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
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
