A lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond are chemically the same stone. The difference is where they came from, and often the price.
Choosing an engagement ring can be confusing, especially with so many options now available. Here is a plain guide to the main choices.
The stone
Natural diamonds. Mined from the earth, formed over millions of years. They are the traditional choice and hold a strong cultural meaning. Prices depend on the “four Cs”: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.
Lab-grown diamonds. Created in laboratories using technology that reproduces the conditions in which diamonds form. They have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as mined diamonds and cannot be told apart by eye. They usually cost much less than natural diamonds of similar size and quality, and their prices have fallen as production grows. Reputable sellers disclose that a stone is lab-grown and provide a certificate.
Moissanite. A different mineral, silicon carbide, now made in laboratories. It is very hard and sparkles strongly, with more colourful flashes than diamond. It costs much less than diamond and is popular with couples on a budget.
Coloured gemstones. Sapphires, rubies and emeralds offer colour and personality. Some are softer than diamond and need more care.
The metal
Common choices include yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum. Gold is measured in karats: 18k contains more gold than 14k and is softer. Platinum is durable and naturally white but more expensive. Many couples match the engagement ring metal with their wedding bands.
Getting the size right
Borrow a ring your partner wears on the correct finger, or ask a close friend or relative to help discreetly. Jewellers can resize most rings, but some designs are difficult to resize.
Buying safely
- Buy from reputable jewellers with clear return and resizing policies.
- Ask for certificates for diamonds and lab-grown diamonds from recognised grading laboratories.
- Get receipts that describe the stone and metal.
- Consider insurance for expensive rings.
- Be wary of deals that seem too good, especially online.
Budget
There is no rule for how much to spend. Old advertising slogans suggesting months of salary were created by the diamond industry. Spend what you can afford without debt, especially with a traditional wedding list and ceremonies still to pay for.
Wedding traditions
In Ghana and Nigeria, the engagement ring is often included in the items presented at the traditional wedding, and couples exchange wedding bands at the church or court ceremony.
The ring is a symbol of a promise. The promise matters more than the size of the stone.
