When it comes to finding an engagement ring, it can be overwhelming, exciting, and a great way to show how much you love someone! In this article, we will go through everything regarding lab-grown diamonds: What are they? How do I choose an engagement ring? How much should I spend? And much more!

Why Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings Have Gained Popularity

Due to their beauty, value, and ethical origins, lab-grown diamonds are becoming the go-to choice for couples as they plan their weddings. When deciding on which ring to purchase, you should know that lab-grown diamonds have identical physical/chemical properties as mined diamonds, so they have equal strength, beauty, and longevity.

Another important aspect of choosing a ring is understanding that there is much more to consider than just the diamond itself, but the history and story behind it.

Understanding The Quality Of A Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

If you are looking for tips on how to pick a ring, start with the 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight. These factors will determine how gorgeous the diamond looks and how well it will hold up with regular wear. The following explains the 4Cs and how they relate to Lab-Grown Diamonds:

• Cut determines how sparkly and light-reflective the diamond is.
• Colour can vary from a cool white to a warm colour.
• Clarity indicates the presence of fewer blemishes or inclusions.
• Carat Weight indicates size; however, keep in mind that cut and carat weight must be taken into consideration when evaluating brilliance. 

The best Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings are those that balance cut/carat weight to achieve maximum brilliance. A potential purchaser may want to assess what type of setting and metal the Lab-Grown Diamond will be set in; for instance, a higher-quality metal (i.e., gold, platinum, etc.) will influence the durability of the Lab-Grown Diamond, relative to the wearer's lifestyle. 

Trying to match a ring's design with your partner's existing pieces of jewellery is a fun and great way to show that you care. For example, when looking to buy a lab-grown diamond engagement ring, it might be helpful to find a design that goes beautifully with the lab-created diamonds already worn by your partner, e.g., lab-created diamond rings or bracelets.

As you look at purchasing a lab-grown diamond engagement ring, be aware of the style and design choices you will make. Each style - solitaire, halo, vintage, three-stone, and minimalist - has its interpretation of how love can be expressed.

Each of the following styles is very popular in today's marketplace; they are:

1. Solitaire: Timeless, understated and versatile.

2. Halo: Enhances sparkle and achieves a larger appearance.

3. Pavé: Adds a touch of delicate sparkle to the band.

4. Three-Stone: Represents yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Be mindful that each type of setting will enhance the appearance of the diamond and that they can be combined with other pieces of jewellery from your collection to create a complete look, such as a lab-created pendant that matches the ring.

When considering the value you want to get from a lab-grown diamond engagement ring, there are several things you can do to make smart purchasing decisions.

1. Choose your number one priority: size, sparkle, or setting.

2. Allocate your budget with 70% on the centre diamond and 30% on the setting.

3. Request certification from manufacturers so you can verify they are offering you transparency in the process.

4. Definitely compare as many retailers as you can before making any final purchase decisions.

No matter your budget, the right ring buying tips will enable you to find an engagement ring that captures the essence of your relationship through its original style, makes for a memorable occasion and is lasting; hence, you can enjoy your piece of jewellery for a very long time to come.

Ultimate Ring Buying Guides: Every Step Of The Way

As you move through the process of buying your engagement ring, please refer to this Ring Shopping Guide Step By Step:

• Find out your partner's ring style (i.e., classic, bold, minimalist, vintage).
• Choose the diamond shape (round, oval, emerald, pear).
• Learn about the 4 C's (cut, colour, clarity, carat weight) of diamonds.
• Select a setting that will enhance daily comfort and appearance.
• Check the certification of your diamond for authenticity.
• Choose a precious metal (gold, platinum, rose gold).
• Compare prices to ensure that you are getting a fair value for what you are paying.
• Review the post-sale services available to help maintain your ring (i.e., resizing, warranty, upgrades).

As you work through the above list, keep considering what matters to you in selecting an engagement ring and its meaning to your life story.

Frequently Asked Questions About Engagement Rings & Buying Tips

1. Are lab-created diamonds as durable as natural diamonds? 

Yes! Lab-created diamonds are identical in hardness, durability, and chemical composition to mined diamonds and are suitable for a lifetime of wear.

2. What should I keep in mind when purchasing my first ring? 

Consider these top items before making your decision: Start with the Four C's (Cut, Colour, Clarity, and carat weight), know your partner's style, compare stores, buy certified diamonds, and focus on comfort when creating or selecting a new ring. 

3. How do you know which diamond shape will work best for your partner? 

Check which styles of jewellery your partner is currently wearing. While round and oval-shaped diamonds look great on everyone, emerald and pear-shaped diamonds might indicate your partner's preference for something a little different. 

4. What is an efficient way to create a guide for myself to help with my own ring shopping?

Make a list of everything you think should be included (everything you will need for your budget), determine reasonable budget limits, study your favourite styles, select a jeweller that fits your taste, and examine customer feedback about your preferred jeweller before completing your purchase.

5. Will I need to purchase an engagement ring and a wedding band together?

Not required, but doing so ensures that you have complementary stacking rings and matching styles.

Conclusion

During your discovery about how to select engagement rings and style options, learning to purchase a wedding ring should still inspire, not overwhelm you. With this guide, combined with proper research and careful thoughtfulness through the buying process, you will be able to select an engagement ring that perfectly commemorates your love.