Choosing an engagement ring can be difficult and it’s hard to establish where to start, especially if you’re considering an ethical engagement ring such as a lab diamond ring. For some the question may be “which ring will my partner say yes to?” and others will be asking “what ring do I want on my finger for the rest of my life?”. Either way the decision is an important one and that’s why I have Lily Arkwright here, to help guide you through the process of choosing the perfect lab grown engagement ring.
Mined diamonds have almost always been associated with engagement rings but this should not necessarily be the case. Lab grown engagement rings have been increasing in popularity since people are becoming more aware of the sourcing of their products. Buying a lab grown engagement ring is a great way to support sustainability and act upon an environmentally friendly action. Not just this though, you’ll also be buying a fantastic, high quality ring that is just as good, if not better, than a conventional diamond at an affordable price point. Read on to find out how to choose the perfect ring!
Stone Choice
Now you might have established that you’re going to opt for a lab grown ring. You need to decide which gemstone route you’ll take for your engagement ring stone. There are various options to choose from; Lab diamonds which would be your closest alternative to mined diamond because lab diamonds are 100% real diamonds. In fact they are chemically, physically and visually the same as mined diamonds, and impossible to distinguish any differences to the naked eye as they emit the same magnificent sparkle. Oh and did we mention lab diamonds are 30% more affordable than their mined counterparts?
If you’re still set on choosing a white stone but do not wish to break the bank, moissanite is another fantastic option for engagement rings. Moissanite is not a diamond but rather a gemstone in itself with its own unique properties and makes for a great diamond alternative due to its familiar appearance. Natural moissanite, which is composed of silicon carbide, is extremely rare and almost always grown in controlled laboratory conditions. This unique gemstone has been super popular and loved by many in recent years and all for the right reasons!
Marginally, moissanite has a higher refractive index than a diamond meaning it has a beautiful fire, brilliance and lustre so you can be sure to get heads turning when you showcase your ring. It’s commonly known that diamonds are forever as they are the hardest substance on the planet! However, moissanite is very durable too and is the second hardest mineral used in jewellery settings meaning they are ideal for everyday wear. We cannot forget to mention that moissanite is almost 90% cheaper than mined diamonds!
If you’re seeking a pop of colour in your life or you want a ring that is truly unique and outside of norm, a lab-grown coloured gemstone could be perfect for your partner! An appealing aspect of lab gemstones means that the ring can be available in a variety of cuts that are almost impossible to find in naturally mined gemstones. Chatham’s and Lily Arkwright’s production process ensures all gemstones are ethically produced and all gemstones are extremely ring in colour and cut, providing that very special vibrance and liveliness seen in the most premium gemstones.
Precious Metal Choice
With many different karat golds available, and the ever-tempting platinum bands, it’s hard to know which is best for your engagement ring. However, we don’t have a universal answer other than it’s entirely a personal choice and is usually best to opt for the jewellery metal choice your partner usually wears.
18k gold comes in a variety of different finishes/colours including classic white gold (resembling that silver colour), yellow gold and a flirty rose gold. Gold karats refer to the amount of pure gold in a precious metal. 24k gold is 100% pure gold – you very rarely see 24k gold jewellery simply because it’s so malleable and can’t stand everyday use. There is
also, 950 platinum which is a light silver coloured metal. Platinum rings have a different feel to gold rings, which tend to be more traditional. The silver colour can almost be described as white, as it’s amazingly light in colour due to the platinum being a pure metal.
Finding the perfect setting
There is no correct diamond ring setting as this entirely depends on your centre stone, as well as your partner’s personal style. It is common for traditional engagement ring settings to have at least four prongs holding the stone in place in a single stone solitaire setting. However, you might consider opting 6 claws if the diamond is larger or has an intricate shape. There are also various alternative settings like a bezelled, hidden halo, multi-stone rings or a diamond halo.
Final Thoughts
There is only so much we can discuss in an article so if you have more questions feel free to get in contact with the Lily Arkwright jewellery experts via hello@lilyarkwright.com to find out more about lab grown engagement rings.
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