Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings
Lab grown diamonds are diamonds. Same carbon, same crystal structure, same hardness, same fire. The only difference is that these were grown in a few weeks rather than over a billion years, which is why a two carat stone here costs what a one carat mined stone would. Every centre stone we set is certified by IGI or GIA, and the certificate comes in the box.
Most of the rings below can be built with either a lab grown diamond or a moissanite centre. The stone is chosen on the product page, so if you are weighing one against the other you can compare the exact same setting in both.
What to look for in a lab grown diamond
Spend on cut before anything else. Cut is what makes a diamond return light, and a badly cut E colour stone will look duller than a well cut H. Once the cut is right, colour and clarity are where most people overpay. In a white gold or platinum setting, G to H colour looks colourless to the naked eye and costs meaningfully less than D to F. In yellow gold, you can go further down, because the metal warms the stone anyway and a J colour reads as white against yellow.
For clarity, VS2 and SI1 are the sweet spot. Both are eye clean on almost every stone, meaning you cannot see an inclusion without a loupe, and you are paying for something nobody will ever look at above that. The exception is a step cut, emerald or Asscher, where the open table shows everything. For those, go to VS1 or better.
Every centre stone we set is certified by IGI or GIA, and the grading on a lab grown diamond is read exactly as it is on a mined one. Where people get caught out is buying an uncertified stone and taking the seller's word for the grade. Ask for the certificate number before you buy, from anyone, including us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a lab grown diamond a real diamond?
Yes. It is carbon in the same crystal structure, with the same hardness and the same optical properties. A jeweller cannot tell the difference by eye or with a loupe. Specialist equipment reads the growth pattern, which is the only way to separate them.
Will it test as a diamond?
Yes. A standard diamond tester reads thermal conductivity and a lab grown diamond passes it, because it is a diamond.
Who certifies the stones?
IGI or GIA, and the certificate comes with the ring. We will send you the certificate number before you order if you ask.
Does a lab grown diamond hold its value?
No, and nor does a mined one in any way worth relying on. Retail jewellery of any kind sells second hand at a steep loss. Buy the ring because you want to wear it, not as an investment, and anyone who tells you otherwise is selling you something.
What size stone will my budget reach?
A lab grown diamond usually buys you roughly double the carat weight of a mined stone at the same price. If you want to go larger again, moissanite will take you further, and most of these settings take either stone.
How long does it take?
Two to three weeks to make. Custom cut stones take longer, three to four weeks for the cutting alone. Then 17 to 19 days on free standard shipping or 7 to 10 days on paid express.