Even if you’re not much of a jewellery wearer, the lure of a diamond is hard to resist.
Forged under unfathomable amounts of both time and pressure, the gemstones are the hardest material on the planet and amongst the most treasured.
One of the reasons they are so very expensive and prized is that they are incredibly rare and take around 3.3bn years to form - that’s nearly three-quarters of our planet’s total age. Mined from deep inside the Earth, they were often associated with wars, deforestation, ecological catastrophe, and bloodshed, earning them the undesirable moniker - conflict diamonds.
Now, with the advancement of technology, there’s a 21st century way to wear these dazzling rocks in an ethical and socially responsible way: lab-grown diamonds.
How are lab-grown diamonds made?
Also known as man-made or cultured diamonds, they are literal carbon copies of the gems found in the earth, except for the fact that they take less than a month to develop in a controlled environment.
Scientists take tiny diamond ‘seeds’ and grow them by putting them under high pressure and temperatures so that layers of carbon form rapidly over it. As well as clear diamonds, labs can also make them in rare shades like pink and yellow.
What’s the benefit of lab-grown diamonds?
This method is an all-round winner: no environmental impact, no land-grab, zero wars. Just beautiful jewels for all to enjoy at a snip of the cost of earth-mined diamonds, typically around 40 - 50 per cent less on the RRP. It’s no wonder they’re fast becoming the top choice for those looking to get on bended knee.
According to research by Money.co.uk, lab-grown diamonds on a recycled metal band is the most popular sustainable wedding trend, having been saved an astonishing 57,112 times. The same study found searches for ‘lab-grown diamond engagement ring’ have increased by a whopping 179 per cent in the last 12 months, showing couples are becoming more eco-minded when it comes to their ‘I do’s’.
With more brands offering sustainable and ethical lab-grown diamonds, there’s more choice than ever.
So we’re here with a helping hand and curated edit to help you shop for diamond rings with ease.
See our favourites below
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Lark & Berry Aerides Diamond Dress Ring
The flash of a diamond ring is mesmerising, no matter if it’s earth-mined or lab-grown - although in our opinion, a cultured stone shines more brightly thanks to its ethical edge. Gaze at this stunning 18k white gold design studded with lab-grown diamonds and sapphires all day, because as the brand notes, “no one should need a reason to wear something this beautiful.” If you’re hoping to offer it as a proposal, it’s a hard rock to turn down.
Buy now £3500.00, Lark & Berry
Brilliant Earth Petite Twisted Vine Diamond Engagement Ring
Another option primed for popping the Big Q, this jaw dropping ring won’t fail to get the right reaction. It features a glistening strand of pave diamonds framing the central rock which you can get in various shapes, although we think the symmetry of the round suits this look the best. You can rest assured that all Brilliant Earth’s gemstones come from a conflict-free source but they’re not all lab-grown. Some are recycled stones, but the good news is, neither method requires new mining - and that is only a good thing. The ethical jeweller also offers a selection of fashion and stacking rings as well as other pieces at impressive prices.
Buy now £1170.00, Brilliant Earth
Pandora Brilliance Diamond 14k Gold 1.00 Carat Ring
Best known for its collectable charms, Pandora has added a fresh collection to its offering, aimed at empowering modern women. Named Brilliance, it uses lab-grown diamonds across its earrings, necklaces, bracelets and other pieces to bring guilt-free shine to your jewellery box. This modern infinity design puts a 1ct stone in the centre of the 14k yellow gold frame, offering a timeless piece of jewellery to love every day. Also available in white gold and various carat weights.
Buy now £1290.00, Pandora
The Diamond Store Anastasia Lab Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K White Gold 1.30ct G/SI1
Offering a vast array of diamond jewellery (including watches), The Diamond Store is one of the biggest purveyors of the precious stone to be found on the Internet. Head to its Sustainable Lab Diamond Engagement Rings section if you’re looking to fall in love; each design feels lovelier than the last. We’re captivated by the Anastasia, which features a cushion cut solitaire framed by a double halo setting, diamonds studded throughout the 18K white gold band. Destined to become a family heirloom.
Comes with a five-year guarantee.
Buy now £1385.00, The Diamond Store
Mejuri Wishbone Stacker Set
Things are more fun it twos; a fact jeweller Mejuri knows and appreciates with this double ring set. Designed to be worn together, the wishbone-shaped bands are both set of 14K solid gold, with one finished with a string of pave diamonds, sourced from socially responsible suppliers who offer conflict-free stones. Comes with a two-year warranty and available in a selection of sizes.
Buy now £350.00, Mejuri
Monica Vinader Skinny Eternity Ring
A fancy ring at a price that won’t make you wince, this fashion design from Monica Vinader is made with ethically sourced diamonds and recycled gold and silver for the band. A great gift for a friend - or just a lovely treat for yourself.
Buy now £295.00, Monica Vinader
Edge of Ember Constellation Diamond Ring - Yellow Gold
Bring the diamond of the sky to your (almost) fingertips with this ring from Edge of Ember’s Conscious Collection, which uses 100 per cent recycled metals and white and yellow man made diamonds. This unusual celestial-inspired design is perfect for a little self-treat splurge with a price tag that just nudges past £200. We think you’ll agree, that’s not bad for a bona fide diamond ring.
Buy now £225.00, Edge of Ember
Kimai The Jackie Ring
Kimai started out with just a small collection of lab-grown diamond studs but the jeweller became so popular, it now offers a selection of stunning engagement rings too.
Kimai pairs its ethical stones with recycled 18k gold, creating usual designs like this Jackie ring where the pear-shaped stone seems to float along the band.
Kimai is all about creating future-forward jewellery without the social and environmental cost of traditional mining. Fans include the likes of Emma Watson, Jessica Alba and Meghan Markle.
Buy now £1075.00, Kimai
