How to Choose the Perfect Lab Created Diamond Engagement Ring
September 18, 202512 min read
Let's bereal—choosing an engagement ringisn't just another shopping trip.It's that heart-fluttering, once-in-a-lifetime decision that tells your unique love story without saying a word. Pretty exciting, right? After all, this little circle of sparkle will live on your finger forever (no pressure!).
Lab-created diamonds are transforming the jewelry scene—especially at North and South Jewelry, wherewe've been perfecting our craft in Fullerton since 1988. These ethical gems give you all the sparkle of natural diamonds without the ethical question marks or the jaw-dropping price tag.That's what we call affordable luxury! Each stone is hand-selected to complement our modern minimalist designs, where we marry old-world craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics thatwon't go out of style when the next TikTok trend hits.
Short on Time? Quick Answers
Q: Are lab-created diamonds real diamonds?
A:Yes. Lab-created diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. The only difference is their origin.
Q: Are lab-created diamonds cheaper than natural diamonds?
A:On average, lab-created diamonds cost 30–50% less than mined diamonds of the same size and quality, allowing you to get a larger or higher-quality stone for your budget.
Q: How long do lab-created diamonds last?
A:A lifetime. They are just as durable as mined diamonds and can be worn every day without losing their sparkle.
Q: How do I choose the right lab-created diamond?
A:Focus on the 4Cs — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — plus your preferred shape and setting. Look for stones certified by reputable grading labs like IGI or GIA.
Q: Will anyone be able to tell the difference?
A: No. Even professional jewelers need special equipment to distinguish lab-created from mined diamonds.
In this article, we will explore:
The keydifferences that set lab-created diamonds apart.
How to navigate the famous 4 Cs without needing a gemology degree
The fun part: choosing shapes, metals, and settings that feel authentically "you"
Budget-friendly strategies that our hundreds of 5-star Google reviewers love
Insider tips on finding a trustworthy jeweler (spoiler: check their reviews!
Join us on this journey as we help you discover the perfect lab-created diamond engagement ring that reflects your personal style and values.
Understanding Lab-Created Diamonds: The Science Behind the Sparkle
Lab-created diamonds (sometimes called lab-grown diamonds) arebasically a modern marvel. Think of them as diamonds that skipped the whole "spending billions of years underground" thing and instead grew up in a controlled environment—kind of like howyou'd prefer a greenhouse tomato to one that randomly sprouted in your backyard.
Two main techniques bring these beauties to life:
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This methodessentially recreates the crushing pressures and intense heat found deep within Earth's mantle.It's like a time machine that condenses millions of years of natural diamond formation into just a few weeks!
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): A bit more high-tech, this approach starts with a tiny diamond "seed" and adds carbon atoms layer by layer—almost like 3D printing a diamond. Pretty mind-blowing, right?
The result? A genuine diamond with identical physical, chemical, and optical properties to mined diamonds.They're not "fake"—they're just diamonds with a different origin story.
Why SoCal Couples Are Choosing Lab-Created Diamonds
So how do lab-created diamondsactually stack up against the mined variety?Let's break it down:
Money talks.
Andit's saying "thank you" when you choose lab-created diamonds, which typically save you 50-60% compared to mined stones of the same quality. Imagine upgrading to a larger center stone or adding those accent diamondsyou've been eyeing—without the financial hangover. For our Fullerton clients, this often means staying within their ideal $2,000-$5,000 engagement ring budget while getting a significantly more impressive stone.
Ethics matter.
Remember those uncomfortable "blood diamond" conversations? With lab-created diamonds, that worry disappears entirely. Your gorgeous ring comes with peace of mind built right in—no mining conflicts, no worries. Many of our clients specifically seek us out after discovering our commitment to ethical sourcing (just check our reviews!).
Mother Earth approves.
The environmental footprint of growing diamonds in a lab? Dramatically smaller than digging massive mines. For our eco-conscious couples (we see you, plant parents!), this is often the deciding factor. Southern California'senvironmentally-aware culture aligns perfectly with our sustainable approach to luxury.
Busting Common Myths About Lab-Created Diamonds
Despite their rising popularity (just scroll through our@northsouthjewelry Instagram to see how many of our customers are choosing them!), some myths about lab-created diamonds persist
"They're not real diamonds." False! They have identical chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as mined diamonds. Even professional gemologists need specialized equipment to tell the difference.
"They don't last as long." Nope! Lab-created diamonds score the same perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale as mined diamonds. Your lab-grown diamond will sparkle just as brilliantly on your 50th anniversary as it does on your engagement day.
"They look different." Not even close! The sparkle, fire, and brilliance are identical—because, well, they are identical in structure. No one at brunch will know the difference (unless you proudly tell them about your ethical choice!)
The 4Cs : Your Diamond Quality Crash Course
Alright,let's talk diamond quality basics. These four characteristicsdetermine your diamond's beauty and value—but theydon't have to be complicated!
1.Carat : Size Matters (ButIt’s Not Everything)
Diamond carat weight is measured in carats, where one carat equals 0.2 grams (about the weight of a paperclip). While bigger stones make a statement, sometimes a slightly smaller diamond with exceptional cut willactually appear larger and sparkle more impressively.
Many of our Fullerton clients find their sweet spot between 2-3.0 carats for lab-created diamonds—substantial enough to turn heads but still comfortably within budget. Remember, with the cost savings of lab-created diamonds, you might be able to size up more than you initially thought!
2. Cut: The Sparkle Factor
If diamonds were Olympic athletes,cut would be their athletic performance.It'show well the diamond has been shaped to reflect and refract light—essentially, how much it sparkles when it catches the light.
Cut grades range from Excellent to Poor, and this is one area where wedon't recommend compromising. A well-cut 1-carat diamond will outshine apoorly-cut 1.5-carat stone every time. At North and South Jewelry, our in-house artisans are obsessed with cut quality—it'skind of our thing (just saying).
3. Clarity: Perfectly Imperfect
Clarity measures the tiny internal characteristics (inclusions) and external blemishes in a diamond. While flawless diamonds exist,they're rare and come with a premium price tag.
Here's a pro tip from our 35+ years of experience: Most inclusions are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye. Choosing a VS1 or VS2 clarity (very slightly included) gives you a visually clean diamond at a much friendlier price point.Your friends will never see the difference, but your walletdefinitely will!
4. Color: The White Factor
Thediamond color scale runs from D (completely colorless) to Z (light yellow). While D-F diamonds are premium priced for their icy appearance, G-J diamonds appear colorless in most settings, especially when set in yellow or rose gold.
For our modern minimalist designs, we only source D-F color grades lab grown diamonds— because of how affordable lab grown diamonds are,we’ll only get thebest without unnecessary markup.
Finding Your Perfect Diamond Shape
Just like finding the perfect pair of jeans,diamond shapes have different personalities that can complement your style:
Round Brilliant: The classic choice that never goes out of style. With maximum sparkle and timeless appeal,it's our most requested shape in our Fullerton showroom. About 60% of our Southern California clients gravitate toward this eternal favorite.
Princess Cut: Modern, architectural, and slightly edgy with its square shape and pointed corners. Perfect for the contemporary minimalist aestheticthat's so popular in Southern California design right now.
Cushion Cut: The perfect balance between a square and round shape, offering substantial sparkle with a slightly softer look. Increasingly popular among our boho-chic Orange County clients.
Oval Cut: Currently trending among our Instagram followers! This elongated shape creates the illusion of a larger stone and looks stunning on any hand shape. Celebs love this one (and so do our style-conscious clients).
Radiant Cut: The ultimate hybrid that combines the angular shape of an emerald cut with the brilliant faceting of a round. This rectangle with trimmed corners offers incredible sparkle and a contemporary feel. Increasingly popular among our Orange County clients who want maximum fire in a unique shape.
Emerald Cut: For the old-soul romantics and architecture lovers. The step-cutfacets create dramatic flashes of light rather than sparkle—think glamorous vintage Hollywood.
Marquise Cut: Eye-catching and distinctive with its elongated shape and pointed ends. This shape maximizes carat weight appearance and creates a lengthening effect on the finger. Perfect for the bold, fashion-forward SoCal bride who wants something a bit different from the crowd.
Come visit our Fullerton showroom to try different shapes on your hand—what looks perfect in your Pinterest board might feel different onceit's on your finger!
Metal Magic: Choosing Your Band
The metal you choose creates the foundation for your diamond's brilliance.Here's our quick guide to metals that complement lab-created diamonds:
White Gold: Our most popular choice among millennial couples, offering acontemporary look that allows your diamond to be the star. Requires occasional rhodium plating tomaintain its bright appearance.
Yellow Gold: Making a major comeback!Adds warmth and a touch of vintage appeal. Particularly flattering for warmer skin tones and creates beautiful contrast with the white sparkle of your diamond.
Rose Gold: Our Instagram “prop-worthy” darling! This blush-toned metal offers romantic, feminine appeal that stands out from the crowd. The subtle color creates a distinctive look that photographs beautifully (hello, ring selfies!).
Platinum: The luxury choice. Naturally white, incredibly durable, and hypoallergenic. Slightly heavier than gold, giving asubstantial feelon your finger. Though it comes with a higher price tag,many clients find the durability worth the investment.
Our team can help you match the perfect metal to your lifestyle, skin tone, and existing jewelry collection during your consultation.
Setting Styles: How to Showcase Your Diamond
The setting not only secures your diamond but also defines the ring's overall character. Our most requested settings include:
Solitaire: Clean, classic, and eternally elegant. This setting places all attention on your center stone—perfect forshowcasing lab-created diamonds' exceptional clarity and brilliance. Our minimalistSophi solitaire, with its sleek lines, high profile, and unique side details has been our best-seller since 2020.
Halo: For added sparkle,a ring of smaller diamonds surrounding your center stone creates maximum impact and can make your center diamond appear up to half a carat larger. Southern California brides often choose this for its camera-ready sparkle. (Wehaven’t met any brides thatdidn’t like more sparkle!)
Three-Stone:Representing your past, present, and future, this meaningful setting offerssubstantial presence on your finger. Our modern interpretation features sleek lines that keep this classic feeling contemporary.
Understanding these elements will guide you in creating an engagement ringthat's not only visually stunning but also perfectly aligned with your personal style preferences.
Quality Verification: What to look for
Unlike that impulsive vacationpurchase you later regretted, an engagement ring deserves careful consideration:
Proper Certification:Every lab-created diamond at North and South Jewelry comes with certification from respected laboratories like IGI or GIA, documenting the 4 Cs and confirming its lab-grown origin.We'll explain exactly whatyou're looking at during your consultation.
View Under Different Lights: Diamonds perform differently under various lighting conditions. Our Fullerton showroom features special lighting stations that simulate daylight, office lighting, and romantic restaurant lighting so you can see how your diamond performs in real-world scenarios.
Examine the Setting Quality:Quality craftsmanship shows in the details. Look for precise prongs, smooth finishes, and secure stone setting.As a custom jeweler with in-house artisans, we proudlyshowcase our craftsmanship up close.
Smart Budgeting: Making the Most of Your Investment
Lab-created diamonds already offer significant savings, but here areadditional insider tips from our 35 years in the industry:
1. Prioritize Look Over Size:
A diamond that sits beautifully on your finger will always create more impact than simply going for the largest carat your budget allows. With lab-created diamonds being so affordable, you have the freedom tofocus on what truly enhances your hand.
Our clients consistently find that a thoughtfully chosen, moderately sized stone with exceptional cut qualitygenerates far more compliments than a larger diamond thatdoesn't align with their hand's proportions or personal style.
2. Predictable Pricing
The controlled production environment of lab-grown diamonds ensures a more consistent pricing model compared to mined diamonds, which can fluctuate based on market demand and mining conditions.
3. Consider “Just Under” Carat Weights:
A 1.80-1.90 carat diamond can lookvirtually identical to a 2.0 carat stone butcost significantly lessdue to thehow diamonds are priced.
Pro-Tip: When it comes to visual differences, thedifferences are so minute that it will beunnoticable – unless compared side-by-side.
4. Custom Design Efficiency
Quality craftsmanship shows in the details. Look for precise prongs, smooth finishes, and secure stone setting. As a custom jeweler with in-house artisans,we proudlyshowcase our craftsmanship up close.
Finding a Trustworthy Jeweler
Not all jewelers are created equal when it comes to lab-created diamonds.Here's how to find one worthy of your business:
When evaluating retailers, consider the following:
Assess Their Selection: Do they offer a comprehensive range of lab-created diamonds, or just a few? Our extensive collection ensures you have genuine choices.
Transparency Matters: A trustworthy jeweler will openly discuss the pros and cons of different options without pushing you toward the most expensive choice.
After-Sale Service: Inquire about warranties, cleaning services, and future maintenance. Our lifetime warranty reflects our confidence in our craftsmanship.
The Custom Design Journey at North and South Jewelry
We begin with a relaxed consultation where we discuss your vision, preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Bring photos, Pinterest boards, or even just descriptive words—we'll help translate your ideas into design possibilities.
Phase 2: Design Development
Our in-house designers create detailed sketches or 3D renderings of your custom ring. This iterative process allows you to visualize and refine your design untilit's perfect.
Phase 3: Artisan Crafting
Once your design is approved, our master craftspeople hand-fabricate your ring in our workshop. Eachcomponent is meticulously created, from casting the metal to setting each stone.
Phase 4: The Reveal
The momentyou've been waiting for!We'll invite you to our showroom for the big reveal, where you can see, touch, and try on your completely unique creation. (Yes,we'vewitnessed many happy tears during this phase!)
Many of our custom design clients become lifelong friends, returning for anniversary bands, family jewelry, and eventually,recommending us to their friends—which we consider the highest compliment.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Decision
Choosing the perfect lab-created diamond engagement ring is about finding that magical balance between beauty, ethics, durability, and value. At North and South Jewelry, we believe this decision should feel joyful rather than stressful.
Whetheryou're just starting to explore or ready to say "yes" to the ring, our team in Fullerton is here to guide you through every step. Our no-pressure approach ensuresyou'll find a ring that feels authentically "you"—one that will continue to spark joy (and actual sparkles) for decades to come.
QHow are lab-created diamonds different from cubic zirconia or moissanite?
Unlike diamond simulants (such as cubic zirconia or moissanite), lab-created diamonds have identical physical, chemical, and optical properties to mined diamonds. They ARE diamonds—just created in a controlled environment rather than extracted from the earth.
QDo lab-created diamonds hold their value?
While all jewelry is primarily a personal investment rather than a financial one, lab-created diamonds offer exceptional value for what matters most: beauty, durability, and ethical sourcing. They enable you to invest in higher quality and larger stones than might otherwise be possible within your budget.
QCan I insure my lab-created diamond ring?
Absolutely! Most major insurance companies cover lab-created diamonds just like mined diamonds. We provide detailed appraisals and documentation for insurance purposes.
QDo lab-created diamonds come in colored varieties?
Yes! Beyond the traditional colorless diamonds, lab-created diamonds can be found in fancy colors like blue, pink, and yellow—often at much more accessible prices than their mined counterparts. These make stunning center stones or distinctive accent gems.
QWhat financial benefits do lab-created diamonds offer?
Lab-created diamonds typically cost less than mined diamonds, allowing you to manage your budget more effectively while still obtaining a high-quality stone. This cost advantage enables you to allocate more funds toward other aspects of your engagement ring or wedding plans.
QHow long does the custom design process take at North and South Jewelry?
Typically 2-4 weeks from initial consultation to finished piece, though this can vary based on design complexity and current workload. We recommend starting the process at least two months before you plan to propose.
QCan I upgrade my lab-created diamond in the future?
Absolutely! North and South Jewelry offers trade-up options for clients wanting to celebrate anniversaries or other milestones with a size or quality upgrade. Upgrades are handled case-by-case individually.
My now fiance and I were exploring ring options. It was pur first or second day, and we ran across North and South Jewelry. We spoke with Justin, who was extremely helpful in giving the details and processes that they provide for the customized ring development. After a couple of months of searching, I knew they would be the right fit. I sent them a sample of the ring I was looking for with the extra customizations, and they were able to get the ring for me in time to propose to my lady in Japan. She fell in love with the ring, and I will absolutely be recommending any custom jewelry options to North and South Jewelry. It was perfect, thank you so much!
