Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Collection

A natural diamond has formed within the earth over geological time, which is a meaningful part of its appeal for many people. A lab-grown diamond is also diamond, but with a different origin and often a different price for a comparable specification. We'd suggest thinking about which aspect matters most to you, then comparing individual stones rather than generalised claims about value. Our lab-grown diamond engagement rings can help you see the alternatives side by side.

Cut often makes a particularly noticeable difference to the sparkle of a round brilliant diamond, although all four Cs play a part in choosing the right stone. We'd begin with how the actual diamond looks, then consider colour and clarity in relation to its size and setting. A higher grade isn't automatically worth a premium if you can't see the difference. For fancy shapes, the proportions and symmetry also deserve careful attention.

They can, sometimes quite noticeably. Carat measures weight, so a stone that carries more of its weight in depth may look smaller from above than another of the same carat. Shape also matters: an oval has a longer outline than a comparable round diamond. We'd recommend comparing the actual length and width in millimetres and looking at the stones on the hand before choosing solely by weight.

A natural diamond's grading report is a useful independent record of the assessed stone. We'd check the issuing laboratory, report number, dimensions, grades and any comments, then confirm that the document relates to the exact centre you've selected. It's different from an insurance valuation. If you'd like help interpreting the figures or comparing reports from different laboratories, our consultants can explain what the information means in practical terms.

Not necessarily. A higher colour or clarity grade may make little visible difference once a particular diamond is set, while the right cut proportions can affect its appearance much more. We'd compare stones at the same size and in similar lighting, looking at where the differences are actually noticeable. The overall ring price matters too, including the mount and any accent diamonds. Our aim would be to help you make a considered choice rather than simply select the highest figures.