Lab-created engagement ceremony rings are a popular choice for many couples who want to get the look of a diamond ring without the high price tag.
They are a great option for those who want to avoid the ethical and environmental concerns associated with traditional diamond mining.
In this style guide, you’ll take a closer look at the key factors you need to consider.
Lab-grown Diamonds Overview
Lab-created diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.
They are grown in highly controlled lab environments using advanced technologies that duplicate the exact conditions under which they naturally develop as they form beneath the Earth’s crust.
Choose Diamond Shape
When it comes to choosing a diamond shape, the most popular options include round, princess, cushion, and emerald.
Each shape has its own unique characteristics and will give your ring a different look and feel.
The round diamond is the most popular choice because it is classic, timeless, and versatile. It works well in almost any setting.
The princess-cut diamond is also a popular choice because of its modern and edgy look. It has sharp corners and a square shape, making it a great option for a unique and bold ring.
The cushion-cut diamond has a soft and romantic feel, with rounded corners and a square or rectangular shape. It is a great choice for those who want a vintage or antique look.
Finally, the emerald cut diamond has a clean and elegant look, with a rectangular shape and long, straight lines.
It is a great option for those who want a sophisticated and timeless ring. No matter which diamond shape you choose, a wide selection of lab-created diamonds are available in each shape.
Choose Metal For Ring
The metal you choose for your engagement ring is just as important as the diamond shape. The most popular options include platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.
Platinum is a durable and strong metal that is perfect for those who want a ring that will last a lifetime. It is also hypoallergenic and will not tarnish or fade over time.
White gold is another popular option that looks similar to platinum but is less expensive.
It is made by mixing yellow gold with other metals, such as silver and palladium, to create a white appearance.
Yellow gold has a warm and classic look that is perfect for those who want a traditional engagement ring. It is also a great choice for those with a warm skin tone.
Finally, rose gold has become increasingly popular in recent years. It has a unique and romantic look, with a pink hue created by mixing yellow gold with copper. It is a great option for those who want a trendy and timeless ring.
Examine The Cut Quality Of Your Diamond
The cut quality of your diamond is one of the most important factors to consider.
A well-cut diamond will have better sparkle, brilliance, and fire, making it more visually appealing.
A poorly cut diamond, on the other hand, will not reflect light as well and may look dull or lifeless.
When examining the cut quality of your diamond, look for the following factors:
- Cut grade: The GIA determines the cut grade and ranges from Excellent to Poor. An Excellent cut diamond will have the best sparkle and fire, while a Poor cut diamond will have a dull and lifeless appearance.
- Proportions: The proportions of your diamond, including the depth and table size, will affect its ability to reflect light. Look for a diamond with balanced proportions that allow light to enter and exit the stone properly.
- Symmetry: The symmetry of your diamond will affect its overall appearance. Look for a diamond with symmetrical facets and a well-aligned culet.
Choose Color
When choosing the color it is crucial to understand the 4Cs of diamonds: cut, clarity, carat, and color.
The color of a diamond refers to the presence or absence of color in the stone, and it is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
Here are some things to consider when choosing the color of your lab-created engagement ring:
- Personal preference: Your taste and style will play a big role in the color of the diamond you choose. Some people prefer colorless diamonds, while others prefer diamonds with a slightly yellow or pink hue.
- Budget: The color of a diamond can greatly affect the ring’s price. Colorless diamonds (D-F) are the most valuable and expensive, while diamonds with more color (G-J) are more affordable. If you are working with a tight budget, consider a diamond with a lower color grade.
- Metal choice: The color of the metal you choose for your ring can also affect the appearance of the diamond. If you choose a white gold or platinum setting, it will enhance the colorlessness of a diamond.
- Diamond size: The diamond’s size can also affect its color’s appearance. A smaller diamond may appear more colorless than a larger diamond with the same color grade.
Choose Side Stones For The Engagement Ring
Side stones can add extra sparkle and beauty to your lab-created engagement ceremony ring.
They are usually smaller diamonds or gemstones placed alongside the main diamond. When choosing side stones for your engagement ceremony ring, you should consider the following factors:
- Size: The size of the side stones should be proportional to the size of the main diamond.
- Number: The number of side stones you choose will depend on your personal preference and the style of the ring.
- Shape: The shape of the side stones should complement the shape of the main diamond.
- Color: The color of the side stones should also complement the color of the main diamond. White diamonds may be a good choice for side stones if the main diamond is colorless.
Check Engagement Ring Stone Under Different Lighting
When selecting your ring, it is important to examine the stone under different lighting conditions.
The appearance of the diamond can change depending on the type and intensity of the lighting.
Here are some tips for checking your engagement ceremony ring stone under different lighting:
Natural sunlight: Examine the diamond in natural sunlight, as this will provide the most accurate representation of the stone’s color and sparkle. Take the ring outside and observe it in different positions and angles.
- Indoor lighting: Check the diamond under different types of indoor lightings, such as fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. Each type of lighting can affect the color and appearance of the diamond differently.
- Candlelight: Candlelight can enhance the diamond’s sparkle and fire, but it can also make it appear warmer in color.
- LED lighting: LED lights can make the diamond appear brighter and whiter than it actually is, so be sure to check the stone under this type of lighting as well.
Choosing the perfect ring can seem overwhelming.
Whether you prioritize diamond shape, metal choice, cut quality, color, side stones, or lighting, a wide selection of lab-created engagement ceremony rings are available to meet your needs and preferences.