In the market for a perfectly cut diamond for less? Introducing the True Hearts™ Lab Created Diamond collection.
Are you gearing up to pop the question to your significant other and still deciding on an engagement ring? If you’re been exploring our website, you may be familiar with our exclusive collection of True Hearts™ diamonds and our budget-friendly but brilliant lab created diamonds.
Good news: for the first time ever, it’s your chance to score the best of both with our brand new collection of True Hearts™ Lab Created diamonds. Curious? Keep reading to get the down-low.
What Are True Hearts™ Diamonds?
When looking for a diamond cut with perfect precision, proportions, and symmetry, look no further than a True Hearts™ diamond.
How do we get the best cut? Our True Hearts™ collection is crafted by the crème de la crème of diamond cutters and features a one-of-a-kind pattern that resembles hearts and arrows.
Just in case you were wondering, this exceptional cut also results in facet positioning that acts like tiny mirrors, which contributes to its off-the-charts sparkle.
Want to shine from ear to ear? Of course, you do! Enjoy our studding stud options, from the traditional four-pong setting to bolder designs like bezel and milgrain diamond studs. Each come in different metal color options and can be set with the diamond szie of your choosing.
You may be wondering: What is a lab created diamond and how is it different from earth created diamonds? We’re here to clarify a few points before you decide if a True Hearts Lab Created Diamond™ is right for you.
Lab created diamonds are optically and chemically identical to earth created diamonds. The only difference between the two is their origin.
Earth created diamonds are sourced from below the earth’s surface.
Lab grown diamonds are created in simulated ‘below-ground’ conditions in a lab.
Needless to say, producing the special carbon arrangement of earth-created diamonds is intense. We’re talking high heat and super high pressure. Plus, very few places in the world are capable of producing earth created diamonds.
Ready to shop True Hearts™ Lab Created diamonds? Check out the articles below to get more inspiration!
At JamesAllen, engagement ring engravings are free at checkout! Looking for the right words? Get inspired by dozens of our favorite engagement ring inscriptions so you can create your moment in your own words.
Engrave Your Engagement Ring
Every couple has their own special way of communicating with each other, filled with tokens of love and had-to-be-there private jokes. We’re all about those love languages! Whatever proposal you plan will be a personalized tribute to your shared language – so why not personalize your engagement ring too? With a special inscription, you don’t have to go all-out on custom engagement rings to get personalized bands.
Engagement Ring Engraving Ideas
At a loss for words? We’ve got the inspiration for your perfect engagement ring inscription. They are chock-full of awe-inspiring personalized messages for you to take your pick of.
Get inspired by our customers’ unique engagement rings! Consider engraving your engagement ring or wedding band with your anniversary date, the place where you fell in love, your initials, a romantic quote, or a phrase with a special meaning that only you two understand.
INSCRIBE A ROMANTIC PHRASE
Sometimes the biggest emotions are best expressed in the fewest words. We love the power of these abbreviated love letters!
Nothing beats the classics! Some timeless melodies just get better with age. Take a page out of a songwriter’s book and borrow a romantic lyric for yourself.
More inscription ideas
time after time (Cyndi Lauper, ‘Time After Time’)
my love has come along (Etta James, ‘At Last’)
How sweet it is (James Taylor, ‘How Sweet It Is’)
all of me (John Legend, ‘All of Me’)
INSCRIBE A BIBLE VERSE
More inscription ideas
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
1 Corinthians 13:13: “Three things will last forever — faith, hope and love — and the greatest of these is love.”
INSCRIBE YOUR PROPOSAL DATE
Your engagement ring engraving will always bring you back to the moment you proposed, tears, joy, and all.
As romantic as they are simple, engagement ring engravings of initials or names put your soulmate-status in writing.
Inscribe a Goofy phrase
It’s what’s on the inside that counts! Choose to inscribe your ring with a reference that holds special meaning for the two of you, whether it’s a sports term, internet speaks, or Irish Gael.
…AAAND SCENE.
Do Not Remove
MY LOVE BUN
My Lobster
Put My Back On!
You + Me = Duh
Hot Wifey (Hubby) Award
Happy Now?
You Wore Me Down
SUCKER
Finders Keepers
To Love, Honor, & Irritate
Matching Phrases
You two already finish each other’s sentences, so why not finish each other’s wedding rings? Get all matchy-matchy with complementary engravings. This is particularly good for couples who have distinct styles of wedding rings, but still want to match each other.
To Infinity…
…And beyond!
∞
+ 1
Free Engagement Ring Engraving
Personalization + no extra cost – why wouldn’t you engrave your ring for free as an extra meaningful touch?
Choose your font: either block text or cursive script
Type a phrase up to 20 characters in length
Engagement Ring Engraving: Get the Message
Make your engagement ring just that much more special with a custom engraving, in a custom font, for absolutely free! Just add your text at the checkout, and your personalized ring will arrive, word-worthy and ready-to-wear.
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to a traditional diamond, you’ve come to the right place. We’re explaining the pros and cons of real diamonds and diamond simulants, so you can choose the right stone for you.
Note: At James Allen, we sell only U.S. Federal Trade Commission-certified true diamonds, which include both lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds.
What’s A “Real Diamond”?
The term “diamond” refers to a very specific stone: the crystalline form of carbon. While other forms of carbon exist, what makes a diamond special is its particular atomic configuration.
A carbon atom can bond with a maximum of 4 other atoms – and in diamond, all the available spots are taken by…other carbon atoms! That’s right, it’s carbon all the way. And this results in an extremely stable, super hard, super sparkling stone.
Lab Created Diamonds
The crystalline form of carbon we call “diamond” can be attained only through intense heat, constant pressure, and a good amount of time. Nowadays, we can achieve that in a lab in specialized machines that knock a few billion years off the cooking time. The result is a lab-made diamond that differs from an earth created diamond in name only.
If you were to look at both types of diamonds through a professional jeweler’s loupe, or if you were to inspect both diamonds on a molecular level, you would see no difference. The same result was achieved through very different processes.
Lab grown diamonds and earth created diamonds are optically and chemically identical, the only difference being their relative origins. And this difference in origin leads lab grown diamonds to flaunt a much lower price point.
Simulants, however, are not diamonds. They’re different minerals that bear a resemblance to diamonds. We’ll dig into two of the most popular diamond simulants: cubic zirconia and moissanite.
Diamond Simulants: Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite
Diamond simulants are various types of man-made stones that are synthesized for the purpose of being diamond lookalikes. These clear, sparkling stones mimic the beauty of a diamond, but at a much lower cost. However, they do display marked differences to both lab created and earth mined diamonds in non-visual traits.
Why does this matter? It’s important to remember that clarity is only one characteristic of jewelry stones. Color, resilience, and sparkle vary between these different stones; stones’ specific characteristics can greatly affect how you wear them in jewelry, and their lifetime cost to you.
Cubic Zirconia
What is cubic zirconia?
Cubic zirconia is arguably the most popular diamond simulant. It’s a man-made, crystalline form of zirconium dioxide.
How is cubic zirconia made?
In a laboratory, zirconium oxide powder is melted into various stabilizing agents at a super-high temperature of nearly 5,000 degrees F. When left to cool, this mineral mixture forms crystals, which can then be cut and polished into jewelry-grade stones.
Moissanite
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a form of silicon carbide crystal that’s synthesized in a lab. The result is a clear stone that, on the surface, bears a striking resemblance to real diamonds.
How is moissanite made?
Moissanite occurs naturally, but it’s incredibly rare. Thus, all the affordable moissanite on the market today is created in a lab.
How to distinguish between a real diamond and a simulant diamond:
Durability
The standard measurement to determine a stone’s strength is the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It describes a mineral’s resistance to being scratched and is measured from 0 (maximum softness) to 10 (maximum hardness).
Lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds:
Diamonds are the toughest stones out there. They score a maximum of 10 on the Mohs scale, meaning they can withstand absolutely anything you throw at them in your daily life. This durability is one of the reasons diamonds are the go-to stone for engagement rings, which are worn daily for decades at a time.
Because diamonds’ structure never changes, they can be passed on as family heirlooms. Both lab grown diamonds and earth created diamonds will last for, well, forever.
Moissanite
While moissanite isn’t the hardest mineral out there, it’s close. It scores a 9.25 on the Mohs scale. It’s more susceptible to scratching than diamonds are, but it still holds up extremely well to daily wear-and-tear.
Cubic zirconia
Cubic zirconia is moderately hard. At an 8 on the Mohs scale, its resilience is comparable to that of other jewelry stones like emerald, beryl, and amethyst. Because it’s scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof, cubic zirconia (particularly much-worn stones like those in engagement rings) often acquires many tiny scratches that cloud its appearance. When this occurs, a professional jeweler can recut the stone to restore its clarity.
How long do diamonds last? Well, you’ll never have to throw one out due to deterioration. As the famous De Beer’s slogan correctly claims, “A diamond is forever.” The oldest diamonds found have existed for nearly 4 billion years, and they’re holding strong.
You can rest assured that any diamond you buy, whether earth mined or lab created, can be comfortably passed down through the generations.
Moissanite
Though not as long-lasting as diamonds, moissanite will comfortably last for decades without any significant degradation in quality. However, since it’s a relatively newly recognized mineral, its exact lifespan is unknown.
Although discovered over a century ago, jewelry-grade moissanite crystals only began to be synthesized in the 1970’s and only became widely available in the 1980’s. Meaning, many couples getting engaged today with moissanite engagement rings were born before moissanite engagement rings became a thing.
Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is made for short-term wear. With daily wear, you can expect them to last less than 5 years. This means cubic zirconia is a great “for the time being” stone; you can wear it as a placeholder until you replace it with your dream diamond.
Be advised that contact with common chemicals will cause cubic zirconia to lose its shine, making it wearable for shorter periods of time. So make sure to remove cubic zirconia jewelry before doing daily tasks like putting on lotion, using cleaning supplies, or using hairspray.
Colorless isn’t the only option! Due to trace elements in their composition, diamonds can display a range of colors. Plus, diamonds’ color is permanent. It won’t change at high temperatures or fade over time.
Moissanite
Moissanite exhibits “thermochromism,” meaning that it is sensitive to a color change at temperatures above 150° F (65 C). These are usually temporary, but these heat-sensitive color changes can sometimes be permanent.
Cubic zirconia
Cubic zirconia doesn’t change color when exposed to heat, but under UV radiation it can turn color, albeit temporarily. Most commonly, it turns yellowish, light green, or white. Indoors your stone will remain clear, but if you go outside on a sunny day it may change hue.
A diamond’s sparkle is largely thanks to two qualities: brilliance and fire.
“Brilliance” is a specific term describing a gemstone’s ability to return white light. It’s measured by the refractive index; a higher refractive index indicates a greater amount of white light reflected. The more white light reflected, the brighter the gemstone appears to the human eye.
“Fire” refers to a gemstone’s ability to return colored light, and is measured by the dispersion score. The higher a gemstone’s dispersion, the more it will display a rainbow of colors.
Lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds
Diamonds have a refractive index of 2.42 and their faceting pattern returns light remarkably. They’re strikingly bright, but not too much so. Its dispersion is relatively low, at 0.044, so diamonds remain quite bright, with only minimal colorful sparkle. The combination of this brilliance (reflected white light) and fire (refracted color) give diamonds a truly balanced and unparalleled sparkle.
Moissanite
Moissanite actually has a higher refractive index than diamonds, at 2.65, and thus appears incredibly bright under natural light. However, moissanite has crazy high dispersion: 0.104. This is why it reflects back a ton of colored light, leading to a “rainbow effect” that tends to overshadow its brilliance.
The rainbow effect tends to make moissanite look fake to the well-trained eye, and is especially noticeable under natural light and in larger stones. In short, moissanite can often appear “too sparkly” under certain lights.
Cubic zirconia
With a refractive index of 2.15, cubic zirconia is the least brilliant of the bunch. Its lower score means that it reflects less light back to the eye, appearing duller than both diamond and moissanite under identical light.
It has a slightly higher dispersion than diamond, around 0.058, but isn’t very noticeable. Under natural light, it will appear quite white, but it will definitely lack the sparkle of either diamond or moissanite.
Diamonds come in every carat. At James Allen, we sell loose diamonds in a huge range of carat sizes: from petite diamonds in 0.20 carats, all the way to large diamonds that are upwards of a whopping 20 carats. Diamonds’ stunning bright white brilliance and minimal color dispersal look amazing in any carat weight.
Moissanite:
Moissanite’s intense rainbow effect increases as the stone get larger. For this reason, it’s best to avoid large moissanite stones in jewelry. Stick with the smaller sizes; under 1 carat is best. Think: diamond for center stones, and moissanite for accent stones.
Cubic zirconia:
Cubic zirconia comes in as wide a range of carat sizes as diamonds do. While you can find cubic zirconia in as large a carat as you’d like, it’s best to choose an average-sized carat (around 1 carat) both to maximize the amount of light that hits the stone and to avoid the relatively dull shine that becomes obvious in larger stones.
Traditional diamonds are the most expensive choice. The process of discovering, mining, and shipping earth created diamonds is resource-intensive; the high cost of bringing them to market has helped diamonds achieve their luxe reputation.
Lab created diamonds
For when you want a real diamond, but want to pay 30% less. Because the process of creating a diamond takes significantly less time and resources than mining a diamond from the earth do, lab made diamonds cost significantly less than earth mined diamonds.
Moissanite
This is quite affordable compared to diamond, but it’s the more expensive of the diamond simulants. Moissanite costs about half of what a traditional diamond under 1-carat costs. As a traditional diamond increase in carat weight, comparable moissanites become relatively more affordable.
Cubic zirconia
Cubic zirconia is the most budget-friendly choice. It costs next to nothing compared to a traditional diamond. While a colorless, eye-clean 1-carat diamond could cost thousands of dollars, comparable cubic zirconia will cost only a few dozen dollars.
You admire the billions of years of history contained in each stone
Choose a modern lab created diamond if:
You love diamond’s sparkle
You’ll wear your diamond jewelry often
You want a large diamond at a lower price
Choose moissanite if:
You’re on a budget
You like small-carat stones
You’ll wear your jewelry intensively
Choose cubic zirconia if:
You’re on a budget
You’ll wear your jewelry carefully and not every day
You’re saving up for a more expensive stone
Choosing the stone that suits your lifestyle is an important part of designing meaningful jewelry that will last you throughout your life. And if you choose to buy either lab-created diamonds or earth-created diamonds, you can choose from 1000’s of beautiful options at James Allen.
Get your partner and your loved ones in on the act with our Drop A Hint feature. Because friends don’t let friends lack luster!
Okay, so you’ve found your dream engagement ring on JamesAllen.com. You’ve spun it around 360° until you were dizzy with sparkle. Perhaps you’ve even tried it on for size using our Virtual Ring Try-On. So now you know what you want, what do you do?
DROP A HINT!
Drop a Hint to Your Significant Other
The world of engagement rings is diverse and complex; it’s easy for proposers to get lost in the details. Avoid confusion and get your dream ring by sending the exact ring directly to your partner. But why limit yourself to only one ring? Send a handful of possible rings to your partner so you’ll be sure to be surprised and delighted when they propose with the one you love!
Drop a Hint to your Friends
If you don’t want to tell your partner directly, get a loved one on your side! Who’s got your back? A friend? A sibling? A coworker? Send them the ring(s) you have your eye on so they can pass the info on to your partner. Either tell your SO to contact your loved one or vice versa.
Dropping a hint to your friends is also a perfect way to get second opinions. Can’t decide between two rings? Send them to your posse for a vote. Not sure what the difference is between a comfort fit and a knife-edge band? Your cousin who worked in a jewelry store in college would know. Channel-set or side stones? See what your mom thinks. Who better than your partners in shine to give your SO a nudge and a wink to ensure you’re both in perfect sync?
To drop a hint via James Allen‘s website, simply find a ring you like and click the “Drop a Hint” link above the photo of the ring. Click on it, and you’ll be prompted to choose a platform over which to send your hint: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Gmail. Or, you can simply copy the link and send it however you’d like. Click on any of the icons and you’ll be taken to that site.
Of course, with hundreds of exquisite rings to choose from, sometimes it’s hard to pick just one. If you find yourself torn between a number of sparklers, add them all to your wish list and share that with your SO.
First, either create an account or log in. Click the heart icon next to each ring to add to your wish list. Once you’re logged in, your preferred rings will be saved and you’ll be able to view them whenever you want.
Split Band Diamond Engagement Ring
“The ring was 100x what I expected. All the diamonds are set perfectly and catch everyone’s attention. My fiancée is constantly stopped by random people who are absolutely captivated by how stunning the ring is.” -Kyle K.
“A very delicate setting that’s not gaudy with diamonds, but still sparkles. The micro-pave diamonds are slanted on the sides of the band so the main diamond has all the attention, but the pavè gives it a slight sparkle to enhance it.” -Carol L.
“For me, this ring is perfect in every way. I love the unique rhombus shape of the setting when viewed from above and the gorgeous infinity knot detailing.” -Katie O.
There are other ways to signal your ring preference off JamesAllen.com. If you want to distract your partner with something shiny, here are some other surefire ways to drop a hint.
Drop a Hint on Instagram!
There are a couple of ways to share your sparkly find via Instagram. Browse our feed for inspo and save your favorites to a dedicated engagement ring collection. Review the collection at your leisure, and when you’ve decided on a particularly lovely ring (or rings), DM them to your SO! Alternatively, send them to your best friends so they can tell you what great taste you have in jewelry. Follow us to get a sparkling feed, educational info, and insider sale info!
Alternatively, if you’re the type to yell your love from the rooftops, tag your SO on Instagram using the hashtag #jamesallenrings. If they’re on IG frequently, tag them in your stories. It will disappear after 24 hours, but you can publish as much and as frequently as you want! Create an IG post and your partner will be able to review the featured rings (up to 10) as often as they’d like. However you post, don’t forget to include the ring’s style number so they can easily identify it.
“My fiancé has been told her ring is a work of art, and it’s brought many tears to people’s eyes. I’m in love with it and she is too (obviously).” – James L.
Pinterest is a great platform for collecting engagement ring inspiration. Both you and your partner can benefit hugely from utilizing Pinterest boards properly. When you’re in the early stages of getting ring-spired, collect any and all eye-catching rings on one board. As you refine your ring tastes, separate your pins into more specific boards, like “Princess Cuts” or “Pavé,” or simply start deleting rings that are no longer in the running. Once you’ve figured out your unique ring style, it’s time to drop a hint.
Pin a ring (or two) to your board or repin one of our expertly curated pins. When you’re done, make your board public and share it with your SO, or keep it private and invite them to be a collaborator. Learn how to use Pinterest to find your dream ring and you’ll be sure to get the one you love.
Pinned all your hopes on a James Allen ring? Check out our most popular pins – you’ll want to pin them to your board!
“AWESOME ENGAGEMENT RING!!! The setting is beautiful and the diamond is spectacular! I am so impressed with this diamond after seeing it in person.” -Marc P.
Now that you’ve successfully chosen the perfect sparkler, the next challenge is to keep the ring a secret so you can successfully pull off your surprise proposal.
Buying the engagement ring was way easier than you thought! Maybe you even designed it yourself! But the hard work isn’t over! Now you have to keep it a secret from your SO. You’re up against an opponent whose curiosity knows no bounds. To pull this off, you’re going to need an airtight game plan and nerves of steel!
How To Shop For Your Engagement Ring In Secret
We’ve already discussed the benefits of shopping for a surprise ring versus collaborating with your SO. If you’re going the route of keeping the ring a secret, you’ll want to ensure you don’t leave a footprint – digital or otherwise – that could blow your cover.
Shopping For The Ring Offline
First, never use a joint bank account! One option is to set up a new account specifically for buying the ring (you can close it once they say Yes!). Or you can pay with an old credit card that only you know about. Oh, and don’t withdraw a large sum of money from the ATM; that’s a dead giveaway.
Shopping For The Ring Online
When ring shopping online, if you share computers/devices with your SO, make sure you sign out of all their accounts before starting to plan your surprise proposal. If you absolutely must print something out, don’t leave that smoking gun sitting in your printer tray.
The Best Places To Hide Your Engagement Ring
Normally there’s no safer place to store your ring than the ring box it came in. However, there’s no getting around the fact that it’s still a box that will draw curiosity, and unless your partner is already aware of the ring, you might want to consider switching the box for something less obvious.
With Trusted Family/Friends
Storing the ring with a trusted friend or family member until you’re ready to pop the question is great because it literally keeps the ring off your property. They can’t find something that isn’t there! Just be careful not to choose anyone who would be tempted to “spill the beans.”
Hard-To-Reach Places
Every home has a nook and cranny your partner just can’t reach, or a dark closet they never go in. These can be great options! Just make sure there is NOTHING in there they will need to go searching for! Pick the deepest, darkest, least convenient place and you will be good to go.
In An Old Pair Of Shoes
Finally, those old shoes you never wear have a purpose! Make sure it’s a pear your partner never touches, would not clean, and would not throw out! (Can you imagine?!) Throw in some potpourri, so the shoe stink doesn’t transfer, put them in a secure place, and wait for that big moment!
At Work
If your office is secure or there is a secure option, your work can be a great place to store the ring! After all, even if your partner is visiting, they are not rifling through your office! And if they are, try a co-worker’s office, a safe, or similarly secure place at work.
In A Gym Bag
Whether you’re a gym junkie, a little league coach, or have a leftover gym bag from your high school glory days, this is another great option. Just make sure it’s not in a pocket where your partner might need something, say your water bottle or to get your gym towel for the laundry.
In A Book
Make sure you are choosing a book that 1) your partner does not use (like a cookbook) or 2) was intending to read. 3) Make sure it is not a book they would recommend to a friend, and 4) choose a book you don’t mind cutting a ring-box size hole in!
How To Hide A Ring While Traveling
Whether going by car, train, plane, or even by foot, if you are planning to pop the question while traveling, you’ll want to review our tips below to ensure your partner gets the surprise of a lifetime!
Pack the Ring in a Carry-On Bag
Pack the ring in your carry-on, never a checked bag. Unfortunately, bags get lost all the time. Don’t chance it. Make sure the ring is always with you!
Follow Airport Security Rules
Don’t let a TSA agent blow your surprise proposal! Make sure you know airport security rules and make sure it’s very secure. And, of course, follow all airline security rules to avoid being stopped and searched.
So pack it discreetly! Your bag may be searched and you don’t want your cover blown! Consider using non-traditional packing in case this happens.
Look Into Engagement Ring Travel Insurance
Safety first! Another option is travel insurance for your engagement ring. James Allen has partnered with Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company to help you protect your ring with comprehensive coverage.
Anything can happen at any time, and this can be especially useful if you or your beloved are frequent travelers. Be sure to check if coverage is domestic, international, or both.
Find a Discreet Safe
Once you arrive at your destination, you need to keep the ring both hidden and secure. If you are staying at a hotel, find out in advance if there is a hotel safe you may store the ring in.
Another option is to keep the ring in an indiscreet spot in your suitcase. Once you have unpacked, slip the ring into a location your SO won’t be checking, and keep the suitcase tucked away until it’s time!
Keeping The Ring A Secret: Unboxing Your Engagement Ring
The Hidden Presentation Box
Only once you peel back the outer carton does it start to get more interesting.
The first thing you’ll notice is an elegant presentation box embossed with the James Allen logo. This doubles as a jewelry box and even has a drawer for keeping your diamond certificates, cleaning cloth, and whatnot. Nestled on top is a small red box that houses the main attraction: the engagement ring.
Keeping the Ring A Secret: Customer Service
If the logistics of keeping the ring a secret seem like Mission Impossible, our Customer Service reps are on hand to help. These masters of misdirection can be reached 24/7 via live chat, phone, and email. They know every trick in the book and can even suggest ways to distract your unsuspecting SO.
Keeping The Ring A Secret FAQs:
What if my partner receives the package?
It’s worth noting that our packages require a signature upon delivery. If you’re uncomfortable receiving yours at home or are worried that your partner or someone else might intercept it, we can help you find the best place to ship to.
What about the safe in the hotel room?
Don’t leave it in your hotel room safe if your SO is likely to use it; instead, ask the concierge if you can leave it in the safe at the front desk.
Is it safe to leave the ring unattended?
If you need to leave the ring unattended, just make sure it is safe. Invest in a VERY good lock, ensure it is a secure location, or leave it where someone is around 24/7 to guard it.
Final Thoughts
Perfect partner? Check! Fabulous ring, stashed safely? Double check! Now just wait for that big moment. They’ll say yes, start showing off the ring, and you can sit back and revel in a job well done! Let us know where you stashed your sparkler on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter.
Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!
Sarah is a stickler for grammar and prefers to use the Oxford comma. She enjoys her career as a writer since being a professional snowboarder/powerlifter/pastry chef didn’t pan out.
Lab grown diamond or earth created diamond? We’ve got all the info you need to live your best sparkling life with the perfect diamond for you!
Lab created diamonds have become increasingly popular and are pretty much the new kids on the jewelry block. Like many new unknowns, people are a little skeptical at first when they hear about lab grown diamonds, but rest assured, they make for a perfect alternative to earth created diamonds. Let’s start with some basic facts so you can decide with 100% confidence which sort of sparkle sets a twinkle in your eye.
What Is A Diamond
Diamonds are carbon atoms. When they’re arranged in a very particular structure, you get the tough and beautiful stone we know and love. Producing this special carbon arrangement in nature demands conditions that are intense. We’re talking high heat and super-high pressure. Needless to say, very few places in the world are capable of producing earth created diamonds.
The Key Difference Between Earth and Lab Created Diamonds
Earth created diamonds are sourced from below the earth’s surface, whereas lab created diamonds are created in simulated “below-ground” conditions in a lab.
To put it simply, their origin is the only difference between these two types of diamonds.
Technology has advanced to the point that we don’t always have to go digging for our precious stones; we can simulate the necessary extreme conditions in specialized pressure chambers in a lab.
Lab created diamonds are grown from tiny carbon “seeds” that develop in these chambers over months, as scorching gasses deposit carbon atom-by-atom onto the original seed. Lab created diamonds even develop their own unique characteristics (inclusions, clarity, etc.) along the way, and once they’re fully grown, they’re cut into the shape that suits their qualities best.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Diamond
Picking a diamond isn’t easy, there’s your budget to consider, your partner’s preference for cut, clarity, carat, and color, and its rarity factor.
Cost
One of the biggest upsides to lab grown diamonds is that they’re generally about 30% more affordable than earth created diamonds.
Why?
The diamond-growing process is less resource-intensive than the diamond-mining process. It simply costs less to grow a diamond in a lab than it does to mine a diamond from the earth, and those savings are passed along to diamond shoppers. That means that for the same cost, you can purchase a lab created diamond that’s 30% larger than an earth created one but just as dazzling.
Value
Earth created diamonds are the classic choice. Lab created diamonds are the fresh choice.
There is no doubt that earth created diamonds contain millennia of history, tradition, and romance. They are one of nature’s most incredible products. Drawn from deep within the earth, these sparkling treasures have been proudly flaunted by generations upon generations – paving the way for you to carry on the tradition.
Lab created diamonds, on the other hand, are the next step in diamond history. Technically speaking, they’re brand new. But traditionally speaking, diamonds are diamonds forever. Lab created diamonds give their wearer a unique chance to create new memories.
Both earth created diamonds and lab created diamonds hold their sparkle forever, so they’ll be just as beautiful when you pass them on as heirlooms as they are when you wear them on a night out.
Cuts & Colors
Both earth created and lab created diamonds are available in nearly every shape and color – even fancy colors!
Colorful diamonds, like canary yellow ones, are quite rare. Their shocking hues are caused by trace amounts of non-carbon elements, like nitrogen. By adding these elements to a growing diamond in its pressure chamber, lab grown diamonds take on the samefancy colors as earth created diamonds.
Good news: any diamond can be cut into any shape. When it comes to diamond cuts, you truly are spoiled for choice!
GIA Certified Lab Created Diamonds
Like all earth created diamonds, lab grown diamonds also come with their very own birth certificate (GIA Certification).
Since lab grown diamonds are optically and chemically the same as mined diamonds, they come with their own certification. Today, most lab created diamonds are certified by IGI, International Gemological Institute. Additionally, these diamonds are being accepted and certified by the GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, which has developed sophisticated devices that are used to screen and identify the difference between natural diamonds and lab grown ones.
Should You Get a Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring
The short answer is, why not? Here are 5 reasons to choose a lab created diamond engagement ring:
1: Budget-Friendly
You’re able to maximize your budget and walk away with a bigger center stone for your engagement ring if you choose a lab created diamond. Furthermore, it might not even be about the size of the ring, but more about being able to get the diamond of your dreams for a third of the price.
2: An Ethical Choice
Lab grown diamonds are an ethical choice because they are guaranteed to come conflict-free since they’re not mined.
3: Stress-Free Shopping Experience
Most online jewelry retailers with customization options, like our very own ring studio, allow you to choose your preferred center stone. That means you’re able to inspect your diamond options (often in real-time), and browse at your own pace.
4: Lab created diamonds are REAL
This can’t be emphasized enough, both lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds have the same chemical, optical, and physical properties. A lab created diamond is not a diamond alternative like moissanite, it’s the real deal.
5: Unique
Lab grown diamonds are unique in their own right. Not only can they be cut and shaped to your heart’s desire, but they can be cut to absolute perfection. Our True Heart™ diamonds are a premier collection of perfectly cut diamonds, known for their flawless internal symmetry and proportions.
Choosing the stone that suits your lifestyle is an important part of designing meaningful jewelry that will last you throughout your life. And if you choose to buy either lab created diamonds or earth created diamonds, you can choose from 1000’s beautiful options at James Allen.
A whole heap of our favorite celebs has shown up lately sporting some sick new sparkle. Brace yourself, you’re about to get obsessed with these celebrity engagement rings!
What? Did someone say celebrity engagements? Mmmmmm, yes we did. Because if there’s one thing we love about our famous counterparts, it’s that they’ve got enviable style.
We’re so starry-eyed over their fashion sense that we’ve put together a lineup of celebrity engagement ring lookalikes. Read on to slice off a piece of their celeb shine!
Emma Stone + Dave McCary
Emma Stone and Dave McCary got engaged this past December with one of the most unique engagement rings we’ve seen in years: a pearl and diamond beauty! The two had been dating for nearly two years. Dave McCary, a writer for SNL, popped the question and the Oscar-nominated actress said yes, announcing their engagement in an adorable Instagram post.
These two were made for each other, just like this gorgeous pearl ring was made for you!
Our favorite melodic “Pitch Perfect” star proposed to his now-fiancée, Chloe Bridges, with an emerald-cut diamond in an elegant solitaire setting. Adam announced their engagement in a sweet Instagram post: “You are my best friend and I’m thrilled you want to get old and wrinkly with me!” Can we all agree that they’re the sweetest?!
Get your version of Chloe Bridges’ beautiful solitaire with this stunning ring that’ll make you positively hum with lustre.
Super athletes skier Lindsey Vonn and football player PK Subban are such a perfect couple that they got engaged TWICE! This past summer, PK proposed to Lindsey. Two months later, Lindsey proposed to PK! She posted on Instagram: “We talk about equality but actions speak louder than words. Men should get engagement rings too and this is what PK deserves.” Their couple dynamic is serious #goals.
Plus, we are not disappointed to get DOUBLE the celebrity engagement rings!
“Slumdog Millionaire” actress Freida Pinto and photographer Cory Tran announced their engagement with some of the most beautifully-shot engagement photos – EVER. But those pics can’t compare to the stunning engagement ring that took center stage to these two beautiful people.
One reason we love celebrity engagements? We get seriously inspired. So inspire yourself with this vintage engagement ring!
Legendary rock climber and famed subject of the Oscar-winning film “Free Solo” Alex Honnold pulled off the cutest Christmas proposal to his girlfriend Sanni McCandless. According to Sanni, it was characteristically chill: “He said, do you wanna keep doing what we’re doing? And I said, yes 🙂”
Her engagement ring is similarly sweet and simple! Grab your own celeb ring lookalike: a yellow gold setting with subtle diamond accents.
Supermodel Jourdan Dunn said yes to rapper beau Dion Hamilton and YES to a stunning diamond halo and pavé engagement ring. Her oval diamond is impressive (to say the least), clocking in at nearly 2.5 carats and surrounded by a halo of lovely accent diamonds.
Talk about celebrity inspo – ready to design your own dream version of Jordan’s incredible ring?
Oh, Martha – how DO you do it? The Victoria’s Secret model and photographer Jason McDonald sealed the deal with one of our favorite celebrity engagement rings. Her sparkler stars a nearly 3.5 carat cushion-cut diamond accented with tapered baguette diamonds. “I have a secret…” she captioned an Instagram post of her shushing the camera with her bedazzled left hand.
Your own tapered baguette ring is just waiting for you to say yes!
Obsessing over one (or more) of the celebrity engagement rings in this post? Share the love on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or in the comments below!
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