Why Choose Lab Grown Diamonds for an Engagement Ring?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They're created in a laboratory using pure carbon under extreme heat and pressure, replicating the natural process that forms mined diamonds deep underground. The finished stones have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties. Same crystal structure, same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), same fire and sparkle. To the naked eye and under standard jewellers' tools, there is no visible difference and it takes specialised equipment to tell them apart.
They are not diamond simulants. They're graded by independent gemological laboratories on the same 4C scale: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
Lab grown diamond engagement rings cost 40 to 70% less than mined diamonds of the same quality. That opens up options. You might choose a larger carat weight, a higher clarity grade, or a more detailed setting than your budget would allow with a natural stone. Lab grown diamonds also carry a smaller carbon footprint, with no mining, no habitat disruption, and no conflict sourcing.
Styles and Diamond Shapes
Your engagement ring should reflect your personal style, and the diamond shape is one of the biggest decisions in that process. Every shape we offer is available with lab grown diamonds.
Solitaire settings put the focus entirely on the centre stone. Clean, minimal, and suited to any diamond shape. A solitaire with a round brilliant lab diamond is the most popular combination we make. Three stone (trilogy) rings use a larger centre diamond flanked by two smaller stones and carry a sense of symmetry and meaning. Halo designs surround the centre stone with a ring of smaller diamonds, adding visual size and detail. Toi et moi, side accent stones, and vintage-inspired settings round out our range.
On shape, round brilliant offers the most light return and is the most forgiving on clarity. Oval elongates the finger and gives a larger face-up appearance for the same carat. Emerald cut suits people who prefer clean, architectural lines. Pear, elongated cushion, radiant, marquise, and princess each bring something different. If you're unsure, our expert jewellers can walk you through how each shape looks on your hand during a consultation at our Hyde Park studio.
Custom Lab Grown Engagement Rings
Every lab grown diamond engagement ring at Harry & Co is made to order, and full customisation options are available. You choose the diamond shape, the setting style, the metal (white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum), and the level of detail. Our expert designers work with you through the process, from first conversation to finished ring, with detailed renderings before we begin crafting.
Lab grown diamonds give you more room in your budget, which means the perfect ring is often more achievable than you'd expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. They have the same hardness, structure, and brilliance as mined diamonds. They are not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. The only difference is that lab grown diamonds are created in a laboratory rather than extracted from the earth.
How much cheaper are lab grown diamond engagement rings?
Lab grown diamonds cost 40 to 70% less than a natural diamond of the same size and quality. The exact price depends on the carat weight, colour, clarity, and setting design you choose.
Are lab grown diamonds durable enough for everyday wear?
They rank 10 on the Mohs scale for hardness, making them resistant to scratches and suitable for everyday wear over the life of the ring. They perform at the same level as mined diamonds in every measurable way.
Can I customise my lab grown engagement ring?
Every ring is made to order. You choose the stone, shape, metal, and setting. If you have a specific design in mind, our jewellers can create it from scratch. Book a consultation at our Hyde Park studio or contact us to get started.
Do lab grown diamond engagement rings come with certification?
Every lab grown diamond we use is graded through independent gemological laboratories and comes with a certificate covering cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. The stone is also laser-inscribed with its report number.