These Are the Core Consumer Groups Buying Lab-Grown Diamonds

Austin, Texas—Market research firm The MVEye (formerly MVI Marketing) has identified the next generation of lab-grown diamond buyers. 

Drawing on recent research, “The MVEye’s Core 3.5 LGD Consumer Segments” outlines the primary groups it says are driving the “explosive global growth” of the lab-grown diamond sector.

The groups identified through the research, as well as suggested communications strategies from the market research firm for each, are as follows.

Segment 1: “In the Know”

Who they are: This group is comprised of 25- to 38-year-old millennials who are already aware of lab-grown diamonds, whether it’s through friends or media. This group includes multiple ethnicities and non-traditional couples.

How retailers can reach them: The MVEye said retailers should focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and the technology behind the stones—offering them knowledge not only on the production process but also the ease of tracking them along the pipeline, co-founder Liz Chatelain said to National Jeweler.

They should also focus on what The MVEye calls the “price-to-value equation,” meaning they should point out to consumers that they can get more for their money with lab-grown diamonds.

After all, consumers are now willing to go over their initial budget to get a bigger and better diamond, Chatelain said.

Segment 2: “In the Dark”

Who they are: This group is comprised of 25- to 38-year-old millennials who haven’t heard of lab-grown diamonds but are easily convinced to learn more, the marketing firm said. This group also includes multiple ethnicities and non-traditional couples.

Chatelain said this is where retailers can have the greatest impact on customers’ buying decisions. She said it is their role to introduce these consumers to lab-grown diamonds, promote the product, and educate consumers about them.

She said retailers have told The MVEye that they introduce lab-grown as an option if the shopper wants a larger, good quality diamond that fits their budget. The conversion rate from an “assumed mine diamond shopper” to a lab-grown consumer can now be as high as 70 percent, she added.

How retailers can reach them: Focus on education and talking about the technology behind lab-grown diamonds as well as, again, the price-to-value equation.

Segment 3: “Upgraders”

Who they are: They are consumers ages 55 and older who are looking to upgrade their engagement rings. They may not already have a lot of knowledge about lab-grown diamonds, but they’re motivated to buy a larger diamond.

How retailers can reach them: This group has been marketed to the least, according to Chatelain. 

But they do like to reward themselves, so communications should focus on budget, size, and how the stone is a deserved reward for the lives they have led.

“If retailers could bring that across to them [in ads], saying, ‘OK, it’s time to self-reward,’ that’s how they’re going to go get this group,” Chatelain said. “It’s a great opportunity, especially for independent retailers who really know their market.” 

Segment 3.5: “SPF”

Who they are: “Self-purchasing females” of all ages.

Chatelain said they numbered SPF as 3.5 because there is crossover with the other segments.

How retailers can reach them: Chatelain said the consumer who buys for herself feels good about buying larger diamonds, a trend she believes will play out in items like stud earrings.

Based on The MVEye research, the most successful retailers are expanding into lab-grown diamond jewelry basics, like studs and solitaire pendants.

Other Key Research Findings

The MVEye said these consumers aren’t necessarily all about the digital shopping experience. 

They’re interested in special experiences in-store, on social media, and on e-commerce sites, and will pay a premium for it. 

For jewelry retailers, this means it’s important to track important client life events, like birthdays or anniversaries, so they can have targeted communications on these occasions and point out products clients might be interested in, making it clear they will cater to them. 

“Now to the customer, it’s not about price; it’s about premium service,” she said. 

And, interestingly, rather than buying products from stores, they buy from brands, The MVEye’s research found. 

The idea of loyalty to a store has shifted to mean loyalty to brands within the store or because of the store’s location, Chatelain said, though she did also note their research shows shopper loyalty is greater for fine jewelers than others.