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!
Think you can tell the difference between earth created diamonds and lab grown diamond engagement rings? We’ll put you to the test with some of our best diamonds!
Although lab grown diamonds are created in a lab, they are real diamonds and have the same physical, chemical, and visual properties as earth created diamonds.
This striking similarity begs the question: Is it possible to tell the two apart?
You don’t need to be an expert to try and give it a go. We’re showing off some of our customers’ favorite custom-designed engagement rings. Some have lab diamond center stones, and others are set with mined diamonds. Keep scrolling to see if you can spot which is which.
Did you know that it takes earth made diamonds billions of years to form, whereas a lab grown diamond can be created in under 10 weeks? That’s right! Scientists have managed to recreate special chambers which replicate the exact environment needed for diamonds to form.
Another fun fact about lab created diamonds is they come in every shape, size, and color as earth created diamonds. While some fancy color diamonds are extremely rare, you wouldn’t struggle to find your favorite color as a lab diamond.
Any luck differentiating between the diamonds? Don’t fret if not. Even the experts can’t tell the difference between lab created diamonds and mined diamonds with the naked eye.
Let’s tally up your scores and see if you guessed correctly. For each set, we’ll go from left to right:
Lab grown | Earth
Earth | Lab grown
Earth | Lab grown
Lab grown | Earth
So, how’d you do??
What’s The Difference Between Lab Created Diamonds And Earth Created Diamonds?
If you found it difficult to spot the difference, just know you’re not the only one! 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.
Getting The Best Diamond Ring For Your Buck
Modern-day consumers will be happy to hear that lab grown diamonds are generally more affordable than earth created diamonds, giving you a 30% larger stone for the same cost!
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. If you’re looking to maximize your budget without compromising on quality and sparkle, lab created diamonds are a great choice for you.
Worth It? We Think So
There’s no doubt that earth created diamonds contain millennia of history, tradition, and romance. While these diamonds are the classic choice, lab grown diamonds are an affordable option and equally fresh. No matter what you decide, both diamonds hold their magnificent sparkle forever!
Final Thoughts
Were you able to tell our lab grown and earth created diamonds apart? Here’s the bottom line: Both are winners! Lab grown diamonds offer equal brilliance and sparkle as earth created diamonds. That being said, if you’re looking to maximize your budget without compromising on quality, a lab grown diamond may be calling your name.
Something sparkly catches your eye? At James Allen, we’ve got loads more jewelry up our sleeve. Browse our stunning assortment of wedding rings, tennis bracelets, men’s engagement rings, and more to spoil your significant other (or yourself!) today.
Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!
Despite the excitement, we know buying an engagement ring can be one of the most stressful and time-consuming activities. That’s why we’ve come up with ten helpful tips on how to buy an engagement ring for men and women. Let’s get started!
Research The Best Place To Buy An Engagement Ring
Before considering the what, when, and how, you should establish the where. There are plenty of places to buy your engagement ring, each with its own pros and cons. From online retailers to reputable jewelry stores, finding a vendor you can trust is key to getting the best ring for your buck.
Shop Online
Buying your engagement ring online may seem daunting, but the right company can ensure a perfect fit with more convenience than you imagined. Not only will online vendors offer you a wider selection of diamonds and ring settings, but you’ll have more options to personalize your ring due to their larger inventory and technological features.
Online vendors are the way to go if your main concern is getting a gorgeous ring that works with your budget. They’re consistently cheaper than jewelry stores by 20-100%. Not to mention, many, if not all of them, offer lab created diamonds which are 30% cheaper than earth made diamonds.
You’ll almost always find the best value diamond rings online, not in local stores.
Shopping locally may give you a sense of ease if you’re familiar with the stores, but you could be limiting your ring options. Chances are your partner has something specific in mind, and the best way to meet those expectations is to find out if those stores offer what they want. Whether the proposal is a secret or you’re shopping for the ring together, you’ll need to know if your partner experiences love at first sight with the ring options available to them.
The sad truth is that engagement rings can often be marked up well beyond reasonable margins. Don’t be afraid to negotiate! It’s your job to find a jeweler willing to work with your budget and get you the best quality ring.
A great way to start looking for reliable jewelers is by finding one that is affiliated with a professional trade association, like the GIA. We definitely recommend that you shop around and make comparisons to get the best deal on your dream ring!
Know The 4Cs
Having a solid understanding of the 4 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat) will help you make an educated decision on buying a diamond or gemstone for your ring. The quality and beauty of each gem can differ dramatically.
Diamond Cut
The cut of a diamond not only refers to the diamond’s shape but also refers to how effectively the diamond returns light back to the viewer’s eye. A well-cut diamond will appear brilliant and fiery, while a poorly-cut diamond can appear dark and lifeless, regardless of its color or clarity.
Diamond Color
When shopping for a diamond, choosing a stone with the least amount of color is generally preferred. Diamond color is graded on a scale from D-Z and is divided into five broad categories (colorless, near colorless, faint, very light, and light). Diamonds come in all colors of the spectrum. The predominant color in a diamond is yellow, which is caused by the trace element nitrogen.
Diamond Clarity
It is important to select a diamond that does not have any inclusions that will affect the overall beauty and durability of the diamond. If you want to be 100% sure that your diamond will be completely clean of “eye-visible” inclusions, stick with diamonds graded “VS2” or higher.
Diamond Carat Weight
Carat is a term that refers to the weight of a diamond. Before the twentieth century, diamonds were measured using carob seeds, which were small and uniform and served as a perfect counterweight to the diamond. The word “carob” is the origin of the word “carat” used today.
Understand Your Diamond And Alternative Center Stone Options
Traditionally, a diamond center stone was expected, but modern times call for more innovation and definitely a smarter financial choice for your forever ring.
Popular gemstones like sapphire, ruby, and emerald can look just as glamorous as any diamond. Gemstones can be cut to any fancy shape and fit well in every metal color. They’re also cheaper per carat, making things easier on your bank account.
Still want a diamond? Try a lab grown diamond as opposed to a more expensive natural diamond. Remember, lab created diamonds are optically and chemically identical to earth created diamonds; the only difference is the price tag. Lab diamonds are three times less expensive than natural diamonds and shine just as brightly.
Narrow Down The Diamond Shape You Want
The fun part of buying an engagement ring starts here. The classic round diamond is the most popular center stone, known for its fiery brilliance and glamorous appeal. But don’t let that steer you away from other shapes.
Other round shapes like oval and cushion cut diamonds are just as stunning on the finger. Square shapes like radiant, Asscher, and princess cut offer a bolder aesthetic, while emerald, pear, and marquise cut diamonds have the wonderful tendency of looking larger than diamonds of the same carat weight and giving the finger a slimming effect.
From style to budget, there are plenty of factors to consider when deciding on the metal for your engagement ring. The most popular engagement ring metals are yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, and sterling silver.
Before buying your engagement ring, it’s important to determine which metal color your partner prefers. Once that’s been taken care of, it’s easier to make a solid choice.
Choosing a metal color should go hand in hand with the color grade of your diamond choice. Our next point is all about a diamond inspection. Read on to understand why it’s important to inspect your diamond and how that knowledge will help you to make better decisions about metal colors and even setting choices.
Make Sure You’re Able to Evaluate Your Diamond Up Close
Before buying your diamond, we highly recommend that you have a diamond consultation where you’re able to inspect your diamond up close with a professional. Why is this so important?
To find the best diamond for your budget.
To have important details about your diamond pointed out that you might miss on your own.
To save money.
Guide you to the perfect diamond and, eventually, engagement ring.
Inspect your diamond in 360° HD and 40x zoom with the guidance of a professional gemologist! Our Real-Time Diamond Inspection is a game-changer for online ring shoppers.
Choose The Best Setting For Your Budget
While the diamond or gemstone center stone will likely be the first thing people notice about your engagement ring, picking the right setting is still imperative.
Depending on the size and shape of your stone, some settings will either work, or others will no longer be options. Personality also plays a huge role in picking a ring setting. For plain and simple, we always love a good solitaire or bezel setting. For maximized sparkle, three-stone, halo, and pavé ring settings will never let you down.
When picking a ring setting, always have your budget in mind and the style expectation of the ring recipient.
Get An Accurate Ring Measurement
You can save yourself a lot of stress and heartache by making double-sure you have your partner’s correct ring size. This ring buying tip is one we recommend you don’t skip!
There’s nothing worse than proposing to your favorite person only to get the ring stuck or have it fall right off. You can get the correct ring size by:
Asking a friend or family member to help you get your partner’s finger measured.
Take one of their existing rings to a jeweler and get it measured in a store.
Use the old string and ruler method while they’re sleeping.
Try our virtual ring try-on using your smartphone.
Make Sure Your Jeweler Is Certified
We always encourage buyers to ask for diamond certification and to shop with jewelers who provide them. Check that your chosen retailer can produce a certificate from these reliable laboratories (GIA and AGS). These labs provide accurate, reliable, and consistent gradings of factors such as cut, color, clarity, and more.
Having one of these certificates verifies that the diamond you’re receiving is 100% the diamond the vendor is selling you.
Consider How Your Engagement Ring Will Look With Your Wedding Ring
Matching engagement rings and wedding bands are kind of a thing, so there is no shame in preemptively buying both simultaneously. Matching ring sets can ensure your partner’s two rings fit perfectly together and may save you time and money closer to your wedding.
The fancier the ring setting, the harder it may be to find a well-fitting wedding band. So remember to keep that in mind while you shop for your engagement ring.
Let’s Wrap It Up
We hope our ten tips for buying an engagement ring help you during your shopping process and prepare you for all the many boxes you need to check off before you swipe your credit card.
You can also contact us if you need help finding your dream engagement ring. Our diamond and jewelry experts at JamesAllen.com are always available to answer any questions you may have.
Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!
Keeping up with trends can be difficult. If you’re planning for 2022 to be the year of your proposal, start off on the right foot by taking a look at what’s trending in the world of engagement rings.
As we make our way through 2022, we see what engagement rings are already trending. Whether you are shopping together or planning a surprise proposal, you want a ring you’ll both love forever.
After the upheaval of the past few years, it’s becoming clear that ring-shoppers are finally feeling more stable and certain regarding the future – and they’re no longer holding back on the sparkle. 2022 is shaping up to be the year of the bling. Get ready for large diamonds and lots of them!
Pavé EngagementRings
Pavé is popular, has always been popular, and will likely always be popular. It is no wonder why pavé engagement rings are dominating in 2022. They’re beloved due to their impact: size ratio.
Pavé diamonds are tiny – so they’re affordable, and pavé rings normally contain dozens of them – so you get ALL the facets. Pavé-set diamonds give rings a uniquely glittery quality, thanks to the hundreds of delicate facets that refract light in different directions with even the slightest shift of the finger.
Why aren’t pavé rings more expensive if they’re set with so many stones? Well, it’s because diamonds increase in value as their carat weight goes up, but the price increase is somewhat exponential.
In other words, a ring with a handful of tiny diamonds with a total weight of 1 carat will almost always cost less than a single, 1 carat diamond engagement ring. You get more diamonds, and you pay less.
Vintage Engagement Rings
We have all seen how thrifting and second-hand shops are all the rage in fashion, and engagement rings are no exception. Vintage engagement rings give that one-of-a-kind, antique feel. You get the style of today, inspired by the best styles from the past.
Cathedral settings are part of this popular trend thanks to their style, which mimics the arches of old church cathedrals. Whether you are choosing a classic diamond or a colorful gemstone, this eye-catching design will highlight your choice beautifully.
Cushion cut engagement rings are also part of this trend. With their timeless style and vintage appeal, cushion cut diamond engagement rings are a classic choice that will always be on the cutting edge of fashion.
Contoured Ring Sets
Everyone loves a matching set, right? Well, that’s why this style is at the top of 2022’s trends. These sets, which include a curved wedding ring to match your gorgeous engagement ring, were made to go together…just like you and your beloved!
There’s something particularly satisfying about a wedding ring that’s literally made for your engagement ring. Your center diamond is lovely on its own, wait until you see how it looks with your custom-made wedding band!
Advantages of matching wedding sets:
No need to search for a wedding band
It’s guaranteed that your wedding set will sit perfectly flush to your engagement ring
More of a good thing: if you love your engagement ring, you’ll get more of what you love in your wedding ring
All-in-one purchase: you can purchase both your rings at once, which can save you money.
Check out this inspo and get your own matching set!
Rose Gold Engagement Rings
Rose gold just oozes romance. Its vintage appeal with modern flair makes it doubly trendy and its warm color makes it irresistible. Rose gold engagement rings are a great choice in addition to the more traditional yellow or white gold options and are ideal for the lover who wants a ring that is timeless, elegant, and effortlessly stylish.
This gorgeous metal looks great with both classic colorless diamonds and gemstones that share the metals warm hue. A favorite of many celebs, rose gold engagement rings are no longer just the choice of those seeking an “alternative,” rose gold is now a mainstream trend that looks like it is here to stay.
Hidden Diamond Details
They say the devil is in the details, but in this case, the dazzle is in the details. Hidden diamond details are all the rage for 2022 and why not? Who doesn’t want to sparkle more?
Hidden diamond details are simply, small diamonds hidden in details on your engagement ring. More sparkle where you’d least expect it. Nothing wrong with that!
At James Allen, we believe sparkle is life, the more the better! That’s why our Ring Studio has this feature.
But wait, what’s the Ring Studio? Our Ring Studio allows you to design your engagement ring with the metal, stone, and setting of your choice. Numerous personalization options will have you feeling like a jeweler yourself!
One of these many options is the “Surprise Diamond.” This diamond is neatly placed at the base of the prong setting on your engagement ring. Adding just a bit more bling for the love that makes you shine.
Gemstone Engagement Rings
A pop of color doesn’t just complete a room, it can also complete your dream engagement ring. While diamond engagement rings often get all the glory, gemstone engagement rings have been popular since time immemorial and have fast become a top trend of 2022.
Gemstone engagement rings don’t just add color, allow you to express your personal style, or look gloriously glamorous; gemstone engagement rings add that something special you just can’t put your finger on (pun intended!).
Check out this inspo and create your own colorful masterpiece!
Fancy Black Diamond Engagement Rings
A black diamond to match your black heart? Try a fancy black diamond to match your incredible style and stay with 2022’s top trends. Nothing goes against the grain of traditional colorless diamonds while staying chic AF, as a fancy black diamond engagement ring.
Rock that Main Character Energy when you sport one of these black beauties; whose popularity has only grown since being spotlighted by the one and only Carrie Bradshaw in the hotly anticipated Sex and the City reboot.
Oval Diamonds
Oval diamond rings have always been popular and continue to find their spotlight in 2022. The way the oval elongates and flatters just about any finger makes this stone a modern classic. The soft edges allow the diamond to look stunning on its own or shine extra bright when highlighted by a pavé or halo setting.
Seen on the hands of royals for centuries and consistently worn by a bevy of celebrities, oval diamond engagement rings are a trend that will forever be in style.
Lab Created Diamond Engagement Rings
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: lab created diamonds are the stones of the future. Though lab diamonds were popular before 2022, the COVID pandemic and supply chain disruptions made them an even more attractive choice for ring shoppers.
Their alluring pricing and superb quality earned them first place on diamond enthusiasts’ wishlists, particularly those who are budget-conscious; for the same price as an earth-created diamond, consumers can get a lab grown diamond that’s 30% larger!
We don’t see this trend waning; on the contrary, sales of lab created diamonds have continued to increase year after year. Despite their different origins, earth created and lab grown diamonds are 100% chemically and structurally identical.
The difference in price comes from the fact that it’s much easier, and quicker, to grow a diamond in a lab than it is to locate and wrest it from deep within the earth. Creation process aside, once they arrive at your door they are completely identical in terms of quality, durability, and sparkle. That’s why we consider lab created diamonds to be the ultimate life hack.
Final Thoughts
If you’re shopping for rings in 2022, keep an eye out for pavé, vintage-inspired, lab created diamonds, and more! Creativity is king in 2022, and you are the designer.
Go for a classic oval diamond or a bold fancy black diamond, be perfectly seamless with a contoured set and grab a rock bigger than you imagined with a lab created option, either way, these 2022 trends will be in style long after we ring in the new year.
But most importantly, choose what you and your partner will love. Still unsure? Check out our Virtual Engagement Ring Try On so you can try it before you buy from the comfort of literally anywhere! Learn more about our virtual try on here.
Got more questions? Just Ask! At JamesAllen.com we’re at your service 24/7.
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.
When it comes to buying an engagement ring online, take it from those who have perfected the art of getting it right time and time again. Join us as we explore the many tools available to you for your online ring shopping experience.
The Choice Between Lab-Created Diamonds Or Earth-Made Diamonds
When buying an engagement ring online, you’ll find you have a wider variety of diamond and gemstones center stones available to you. While some people prefer the traditional natural diamond, the perks for investing in lab created diamond alternatives are growing.
Lab grown diamonds and earth-created diamonds are optically and chemically identical. If you were to have both diamonds professionally inspected, you would find no differences. The only noticeable difference is the price tag. A lab created diamond is by far the more budget-friendly option.
Our wide range of loose diamonds includes a TrueHearts™ collection of cut-to-perfection lab-grown diamonds. Whatever your preference, you’ll have one of the largest collections of loose diamonds to choose from.
“James Allen removed any doubt of buying a ring online by providing top-notch customer service.” – Carl L.
Custom-Designed Rings
A customized ring is not only a great way to remain in control of the design and online buying process, but it also gives you the best chance to add a personal touch to your engagement ring.
We’ve even got you covered if your ideal ring is something you’d like to design from scratch by yourself.
“This beats any jewelry store experience I ever had by a long shot.” -Phillip D.
Full Transparency With 360° Display Technology
Feeling uncertain is not a good look for anyone committed to buying an engagement ring online. That is why every diamond we have is photographed with 40x or greater magnification in 360°. This can help you genuinely understand the diamond’s beauty, shape, cut, color, clarity, and sparkle like never before.
It is the most vivid 360° diamond video viewing experience in the world, and you can have it at your convenience in the comfort of your own home. This technology leaves nothing to the imagination and allows you and your partner to make the best possible decision outside of an actual showroom.
“Great deal, great company. I will definitely buy another band for an anniversary in the future.” – Ward J.
Virtual Try-On
It looks beautiful on the site, but how will it look on your or your partner’s finger? Believe it or not, technological innovation is making that worry a thing of the past. All you need is a smartphone!
We believe your ring-trying experience should suit your lifestyle. When purchasing an engagement ring, it’s even more important to try it on before making your final decision.
So, how does this make buying an engagement ring online more convenient? With our virtual engagement ring try-on, you’re able to snap a shot of your hand and virtually place your ring of choice on your finger for you to oh and ah at, eliminating any second-guessing you might have. What can be better than trying on an endless selection of rings at any time or place?
FYI: This is an engagement ring-only, smartphone-only feature. Wedding rings and laptops need not apply.
“Exactly as expected. I would order this again and James Allen has been very professional to work with.” – Raymond M.
Find The Perfect Diamond Using The Four C’s
Buying your engagement ring online is easy when you have an education center at your disposal. Here are a few key points to understand before picking out that perfect center stone:
Cut
The first, and arguably most important, C is the cut of the diamond. Here you can decide between several fancy shapes like pear, oval, marquise, and cushion-cut, to name a few. If your partner wants their diamond to really sparkle and shine, spend some extra time choosing which cut might match their preference best. The classic round cut is usually the most flawless and brilliant.
Color
The color grade of your diamond can range from D-K. Most diamonds have a visible trace of yellow in their body color, whereas white diamonds are colorless. Fine white diamonds are pretty rare, and you also have some unusual natural colors to choose from, better known as fancy colored diamonds. The closer to a colorless diamond you go, the more expensive it will be.
Clarity
The clarity of your diamond may differ depending on whether it has any natural external blemishes or internal inclusions. Here, you may be looking for a diamond with zero imperfections or maybe one with a bit of character to it. The clarity of a diamond is directly impacted by its cut, something for you to keep in mind.
Carat
The final C is carat, referring to the standard weight of your diamond or gem. One carat is 0.20g, and most couples are comfortable going with an engagement ring that has a center stone from 0.50 to 1.5 carats. Here, your partner may already have a size in mind or might be more concerned with getting a whiter or clearer diamond instead of a bigger one. It always helps to ask or find out.
Most Popular Fancy Shaped Diamonds
As we mentioned before, diamonds can be cut into various round, square, and elongated shapes.
Buying an engagement ring online allows you to choose from a wider variety of fancy shaped diamonds. The most popular center stone choice is the brilliant round cut, followed by the oval cut. Both diamond shapes can offer you maximum sparkle.
For something that’ll give your partner a slimmer-looking hand, try out the elongated diamond cuts like a marquise or the very elegant pear-shaped diamond.
For a bolder touch, take the emerald, princess, and Asscher cuts for a 360° HD spin and watch them shimmer on your setting of choice. Whether you’re looking for the most romantic shaped diamond or one that’ll give your partner the most finger coverage, you’ll have more variety and chances to get it right if you customize your ring online.
“Prompt service. Extremely well crafted!” -Timothy M.
We’re Here To Help
Finding the perfect engagement ring comes with stress, questions, and a lot of second-guessing. At James Allen, we offer you 100% free advice and will assist you in understanding the best diamond quality for your budget and unique preferences.
Contact our customer service team and chat with non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts 24-7 regarding any questions you have about buying an engagement ring online and the process around it.
Happy shopping!
Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first order!
Proposal plans in motion for 2021? You might want to take notes.
With 2020 coming to a close, we’re looking forward to fresh starts and sparkling new styles in the year ahead. From the return of the classics to pops of color and a rise in personalized rings, the new year is set to have it all. People are raising their glow game with bright, bold choices to achieve that #winning ring selfie while staying true to what fits their unique personality. Keep scrolling for our predicted 2021 engagement ring trends.
1. Colorful Stones
We previously anticipated a rise in colorful gemstones back in 2020 and expect the trend to continue into the new year. Keep your eyes peeled for gemstones, especially sapphire and emerald. You can never go wrong by incorporating a birthstone into your chosen ring – it’s an expression of your unique style and creativity. And did we mention they’re absolutely breathtaking?
Following a year of challenges and uncertainty, people are all about keeping it simple (and sparkly!) in 2021. Solitaire rings not only spotlight the center diamond beautifully but seamlessly compliment every personality and style. We also predict an upward trend of split shank engagement rings, where the band beautifully splits into two on each side before joining the center diamond.
Today, more people are choosing to add their two cents into the ring-making process, with some couples even designing a ring together. In 2021, we’re predicting a rise in custom-made engagement rings and non-traditional styles. Speaking of customizing, we recommend adding a free engraving to your ring at checkout for an extra special touch. Need ring-spiration? Feast your eyes on some of our customer creations, then try your hand at designing your very own.
There’s no doubt that earth created diamonds contain millennia of history, tradition, and romance. But what about the new sparkle on the block? We’re referring to lab created diamonds of course – an equally dazzling and cost-effective alternative which we’re expecting to explode in 2021.
Lab created diamonds are optically and chemically identical to earth created diamonds and are generally about 30% more affordable. Plus, they look great with every ring, no matter what you choose.
Yellow gold engagement rings have gained serious traction in 2020 and show no signs of slowing down in 2021. This warm, luxurious metal pairs with almost any outfit, giving its wearer an instant boost of style and undeniable elegance. Why choose a yellow gold ring? Gold is yellow by nature, so the color of the metal stays vibrant and is easy to maintain, allowing you to keep your sparkle in tip-top shape through the new year and beyond.
Two budget-friendly stone choices – but one clearly comes out on top.
In their search for that perfect sparkler, ring shoppers who want to maximize their budgets inevitably end up checking all the different options. Moissanite has historically been a good option for wallet-wary shoppers, but it’s also worth noting that the surge in lab created offerings and the significant lowering of retail prices have made lab created diamonds an excellent, wallet-friendly option.
So yes – at first, lab created diamonds and moissanite can seem quite similar… and this can be an extremely perplexing issue! But you’ll soon find that they’re not similar. At all.
To put it bluntly:
LAB CREATED DIAMONDS = REAL DIAMONDS
MOISSANITE = NOT DIAMOND
“Ok,” you say.
“Tell me more.”
Lab created diamonds are real diamonds! They’re chemically, structurally, and visually the same as the earth created diamonds we all know and love. The only difference is that the high-pressure, high-temperature, diamond-creating conditions that usually take place deep underground are instead performed in a lab. Because it’s easier to create lab conditions than to mine diamonds underground, lab created diamonds can be significantly more affordable than earth created diamonds.
Moissanite isn’t a diamond, it’s a silicon carbide! It’s synthesized in a lab under a thermal growing process. This silicon carbide crystal is a completely different material that looks very similar to diamond but is still an imitation of the real thing. Moissanite is often marketed as a cheaper alternative to diamond, but it’s an inferior option given the pricing and availability of ‘real’ lab created diamonds. Moissanite doesn’t have anywhere near the same brilliance or clarity as a real diamond, and it has none of the fire.
Let’s size up lab created diamonds and moissanite over 6 traits:
1. COLOR PERMANENCE
LAB DIAMONDS A diamond’s color is everlasting. The lab created diamond you buy today will look exactly the same when you eventually pass it down to your grandchildren.
MOISSANITE Moissanite exhibits “thermochromism,” meaning that it is sensitive to color change at temperatures above 150° F (65 C). These are usually temporary, but these heat-sensitive color changes can sometimes be permanent.
2. COLOR
LAB DIAMONDS Colorless to extremely colorful. Diamonds can exhibit a full range of colors, from intense fancy colors (canary, purple, pink) to completely colorless.
MOISSANITE Moissanites usually display warmer tints, often exhibiting slight yellowish or greenish hues.
3. SPARKLE
LAB DIAMONDS Lab created diamonds have a refractive index of 2.42 and their faceting patternreturns light remarkably. The combination of their brilliance (reflected white light), fire (refracted color) and scintillation (surface sparkle) give diamonds their unparalleled true sparkle. Brilliant and sparkly!
MOISSANITE Moissanite actually has a higher refractive index than diamonds, at 2.65, and their faceting pattern is different, leading their brilliance to display a “rainbow effect.” 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.
4. IDEAL SIZE
LAB DIAMONDS Lab created diamonds sparkle the same at any carat weight. Go big, go small, go whatever you like.
MOISSANITE Moissanite’s exhibits a “rainbow effect” which can look fake and is especially noticeable in larger moissanite stones. Stick with smaller sizes.
5. WEAR-AND-TEAR
LAB DIAMONDS Diamond is the hardest stone (it has the highest rating of 10 on Moh’s hardness scale). It’s not susceptible to scratching.
MOISSANITE Extremely hard (9.25 on Moh’s hardness scale), but is still more susceptible to scratching than diamonds.
6. COST
LAB DIAMONDS Diamonds are usually the more expensive choice. However, lab created diamonds are the affordable diamond option, allowing you to get a 30% larger stone for the same cost as earth created diamonds.
MOISSANITE Moissanites are a cheaper option, though buyers must take into account the lifetime costs of maintenance like jeweler cleanings. Moissanite’s value is mostly sentimental.
The Conclusion:
We at James Allen believe the overall resiliency, beauty, and affordability of lab created diamonds make them #1 choice for budget-friendliness. Moissanite simply doesn’t compare.
And now for our picks: pieces that show off all the sparkle of lab created diamonds. And after you’ve chosen your lab created diamond, ensure you’ve gotten the best deal by using our Diamond Price Match Guarantee and by chatting with our legendary customer service team.
Three-Stone Emerald-Cut Engagement Ring
“This is the most sparkly ring I’ve ever seen. I feel like a million bucks!” – Teresa T.
