There are several engagement ring trends taking the internet by storm, but the most popular one amongst them is choosing a lab-grown engagement ring. Why, you ask? Well, not only are they a more ethical and environmentally conscious choice, but you can also get a bigger carat for your partner at a much more affordable price.
Want to know more? Read our lab-grown engagement ring shopping guide and learn everything there is to know about lab-grown engagement rings. But before that, let’s understand in-depth about lab-grown diamonds and gemstones.
Rise in Popularity of Lab-Grown Engagement Rings
The lab-grown gemstone industry gained significant popularity due to its combination of ethical appeal and scientific innovation. Over the years, people have become increasingly aware of the environmental and ethical issues associated with traditional mining, leading to a demand for more sustainable options.
The first lab-grown diamond was created in 1954, but lab-grown rings only became available for sale at large in the 1980s. As technology progressed, the quality and variety of lab-grown gemstones improved, attracting more consumers who appreciated their beauty and affordability. The industry’s transparency regarding the origins and production methods of these gems has fostered trust and confidence among buyers as well, leading to their boom in popularity.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds and Gemstones Real?
Yes! Lab-grown diamonds and gemstones are the real deal. They are physically, chemically and virtually the same as natural stones. The only difference is that earth-mined stones take billions of years to form within the Earth’s crust, while lab-grown diamonds and gemstones are created in a lab by a highly skilled workforce.
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Pick a stone that symbolizes your love story
Tips for Lab-Grown Engagement Ring Shopping
Planning to propose soon? Here are some tips to consider before buying a lab-grown engagement ring.
Set a Budget
Setting a budget is crucial before buying an engagement ring. This helps you explore options within your budget and prevents overspending. There are several engagement ring cost rules, like the three-month salary rule, which suggests you set aside three months of your salary to buy the ring. However, we suggest keeping your current financial situation and future saving goals in mind before allocating a budget for the ring.
You can also consider engagement ring financing options like Affirm or Angara’s easy-pay installments, which allow you to pay in 3 interest-free installments.
Choose the Stone
One of the most important things to know before buying lab-grown engagement rings is the type of stone you are choosing for your partner. Different stones hold different meanings. A diamond, for example, symbolizes love, strength and purity. It’s a timeless piece and complements every look. Sapphire, on the other hand, represents wisdom, virtue and good fortune.
Emeralds symbolize growth, fertility and rebirth and are known for their vibrant green hue. Lastly, rubies denote passion, courage, and love. So, pick the one that aligns with your unique love story.
Related: Best Time to Buy an Engagement Ring
Choose the Style and Setting
There are multiple types of engagement ring settings and styles. Solitaire rings are a traditional choice and perfect for those who like timeless pieces. Vintage-inspired designs, on the other hand, can offer a more rustic charm with their intricate detailing. Then, you have non-traditional and modern designs like infinity, which symbolizes eternal love, and the knot style, which represents the intertwining of two lives.
It’s best to consider your partner’s personal style and aesthetics when choosing a perfect ring style for them.
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Match the ring to your aesthetics
Choose the Shape
The shape of the stone in your lab-grown engagement ring can also impact its appearance. The stone should ideally complement your ring style, but different shapes or cuts of the gemstones highlight different properties.
For example, the oval shape is elegant and elongating, which is always considered flattering. Meanwhile, round is considered to be classic, whereas the pear cut is unique and feminine because of its teardrop shape. The princess cut is modern and chic, the marquise creates a dramatic effect, and the square is contemporary and bold.
Match the cut of your stone and the style of your ring with the personality of your partner or one that tells your unique love story.
Choose the Carat Size
Determine the size of the gemstone you prefer while choosing a lab-grown engagement ring. The carat size of your lab-grown gemstone influences the size and overall price of the ring.
One of the many perks of going with a lab-grown gemstone for your engagement ring is that you can splurge on a larger carat at a more affordable price. Since it’s a more budget-friendly option, you can indulge in the brilliance of a bigger stone without feeling the pinch.
Also Read: How to Upgrade Engagement Ring
Price
Lab-grown engagement rings are a more affordable option than natural stones. They cost up to 80% less than earth-mined stones, allowing you to get a bigger carat for a lesser price. For instance, if you’re considering a 2-carat diamond of excellent cut and clarity, the natural one would cost around $30,000, while the lab-grown one would typically cost around $1,750. That’s a huge difference!
Angara Difference
Our multi-award-winning ‘Create With Angara’ feature allows you to design your ring from scratch. You can choose from the style, the stone, the setting and the metal to create a ring that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
What’s more, all Angara lab-grown diamonds and gemstones come with an Angara Certificate of Authenticity. Lab-grown diamonds over one carat come with an IGI certification. We also offer a 30-day ring resizing policy and a 30-day free return so you can shop hassle-free. Additionally, we also offer free engraving services so you can add a special message to your ring to make it even more unique.
That’s not all. We offer a lifetime warranty with every purchase. The warranty includes free services like cleaning, re-polishing, gemstone and/or diamond tightening and re-rhodium plating.
Also Read: Engagement Ring Insurance
Lab-grown engagement rings are accessible to all, ethically sourced, sustainable and definitely here to stay. Shop lab-grown engagement rings at Angara today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What to look for when buying a lab-grown engagement ring?
When buying a lab-grown engagement ring, look for the diamond 4Cs – these will help you pick the best diamond.
2. What to know before buying a lab-grown engagement ring?
Knowing the 4Cs of lab-grown diamonds is extremely important before buying lab-grown engagement rings. These will help you determine the quality of your diamond.
3. When to buy lab-grown engagement rings
You should ideally buy your engagement ring 2-3 months before your planned proposal date.
4. How to buy a lab-grown engagement ring on a budget?
To buy a lab-grown engagement ring on a budget you can opt for a smaller carat size, choose a gold band over platinum, look for financing options or buy a pre-owned ring.
5. How to finance a lab-grown engagement ring?
In-house financing, credit cards and personal loans are some of the ways to finance the ring. When buying the ring online, you can check if the online jeweler has financing options. For instance, at Angara, you have the option to pay in installments via Affirm or choose Angara’s own Easy Pay installment plan that lets you pay in 3 interest-free installments.
6. How to insure a lab-grown engagement ring?
The easiest way to insure your ring is by adding it as a floater in your home insurance policy. For added protection, you can get standalone jewelry insurance for the ring.
7. How many carats should a lab-grown engagement ring be?
The size of the carat totally depends on your budget and your partner’s lifestyle. If you’re looking for something larger, you can opt for a carat size that’s 1 carat or larger. However, smaller sizes are completely acceptable, too.
8. What does a lab-grown engagement ring symbolize?
Lab-grown engagement rings symbolize love, commitment and a promise of a lifetime partnership.
9. How to clean lab-grown engagement rings?
Keeping a lab-grown engagement ring clean is super easy! All you need to do is take about a spoonful of detergent and mix it in four cups of warm water, dip your ring in it and gently wipe it off with a clean, soft cloth.
10. How to care for lab-grown engagement rings?
Lab-grown engagement rings should be regularly maintained. Check for loose stones, worn prongs or other repair issues to keep your ring in good condition.
11. Should I buy a lab-grown engagement ring?
If you are looking for a more ethical and affordable option for an engagement ring that doesn’t compromise on quality, a lab-grown engagement ring is the right choice.
