Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, with essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds. The distinction is where they form: in a controlled laboratory environment rather than deep within the earth. Moissanite is another gemstone entirely, and its particularly lively rainbow-coloured flashes can give it a different look. Neither comparison has to be complicated; we can show you what to look for in the chosen centre stone and explain how each option affects the finished ring.

The best value often lies in choosing grades that look beautiful in the actual stone, rather than automatically paying for the highest figures on a report. We'd start with cut, proportions and overall appearance, then consider whether a change in colour or clarity would be noticeable at your preferred size. For example, upgrading an already eye-clean diamond may make less visual difference than improving its cut. Our consultants can help you compare individual stones, reports and metal choices so your budget goes towards details you'll genuinely appreciate.

Two carats will look noticeably more substantial, but the diamond won't be twice as wide. For similar-proportioned round brilliant diamonds, the diameter of a two-carat stone is often about a quarter larger than that of a one-carat stone. Elongated shapes can give a different impression, so a comparison using millimetres is more reliable than carat weight alone. We recommend looking at the stones on a hand and considering the band's width too. You'll find further examples in our diamond carat size guide.

We'd suggest looking at the grading or identification report for the specific diamond you've selected. Its measurements, report number, assessed characteristics and any comments help you understand what you're buying. IGI and GIA use different formats and may report laboratory-grown diamonds in different ways, so the key is to understand the actual information supplied rather than comparing labels without context. We're happy to explain the report alongside the stone and answer any questions about the grading.

Even when the centre diamonds appear much the same size, their cut, proportions and other assessed characteristics may differ. The finished ring matters too: a slender solitaire, a hidden halo and a design with diamond-set shoulders all involve different amounts of metal and setting work. We'd recommend comparing the complete configurations, including any upgrades, before deciding which offers the best value for you. If you're weighing up origins as well, our natural diamond engagement rings provide a useful point of comparison.

They are both diamonds, but the qualities you consider when choosing them can be quite different. With a coloured centre, the exact hue, strength and evenness of the colour are often part of what makes it appealing. The shade may arise during laboratory growth or be influenced by subsequent treatment, so we'd look at the details of the individual stone. Our coloured lab-grown diamond engagement rings let you explore options from delicate pastels to deeper tones and see how they work with different precious metals.