It’s proposal season, the perfect time to present a diamond ring to your partner and pledge your loyalty and commitment. While diamonds come in all shapes and sizes, there is a new and better way to purchase yours: lab-grown diamonds. In this blog post, we’ll explain the benefits of lab-grown diamond rings vs. natural diamonds. We’ll also provide tips on how to spot quality lab-created diamonds, where to find the best lab-grown diamond rings for engagements, and explain whether lab grown are real diamonds. Are they?! I was curious about the answer myself, so I did my research!
First, let’s take a look at the sparkle. The brilliance and sparkle of lab-grown vs. natural diamonds is similar to the eye; unless you have heavy magnification and are an expert jeweler, you likely won’t be able to tell the difference between the two. Here are some of the best lab-grown diamond rings, rated with high reviews and accolades in their categories, by the expert in the industry: Blue Nile.
Let’s get started: you have a proposal to plan! :)
Best Halo: Heiress Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
This beautifully crafted platinum engagement ring features a French pavé-set diamond halo that encompasses the center diamond of your choice. Available here.
Specs – Price: Starting at $2,250 – Choose Lab-Grown Diamond in “Add a Diamond” for Options // Metal Type Shown: Platinum // Sizes available: US 3 to US 10 // Diamond Shape: Halo // Carat: Total – 0.37 Ct.
Best Pavé: Riviera Diamond Ring
The Riviera Pavé diamond engagement ring is a stunning choice. It has a classic elegance that sparkles and shines with sparkly pavé-set diamonds set in 14k white gold. See it here.
Specs – Price: Starting at $950 // Metal Type Shown: 14k White Gold // Sizes available: US 3.5 to US 8.5 // Diamond Shape: Round // Carat: Total – 0.15 Ct.
Best Asscher: Asscher-Cut Diamond Ring
This sparkly engagement ring has a large center stone and is accented by Asscher-cut side diamonds. Shown in gleaming 14k rose gold. Available here.
Specs – Price: Starting at $5,900 // Metal Type Shown: 14k Rose Gold // Sizes available: US 3 to US 10 // Diamond Shape: Asscher // Carat: Total – 1.45 Ct.
Best Twist Halo: Twisted Halo Diamond Ring
Specs – Price: Starting at $1,600 // Metal Type Shown: 14k Yellow Gold // Sizes available: US 3.5 to US 8.5 // Diamond Shape: Halo // Carat: Total – 0.34 Ct.
Best Seven-Stone: Eternity Band
This is one of the best lab-grown diamond rings that features seven sparkly stones along the band. This makes a terrific eternity ring or wedding band. With a 14k gold low dome design, it is comfortable for daily wear and has a classic, long-lasting sparkle that never goes out of style. You can get it here.
Specs – Price: Starting at $2,680 // Metal Type Shown: 14k White Gold // Sizes available: US 3.5 to US 8.5 // Diamond Shape: Round // Carat: Total – 2 Ct. tw.
Best Infinity Twist: Micropavé Diamond Ring
This delicate engagement ring features a duo of sparkling micropavé set diamonds intertwined around one another to frame the center stone.
Specs – Price: Starting at $1,500 // Metal Type Shown: 14k White Gold // Sizes available: US 3 to US 9 // Diamond Shape: Round // Carat: Total – 0.25 Ct. tw.
Best Oval: Petite Twist Diamond Engagement Ring
For a classic bride-to-be, this is a showstopper! A classic choice, this oval diamond ring features delicate pavé-set diamonds and a center diamond of your choice. Shown with 14k yellow gold option. See it here.
Specs – Price: Starting at $990 // Metal Type Shown: 14k Yellow Gold // Sizes available: US 3.5 to US 8.5 // Diamond Shape: Oval // Carat: Total – 0.09 Ct.
Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Now that you know some of the best lab-grown diamonds near you, it’s time to discuss what makes them so great. Anyone can tell you to purchase lab-grown vs. mined, but what are the actual reasons why couples are going wild over this alternative? Here are three major reasons why lab-grown rings are the best option when choosing a diamond.
1. Affordability
Many favor lab-grown jewelry simply due to the affordability factor. Lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than mined diamonds. Since they can be produced in large batches in a short period of time, lab-grown are considerably less expensive than natural diamonds.
2. Ethical and Conflict-Free
One major reason couples turn to an alternative to mined diamonds is simple: they’re ethical, eco-friendly, and conflict-free.
3. Brilliance of Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
One major reason why couples are looking to buy lab-grown diamonds for engagements is that most people cannot tell the difference. Lab-grown diamonds are the best option when choosing a diamond ring if you want to purchase a diamond that shines just as bright as a natural one.
To the untrained eye, you will not likely be able to tell the difference between the two. Can a lab-grown diamond pass a diamond tester? Likely, an expert jeweler may be able to tell the difference between these two kinds of diamonds based on special inclusions under high magnification. They have different types of inclusions that occur when the diamond is created. However, as mentioned, most won’t be able to look at your diamond and tell it’s lab-created; it is just as sparkly and brilliant.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes. According to diamond expert Blue Nile, lab diamonds are, in fact, real diamonds. “They contain the same cubic crystalline form of pure carbon that is also found in natural diamonds.” In addition, when it comes to visible differences, there are few. “Both natural and lab diamonds offer the same visual and chemical qualities, bringing long-lasting brilliance to any piece of high-quality jewelry.” We love that!
Are Lab-Grown the Same as Simulation Diamonds?
No. It’s important to note that lab-grown diamonds are NOT the same as simulated diamonds. Simulants to diamond rings — like cubic zirconia and moissanite — have a different chemical makeup and composition when compared to a diamond. So, don’t search for simulated and think you’re getting lab-grown diamond rings: they are made entirely differently.
Instead, you’ll want to find the closest alternative to a natural diamond that is visually similar. When you do so, shop the best lab-grown diamonds you can find and focus on the 4 C’s when you purchase yours: cut, color, clarity, and carat are just as important on lab-grown diamonds vs. mined diamonds.
How to Spot Quality Lab-Grown Diamond Rings
The best way to spot quality diamond rings that are lab-grown is to find a retailer that is reputable (read reviews online!), offers a vast collection of lab-grown diamond rings and NOT simulated diamonds, and also has independent GIA certification on your ring when you order it. This is important: you want to have a ring with certification, whether you buy lab-grown or natural diamonds.
As shown on this list, lab-grown diamond rings offer many benefits vs. natural earth-mined diamonds. You are expressing your love and commitment, so you should always choose the best ring that is right for you. Whether that is lab-grown or natural, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs.
For more on lab-grown diamonds and how they’re made, read this guide.
► Now that you know more about lab-grown vs. natural diamonds and their benefits, let’s go shopping! You can build your own ring starting with a lab-created diamond here. It’s easy and completely customizable.
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