Best Lab

By Laura Lajiness Kaupke

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Lab-grown diamond engagement rings are not a compromise. They offer flawless clarity and sparkle at a much lower cost than their natural diamond counterparts, making them some of the best engagement rings available. Plus if you subscribe to a "bigger is better" mentality in carat weight, you can get a much bigger stone within your budget.

Whether your dream ring is minimal and modern, vintage-inspired, or traditional, ring settings abound in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or a mixed-metal look. In addition, lab-grown diamonds are available in all the different diamond cuts, from round and oval to the more geometric Asscher and emerald. When deciding what's suitable for you, consider whether you want something predesigned, a multistone creation, or a ring with a singular center stone. You can also shop for loose stones to create a custom lab-grown engagement ring and even think ahead to wedding bands and plan a complimentary lab-grown version.

A lab-created diamond is a real diamond made of pure carbon and chemically identical to a natural diamond that's been mined. To the naked eye, it's virtually impossible to tell if a diamond is natural or lab-grown. The most significant difference is that lab-grown diamonds are created in a lab rather than through the earth's resources. Though this makes them less rare, they’re undoubtedly valuable and often more affordable than natural diamonds. A common mistake is misinterpreting lab diamonds for simulated diamonds, like cubic zirconia and moissanite, made of different chemical compositions, which lab-created diamonds are not.

When you buy lab-grown diamonds, consider the four Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat, as you would with natural diamonds. The best lab-grown diamond engagement rings will come with certifications to detail these specifics and sustainability achievements from reputable sources like the IGI (Independent Gemological Institute) or GIA (Gemological Institute of America). Of course, it's always prudent to do your due diligence and research the brand you are buying from to understand the quality and legitimacy of sustainability practices—don't make the buying mistake of glazing over these details.

Whether you’re prepared to take the plunge, seeking inspiration, or simply craving some sparkly eye candy, scroll for 16 of the best lab-grown diamond engagement rings available to shop now.

This bezel-set radiant-cut diamond solitaire is so modern and sleek. It's made to order in Vrai's zero-emissions diamond foundry and can be customized to vary the stone shape and metal or add pavé to the band.

The two-stone engagement ring trend is going strong. Embrace the look with this pear and oval lab-grown diamond engagement ring that's been certified by the IGI.

For the minimalist who wants a touch of understated sparkle, this GIA-certified emerald-cut lab-grown solitaire ring features a hidden halo and can be customized in the metal of your choice.

Select an oval-cut lab-grown diamond that fits your budget and revel in the sparkly radiance. It features a hidden halo and it's GIA certified.

Featuring beautiful filigree work in 18-karat gold, this lab-grown diamond ring by Oscar Massin is for those who relish in intricate details. The Climate-neutral Latitude lab-grown diamond at the center has undergone SCS Third-Party Certification that ensures 100% climate neutrality and net zero carbon footprint, full and transparent US origin traceability and chain of custody, and ethical stewardship.

Sidestep tradition with this asymmetrical curving band featuring a spectacular IGI-certified pear-cut diamond. Gleaming 18-karat recycled gold elegantly wraps around the finger and can be enhanced with lab-grown pavé for extra sparkle.

You love Neiman Marcus, but are you familiar with their namesake lab-grown diamond collection, including this strikingly modern open bypass ring? The retailer uses premium and carefully selected diamonds consisting of D-G colors, and VS clarity or better in every piece, with GIA certificates available for diamonds that are 1.50 carats or larger.

Parisian brand JEM Paris sources stones from the Diamond Foundry (the same as Vrai) to create boldly delicate geometric fine jewelry designs. Like this cushion-cut lab-created diamond centered in the seams of a crossed octagon band handcrafted from 18-karat gold.

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