after launching its fine jewelry collection, the Italian luxury brand is adding lab-grown diamonds to the mix.
Prada has introduced a new line of lab-grown diamond jewelry, which features a diamond shape reminiscent of its classic triangle logo.
New York—Prada has introduced a line of lab-grown diamond jewelry, making it one of the few high-end luxury brands to utilize the stones so far.
The Italian fashion powerhouse has been experimenting with its fine jewelry offerings after welcoming Timothy Iwata, Cartier’s former global innovation officer, two years ago as its first jewelry director.
The brand debuted its first collection of fine jewelry last October using all recycled gold.
In a recent interview with the Washington Post, Iwata shared the thinking behind the new addition.
“Lab-grown diamonds are not just about replicating what’s possible for nature in a short period of time … It’s actually pushing the boundaries of, one, the cut [of a stone], and two, the idea of luxury material. It’s not just about customizing some existing material. We actually grow that material for the client,” he said.
“You don’t get your own crocodile grown to become your bag.”
Prada joins two LVMH-owned brands in using lab-grown diamonds.
Fred recently debuted a group of five lab-grown blue diamonds, including one weighing 8.88 carats, and TAG Heuer has used lab-grown diamonds in a few of its watches, including the Carrera model with pink diamonds introduced at Watches & Wonders Geneva earlier this year.
The new Prada collection will feature “Prada-cut” diamonds, said Iwata, a triangle shape that mimics the brand’s logo.
The Italian fashion powerhouse has been experimenting with its fine jewelry offerings after welcoming Timothy Iwata, Cartier’s former global innovation officer, two years ago as its first jewelry director.
The brand debuted its first collection of fine jewelry last October using all recycled gold.
In a recent interview with the Washington Post, Iwata shared the thinking behind the new addition.
“Lab-grown diamonds are not just about replicating what’s possible for nature in a short period of time … It’s actually pushing the boundaries of, one, the cut [of a stone], and two, the idea of luxury material. It’s not just about customizing some existing material. We actually grow that material for the client,” he said.
“You don’t get your own crocodile grown to become your bag.”
Prada joins two LVMH-owned brands in using lab-grown diamonds.
Fred recently debuted a group of five lab-grown blue diamonds, including one weighing 8.88 carats, and TAG Heuer has used lab-grown diamonds in a few of its watches, including the Carrera model with pink diamonds introduced at Watches & Wonders Geneva earlier this year.
The new Prada collection will feature “Prada-cut” diamonds, said Iwata, a triangle shape that mimics the brand’s logo.
Prada's new jewelry collection features lab-grown diamonds in a new triangular Prada Cut.https://t.co/hmCtbow9I2 pic.twitter.com/pLrZgkmSIp
— Cheryl Kremkow (@kremkow) October 17, 2023
The designs include heart-shaped earrings set with the signature triangular diamonds, wraparound snake rings with diamond heads, and a chunky gold chain set with diamonds.
Prada is owned by Prada Group, which also has Miu Miu in its portfolio.
Prada did not respond to National Jeweler’s request for more information, like pricing and availability.
The collection is not yet available on Prada’s website.
The hope is that this new collection will appeal to younger consumers, posited Washington Post style writer Rachel Tashjian.
“If the tennis bracelet was once the entry point for high-end jewelry, younger consumers, Iwata said, are more interested in pieces that frame the face, such as earrings and necklaces, because they spend much more time socializing online,” wrote Tashjian.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ ClassNow in its fourth year, the program is expanding to include a list of “20 Under 40” for jewelry suppliers.
CrimeFeb 11, 2025
2 Men Charged With Selling Stolen Jewelry, Watches in NYC Diamond DistrictOne of the men is said to be connected to the South American crew charged with burglarizing Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.
ColumnistsFeb 11, 2025
Peter Smith: 9 Store Manager Archetypes Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored GemsColored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
WatchesFeb 11, 2025
Bulgari, MB&F Launch Reimagined ‘Serpenti’ WatchThe brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.
Weekly QuizFeb 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsFeb 11, 2025
Boucheron a Bright Spot as Kering’s Full-Year Sales Sink 12%The luxury titan’s full-year performance was weighed down by struggling sales at its star brand Gucci.
MajorsFeb 11, 2025
Midas Chain Releases First Diamond CollectionThe jewelry manufacturer has launched more than 100 pieces made with natural diamonds.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
SurveysFeb 10, 2025
Jewelry Resilient in 2024 Even As Luxury Sales Slipped, Says Bain & Co.Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.
CrimeFeb 10, 2025
Counterfeit Jewelry Kept Kentucky Customs Agents Busy in January, CBP Says Officers in Louisville seized 28 shipments of fake jewelry and watches that would have been worth more than $27 million if genuine.
CollectionsFeb 10, 2025
Hearts on Fire Flips Jewelry ‘Inside Out’ in New CollectionThe collection centers on the art of tailoring, inspired by designs that feature folded fabrics, such as a tuxedo lapel.
Events & AwardsFeb 10, 2025
Select Jewelry Show Heads to NashvilleThe trade show has added a new location to its fall line-up.
CollectionsFeb 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Trau’s ‘Ladybird’ CharmFrom the brand’s latest collection of lucky charms, the ladybird is seen as a bearer of good fortune and a ward against negative energy.
SourcingFeb 07, 2025
De Beers’ Production Guidance Slashed, Anglo Anticipates Another WritedownThe moves come amid a prolonged period of lower demand for diamonds, particularly in China.
Events & AwardsFeb 07, 2025
Registration Opens for Stuller’s Bench Jeweler WorkshopThe workshop returns in March, along with the “Battle of the Benches” mini challenge series.
IndependentsFeb 06, 2025
106-Year-Old Jewelry Store Saved by New OwnersTwo attorneys purchased Windsor Jewelry, which was set to close, and will retain all existing staff at the downtown Indianapolis store.
MajorsFeb 06, 2025
Oscar Heyman Employee Celebrates 60 Years With the Company Adam Heyman joined the family business in 1965, just weeks after graduating from Columbia Business School.
CollectionsFeb 06, 2025
De Beers Jewellers’ New High Jewelry Pays Homage to the Beauty of TreesThe “Essence of Nature, Chapter One” collection echoes trees and roots, literally and figuratively, through three sets of high jewelry.
IndependentsFeb 06, 2025
Hamilton Jewelers Revamps Palm Beach BoutiqueThe fourth-generation, family-owned jeweler has given its Worth Avenue store a new look.
CrimeFeb 05, 2025
‘The Timepiece Gentleman’ Sentenced to 5-Plus Years Behind Bars Luxury watch dealer Anthony Farrer pleaded guilty late last year to defrauding clients in a scheme with Ponzi-type elements.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Growth After Strong Holiday SeasonIn its full-year results, the retailer shared its 2025 outlook and an update on the global rollout of its lab-grown diamond collection.
TrendsFeb 05, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Feeling Fabulous in FebruaryCelebrate February birthstones and the gem shows in Arizona this month with a versatile stone like amethyst.
MajorsFeb 05, 2025
DCA Promotes Kristen Scheetz to Director of Education, MembershipScheetz has been with the nonprofit since 2007.
SourcingFeb 04, 2025
New Deal With Botswana Is Done, De Beers Confirms The agreement will allocate an increasing proportion of the country’s rough diamonds to the government of Botswana over the next decade.
Events & AwardsFeb 04, 2025
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Astronomy-Inspired Jewelry to Land at AMNH“Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry From the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels,” opens April 11 at the American Museum of Natural History.
SurveysFeb 04, 2025
Valentine’s Day Jewelry Spending Forecast to Hit Record High, Says NRFThose celebrating Valentine’s Day this year are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on jewels, flowers, candy, and more.
EditorsFeb 03, 2025
Best Jewelry Moments From the 2025 Grammy Awards From Lady Gaga’s 1930s Tiffany & Co. necklace to Taylor Swift’s “T,” Michelle Graff recaps the night’s most memorable jewelry looks.
