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The most expensive production SUV in the world is just under a half-million dollars, while a seven-figure SUV looms as a threat and aspiration. The most expensive production SUV in the world is just under a half-million dollars, while a seven-figure SUV looms as a threat and aspiration.

The Venetian Islands estate sits along 105 feet of water frontage. The Venetian Islands estate sits along 105 feet of water frontage.

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to their natural counterparts, but will they ever outshine them? 

The timeless sparkle has adorned the most significant moments in human history, from royal coronations to declarations of eternal love. Yet, in recent years, a new contender has emerged: lab-grown diamonds. As technology advances and environmental consciousness grows, the age-old debate of tradition versus innovation takes center stage.

For centuries, natural diamonds have been held as the epitome of luxury and exclusivity. Formed about a hundred miles beneath the Earth’s surface under intense heat and pressure about three billion years ago, natural diamonds were brought close to the surface through volcanic eruptions. Each natural diamond is unique, bearing the marks of its journey through time. Natural diamonds are also rare and, at some point in time, finding them may prove impossible — endowing them with enduring value.

What are lab-grown diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultured diamonds, are created through advanced technological processes that replicate the conditions under which natural diamonds form. By starting with a diamond ‘seed’ (a slice of a natural diamond) and replicating heat and pressure conditions, or by using carbon and other gases, the end result is lab-grown diamonds that possess the same chemical composition, crystal structure and optical properties as their mined counterparts but are produced in controlled laboratory environments.

As a result, companies creating lab-grown diamonds are able to mass-produce them — translating to highly affordable pricing. The lab-grown vs natural diamonds debate is not merely about their origin but also about the values they represent. Traditionalists argue that natural diamonds hold an inherent mystique and sentimental value, as well as inherent value, that cannot be replicated by their lab-grown counterparts.

“One of the beauties of a natural diamond is that each one is individual. There are no two natural diamonds in the world that are the same,” says David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), a global nonprofit organization committed to educating consumers about real, rare and responsible values inherent in natural diamonds.

See also: How Ethically Sourced Diamonds Are Changing the Industry

“Nature doesn’t create the same thing twice. Whether it’s the inclusions in the diamond, or the size or color of the diamonds, they are never replicated. So, a diamond isn’t just rare in terms of the number to be mined, but also in terms of their individuality.”

Conversely, proponents of lab-grown diamonds champion innovation. While lab-grown diamonds have been made for decades — primarily used for diamond-cutting tools and other purposes — it is only recently that companies were able to develop gem-quality lab-grown diamonds. One of the main benefits of lab-grown diamonds comes in the pricing structure. Supporters of these stones argue that the technological process has made lab-grown diamonds affordable and accessible to a broader audience.

“Because lab-grown diamonds are a technology product, the cost is significantly less than a natural diamond,” said Antoine Borde, CEO of Lightbox, an Oregon-based company that was founded in 2018 and is now one of the largest producers of lab-grown diamonds. He noted that today, approximately 10% of the overall diamond market is in lab-grown diamonds — amounting to an approximately $12bn business. “Today, one engagement ring out of every two sold in the US is a lab-grown diamond.”

See also: Chanel Reveals Haute Joaillerie Collection Inspired by Sport

Lab-grown vs natural diamonds: The price difference

Because of the pricing structure, someone who could not afford a natural diamond engagement ring may well be able to purchase a lab-grown diamond. At Lightbox, a one-carat lab-grown diamond (as of press time) is approximately $800 a carat. “And it’s linear pricing in lab-grown diamonds,” said Borde. “So, you would pay $1,600 for a two-carat stone, and so on.”

The same one-carat natural stone would cost about $5,000 to $6,000, and the pricing is not linear. “With natural diamonds, larger stones are much rarer and therefore more expensive per carat. The cost of a two-carat stone, for instance, has nothing to do with the cost of a one-carat diamond,” said NDC’s Kellie.

Additionally, a natural diamond may hold its value and could increase in value, especially once there are no more to be mined. Of course, just like a new car, a natural diamond can lose 10% or slightly more of its value once it walks out the door. Currently, a lab-grown diamond — because of the massive amounts being produced — generally loses its resale value almost immediately, dropping by 30 to 40%, according to experts.

The most common use these days for lab-grown diamonds, because of their affordability, is in high-end fashion jewelry that marks a great alternative for travelers who may not want to bring their ‘good’ diamonds on vacation with them.

“Chemically and optically, a lab-grown diamond is a diamond, so it is good for a first-time purchase. But it’s not sexy since it’s being stamped out in a factory,” said Jennifer Heebner, a veteran journalist in the jewelry industry. “But it is great for travel jewelry. A person can buy a lab-grown diamond necklace or bracelet and it looks exactly like the real thing, and they don’t have to worry about traveling with their more expensive natural diamonds.”

Additionally, Lightbox’s Borde said that because of the price accessibility, “consumers can now stack jewelry products such as rings and bracelets without spending too much money.”

Are lab-grown diamonds sustainable?

Initially, supporters of lab-grown diamonds felt they were jumping on a sustainability bandwagon because production companies vowed to offer consumers peace of mind — promising that their purchase would align with their ethical and environmental values. But that might not exactly reflect what is happening.

Conscientious consumers should be aware that not all lab-grown diamonds are created in sustainable environments. While Lightbox is using 100% renewable wind power energy, many other producers are in countries such as China or India, where they are leaving a huge carbon footprint due to their production methods.

“We have a very low total emission. It is 30 grams of C02 per carat, which is extremely low, and we are on target to be carbon zero by 2030,” said Borde. “But not all labs are equal. We see some growers in India with more than 10 times the level of emissions that we have. Some are 300 grams of C02 per carat.” To put that into perspective, Borde says that in its Portland facility, the company produces approximately 250,000 carats per year. “We have to be just as transparent as the natural diamond businesses in order to ensure our customers are informed.”

Sustainability and provenance are increasingly part of luxury’s definition. Lab‑grown diamonds are inherently conflict‑free, with fully traceable production and a lower environmental footprint than mined stones.

Natural diamonds may pursue ethical standards through initiatives like the Kimberley Process, but mining still carries environmental and social challenges. To produce one carat of diamonds, miners sift through around 250 tons of rock and sediment, and only a tiny fraction of the recovered stones are of gem quality. For modern buyers, a diamond’s ethical credentials — from carbon impact to labour conditions — are now integral to its desirability, adding a new dimension to what makes a gemstone truly luxurious.

For those who feel the natural diamond industry is not sustainable, there is an entirely different picture. While natural diamonds are mined from the earth — like every other mineral we use — main mining companies are using sustainable practices, employing the Kimberley Process to prevent conflict diamonds from coming into the mainstream, closing mines and recovering the land so there is no evidence that they had been there, and promoting health, education and vital jobs in the mining communities.

“There are about 10 million people in the world whose livelihoods depend on natural diamonds,” said Kellie, noting that when a diamond is mined in a particular country, and sold, the government keeps a good percentage of the profit to use toward infrastructures and the communities.

“Approximately 80% of the value of a rough diamond stays within the region [where] it’s been found. People should be able to feel good about the purchase of a natural diamond because it makes the mining communities much stronger. Through the income in the region to the governments, they can build roads, schools, and other infrastructures.”

Kellie notes that environmental and wildlife protection comes into play in these regions. “I don’t know if there is another industry that does what this industry does in terms of the level of economic and environmental provisions that diamond mining does for the local communities.”

The price and value equation: Resale, perception, and prestige

Lab‑grown diamonds match mined stones in brilliance and quality, but their value story is different. Unlike natural diamonds, which benefit from scarcity and a mature resale market, lab‑grown stones tend to depreciate faster and have a smaller secondary market.

While natural diamonds may retain a portion of their value through auctions or specialist dealers, lab‑grown stones rarely appreciate, making them less of a traditional luxury investment. Yet for buyers who define luxury through ethics, beauty, and emotional resonance rather than resale potential, lab‑grown diamonds offer compelling appeal .New York-based diamond analyst Paul Zimnisky, previously told Elite Traveler: “In the past, consumers just wanted the largest solitaire they could get,” Zimnisky says. “Now, consumers want to know where it came from. They want to know it’s a real diamond, it’s not a conflict diamond, and it has an interesting story to tell.”

How designers are positioning lab‑grown diamonds

Luxury brands’ approach to lab‑grown diamonds varies. Heritage houses often reserve natural stones for milestone pieces, while contemporary and direct‑to‑consumer brands such as Vrai, Idyl, and Ethica Diamonds spotlight lab‑grown stones as luxury items with ethical and sustainable credentials. Some jewelers blend both approaches, offering lab‑grown options for accessible collections and mined stones for high‑end creations. This hybrid strategy signals that while lab‑grown diamonds have not replaced natural stones’ status, they are carving out a credible, forward-looking niche in luxury jewellery.

At present, prices are still different between natural and lab grown diamonds. “There’s going to be a point where I’ll be able to produce a D-grade, flawless diamond of any size,” Diamond analyst Edahn Golan says. “All of them are going to look the same so when I reach the top, then prices are going to decline as efficiency improves.”

This effect is already happening: while the price of a natural diamond has stayed fairly level over the past five years, the price of a man-made diamond has fallen by two-thirds.

Bio-stimulatory injectables, amino acids, and skin boosters are changing the way we age, focusing on long-term skin health rather than temporary fixes. 

Botox and filler aren’t for everyone. As a younger, health-conscious generation will concede, endlessly patching one’s face with cosmetic interventions that peak and fade is at odds with a world increasingly preoccupied with biohacking and longevity. 

It should come as no surprise, then, that bio-stimulatory injections have captured the beauty zeitgeist over the last 12 months. Where Botox and filler provide retroactive rejuvenation, skin boosters take a different approach, strengthening cellular regeneration and boosting collagen so that aging becomes a slow, steady cruise rather than a headlong tumble down a flight of stairs.

”It’s wellness for your skin,” says Dr. Wassim Taktouk, one of London’s most sought-after aesthetic specialists. “People want to look like the best version of themselves; they don’t necessarily want to create proportions that weren’t there before.”

It’s a watershed moment in aesthetic medicine, resonating across age groups. “Younger people are coming in with concerns about texture, tone, inflammation, early laxity, and how their skin behaves under stress,” observes Dr. David Jack, an aesthetic doctor renowned for his light touch. “While more mature patients – many of whom have already had filler – are increasingly aware that volume alone does not age well if the architecture beneath it continues to degrade.”

The following interventions are best understood as long-term investments that will compound interest over time. Though, nota bene, maximum returns depend on topping up the coffers from time to time. 

The regenerative skin boosters doctors use

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)

Of all the regenerative injectables listed here, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is the one most unequivocally concerned with creating structural support rather than surface shine. If skin needs its foundations reinforced rather than its paintwork refreshed, PLLA is the heavy machinery that boosts collagen to get the job done.

It’s not an entirely new invention, though. The biodegradable polymer has been used for decades in dissolvable stitches and cardiovascular stents, which is reassuring, albeit slightly less glamorous. That said, early formulations in aesthetics were cumbersome, and cruder particle design had an annoying habit of producing surprise nodules and lumps, which overshadowed the ingredient’s benefits.

 “Imagine a piece of paper that’s been ripped up by a lunatic,” says Taktouk, simplifying molecular science with admirable restraint. “You get lots of jagged pieces that are all different shapes and sizes. Those pieces are like the molecules in older formulations; they were so big that they would routinely trigger inflammatory pathways to create collagen,” he says. 

Enter Juläine, a Swedish formulation that has quietly rehabilitated the category. “Take that same piece of paper and use a hole puncher on it,” he continues, fully committing to the analogy. “You get microspheres that are smaller, less likely to stick together and use fewer of the inflammatory pathways.” In layman’s terms, this translates to fewer irregularities and a slow, civilized stimulation of collagen that can last for up to 24 months.

Juläine is £1,200 (approx. $1,616) per treatment at Taktouk Clinic; drwassimtaktouk.com

PDRN

The infamous ‘salmon sperm facial’, popularized by a certain Kardashian, was a masterclass in marketing. Sensationalist headlines focused on how unhinged the beauty world had become in its quest for youth, instead of focusing on the fact that (purified) salmon sperm is used for a very specific reason: its molecular structure is highly biocompatible with human DNA.

Polynucleotides’ long nucleic acid chains improve skin quality, cellular behaviour, and overall resilience. “It’s an ideal treatment for crepey or thinning skin, early laxity, and poor elasticity – especially in areas where filler would be inappropriate or counterproductive,” says Jack, pointing to the skin around the mouth and the neck. 

But it’s PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide), made from far shorter fragments of salmon DNA, that is set to define 2026. And while PDRN shares the same piscine source material, it has altogether different benefits. “The cleanest explanation is that polynucleotides are about long-term skin quality optimization, while PDRN is about repair and recovery,” says Jack.

Delivered via multiple micro injections into the dermis, PDRN is ideal for pacifying inflammation and accelerating wound-healing. “It’s appropriate when the skin is compromised or recovering from insult,” he clarifies. 

PDRN has already started to find its way into topical products, though nothing will quite compare to the injectable treatment (Jack opts for a formulation that he sources directly from a manufacturer in South Korea). If it’s polynucleotides you require, look to Rejuran Healer, East Asia’s cult product, which is set to launch in the UK shortly.

PDRN from £350 (approx. $471) & Polynucleotides from £650 (approx. $875) per session; drdavidjack.com

Amino acids

Amino acids, as you may dimly recall from biology class, are the building blocks of proteins and essential to vital processes such as tissue repair and muscle growth. In aesthetic medicine, however, they’re responsible for something far more exciting: that elusive, well-rested, well-hydrated glow.

“They’re like Berocca for the skin,” says Taktouk. “They feed the skin everything it needs to look healthy and begin creating collagen,” he explains of his go-to products, Jalupro and Redensity 1. “Most biostimulants are slow burners, but these specific injectables give the skin a healthy glow relatively quickly, thanks in part to the hyaluronic acid found in the formulas.”

They’re particularly effective around the eyes, where paper-thin skin tends to show signs of wear and tear first. “Historically, we didn’t have much we could do around the peri-ocular area,” he says. “You could use tear trough filler in the right patient, but that wouldn’t address crepiness or skin quality. By contrast, amino acid-based revitalizers hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, all without creating a volumetric change.”

For younger patients not yet in need of structural reinforcement, amino acids are a smart early investment. Yes, superficial droplet injections leave (temporary) lizard-like bumps in their wake but once they subside you can expect that gratifying glow to kick in within two to three weeks.

Jalupro & Redensity 1 £495 (approx. $666) per session at Taktouk Clinic; drwassimtaktouk.com

Enthusiasts, ready your timepieces. Enthusiasts, ready your timepieces.

From remote landscapes to refined urban escapes, these are the hotels redefining modern romance. 

As February quickly approaches, nothing says romance like being whisked away on a luxury trip. For those who measure romance in experiences rather than gestures, the right hotel becomes the destination itself, a place where privacy, atmosphere, and impeccable service shape the occasion. From remote retreats to quietly glamorous city addresses, today’s most romantic hotels are defined less by extravagance and more by how they make couples feel.

Whether you want to celebrate in style or prefer somewhere more intimate for just you and your loved one, Elite Traveler has rounded up our choices of the most romantic hotels that lend themselves to meaningful moments. For some, that means waking up on a private island, for others it means sharing a fireside dinner in a far-flung landscape or retreating to a spa designed for two. These are hotels chosen not for spectacle, but for their ability to turn Valentine’s Day into something genuinely memorable.

From private islands to African safaris, you’ll find love is in the air – and at sea and in the city.

Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane, London

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane offers a compelling alternative to the expected Valentine’s escape. Set quietly at the edge of Mayfair, the hotel feels removed from the city despite its central address, a quality that becomes most apparent in its rooftop spa. Elevated above Hyde Park, the space is light-filled and calm, with skyline views that lend a sense of privacy and perspective rarely found in London.

The spa is designed for slow, unhurried rituals rather than spectacle. Couples can move between the vitality pool, steam, and sauna before retreating to treatments that prioritize precision and discretion over indulgence for indulgence’s sake. The Sky Suite, with its private steam room and relaxation space, offers a particularly considered setting for shared treatments, making it well suited to a Valentine’s stay focused on restoration rather than display.

In a city known for its pace, the Four Seasons spa stands out for its restraint. It is this sense of quiet refinement, paired with the hotel’s impeccable service and setting, that secures its place among the world’s most romantic hotels for Valentine’s Day.

fourseasons.com

Fogo Island Inn, Canada

Perched on stilts above the North Atlantic, Fogo Island Inn offers a rare kind of romance rooted in isolation, design and purpose. Set on a remote island off the coast of Newfoundland, the striking property feels deliberately removed from the modern world, a place where the drama of the landscape sets the pace. Sustainability is central to its identity. As a not-for-profit hotel, every operating surplus is reinvested into the local community, giving the stay a sense of meaning that extends beyond the experience itself.

Each of the inn’s 29 rooms is oriented toward the elements, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing uninterrupted ocean views. The Flat Earth Suite stands out for couples seeking something truly memorable. Its double-height glass walls look out across multiple horizons, placing the vastness of the Atlantic at the center of the experience. Inside, the mood is quietly intimate, with a wood-burning stove, handcrafted furnishings, and a king-sized bed designed for long evenings spent watching the weather roll in. For Valentine’s Day, it offers a deeply atmospheric alternative to traditional romance, defined by stillness, space, and the power of place.

fogoislandinn.ca

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, United States

For those looking to keep their love discrete this Valentine’s, a visit to the only private island resort in the US, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, guarantees attention will only be on you and your loved one. Nestled off the Florida Keys coastline and surrounded by azure ocean, the resort is the premier location to gaze at the stars without any interruption. 

And for any star-crossed lovers looking for an elevated out-of-this-world experience, Little Palm Island is offering its new Celestial Concierge, who will plan the ultimate stargazing experience while on board the two-hour private yacht tour. The package includes three nights in the luxurious Island Romance Suite that has been equipped with a high-end telescope, and for those wanting to take a piece of stardust home, there are lavish amenities including a personalized Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiaque long necklace and David Yurman Maritime Compass Cufflinks. 

littlepalmisland.com

&Beyond Bateleur Camp, Kenya

If you’re looking for a romantic break that will create memories that last a lifetime, then an African safari will deliver by the bucketload. And tucked away in a private corner of the Maasai Mara, at the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment (the rim of the Great Rift Valley), is the magical Bateleur Camp. Hot air balloon rides, bush walks and game drives to spot the ‘big five’ await you in this eco-friendly haven.

Stay in one of 18 exceptionally luxurious tented suites, which come complete with copper bathtub and are adorned with antiques and crafted artifacts. Of course, dining takes place under the African sky, with dinner for two served by candlelight, while a truly unique breakfast can be enjoyed near the banks of the Mara River – just don’t forget your binoculars.

andbeyond.com

Cameron House, Scotland

Scotland might be thousands of miles away from the Maasai Mara – both physically and mentally – but the romance levels are not dampened by the weather forecast. Tucked away on the shores of the famous Loch Lomond, Cameron House occupies what is easily one of the most picturesque spots on the British Isles and has a bountiful luxury offering to boot.

For those ready to turn the day of love into a lifelong commitment, the hotel has curated a proposal package that ensures every detail has been taken care of. Whether that’s popping the question while soaring above the highlands in the resort’s private seaplane or at an intimate loch-side picnic, the dedicated team will make sure that all-important moment will be one to be remembered. The newly betrothed couple can retreat to the sprawling, two-floor penthouse Cameron Suite before heading to the Cameron Grill to celebrate in style.

cameronhouse.co.uk

Hôtel Plaza Athénée, France

It would be remiss of us not to mention the capital of love in a guide to the world’s most romantic hotels for Valentine’s Day, and few Parisian hotels are as esteemed as Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Proudly sitting on a prime spot on the iconic Avenue Montaigne, Plaza Athénée dates back to the early 20^th century, with its iconic red-awninged windows a staple in Paris’s luxury circle.

Every room at the hotel promises to be a cut above, but if there was ever a time to show off and book one of the best keys in the house, it’s Valentine’s Day. The Royal Suite is as lavish as you’d expect and takes the title of the largest suite in Paris, while fashion lovers will be besotted by the Haute Couture suite. Whichever you go for, sipping champagne as you gaze out at the unrivaled views of the Eiffel Tower is a must – be sure to book a couples’ massage at the hotel’s recently-renovated Dior spa too.

dorchestercollection.com

Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, St Barts

With its crystalline waters, pure-white sands and decidedly laidback nature, the Caribbean is a vision of paradise. On the island of St Barths you will find Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, one of the Caribbean’s most romantic destinations. As expected, the hotel’s Valentine’s Day offering is suitably romantic, too.

Along with three nights in a junior suite with its own balcony and private plunge pool – which has been romantically decorated with macaroons, chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of Charles Heidesick champagne – the package includes a couple’s massage at the hotel’s spa, dinner at the new Beefbar restaurant, before sailing into the sunset on a private cruise. 

hotelsbarriere.com

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, USA

A classic love story requires a classic romantic destination, and where better than the home of some of the world’s most beloved rom-coms. Yet, in a city as expansive as the Big Apple, there are a million ways to woo your loved one. Ensure the day is truly special by literally ‘putting on The Ritz’ for your amore and look no further than the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park.

With suites transformed with long-stemmed red roses from renowned florist Jane Packer, before taking in the iconic park views with a bottle of Prosecco and decadent chocolate-covered strawberries, they offer a perfect retreat from the bustling city below. And if taking in the city’s signature sights gets too taxing, the La Prairie signature couples massage in the hotel’s newly designed couples’ treatment suite, before slipping into personalized monogrammed robes guarantees to continue the relaxation. 

ritzcarlton.com

Aman Venice, Italy

Venice has long been synonymous with romance, in no small part due to being the home to one of the world’s most legendary womanizers, Casanova.  The floating city’s ornate Renaissance architecture and labyrinth of canals make it a Valentine’s destination unlike any other. And the grandeur of the exclusive Aman Venice just adds to the allure. The hotel, housed in a 16th-century palazzo, is situated on the city’s Grand Canal and has all of the Venetian opulence you would expect. 

Of course, the local gastronomy plays an important role in any visit to Italy, and a stay at Aman will not disappoint. At the hotel’s Arva restaurant, chef Matteo Panfilio has created an exclusive four-course dining experience, featuring black kale ravioli with seaweed and mushroom ramen; grilled red mullet, lentil ragu and cacciucco-style sauce; finished with a mango passion fruit mousse with a chocolate shell.

aman.com

Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, Florida

A city that is as chic, sexy and vibrant as Miami guarantees a good time this Valentine’s Day – albeit just not a quiet one. For those looking for some prestige alongside their partying, the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay and its four-night ‘Bae on the Bay’ package allows lovers to indulge in some of Miami’s most luxurious local experiences – whether that’s cruising the waterways aboard a private chartered yacht or a sunset seaplane tour to see the city’s sights from the skies. Let the romance continue into the night with a private bayfront dinner featuring a personalized four-course tasting menu. After all that excitement, settle down into the King Suite to take in the sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and toast with a bottle of bubbly and hand-painted chocolate bonbons. 

miami-marriott-biscayne-bay

And neither of them was a «stupid Canadian wolf bird.» And neither of them was a «stupid Canadian wolf bird.»

Usually it’s French winemakers establishing themselves in America, not the other way around. Usually it’s French winemakers establishing themselves in America, not the other way around.

A Midwinter Night’s Dram returned for its 13th act. A Midwinter Night’s Dram returned for its 13th act.

The single-story spread in the Carmel Highlands includes five fireplaces, three en suite bedrooms, and a stone hot tub overlooking the water. The single-story spread in the Carmel Highlands includes five fireplaces, three en suite bedrooms, and a stone hot tub overlooking the water.