In the market for a perfectly cut diamond for less? Introducing the True Hearts™ Lab Grown 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 grown 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 Grown 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.
When you choose a True Hearts™ diamond, your stone can appear larger than other diamonds of the same size.
Why? A superior-cut diamond will offer better angles and symmetry, which allows light to refract more effectively.
Lesser cut diamonds will “swallow” their light, making them look smaller and giving off less sparkle and brilliance.
What To Look For In A True Hearts™ Diamond
Interested in purchasing a True Hearts™ round cut diamond? Keep the following tips in mind:
Consistency in the hearts and arrows pattern. You should see eight hearts and eight arrows, each the same size.
Even color saturation. Each red, black, and white hearts and arrow pattern should exhibit similar color distribution.
Optical symmetry is key. A symmetrical hearts and arrows pattern will result in maximum light return.
In addition to round diamonds, our True Hearts™ collection is also available in princess and cushion cuts.
Create Your Own Engagement Ring With A True Hearts™ Diamond
What’s more romantic than designing your partner’s engagement ring to their exact style AND giving them a diamond that sparkles like no other?
Design Your Own Diamond Pendant
At James Allen, we offer a wide range of pendant styles to custom-design. Pick your preferred metal, from yellow, white, rose gold, and platinum.
Diamond pendants are the perfect treat yourself gift if you’re looking for a piece of classic jewelry.
Additionally, if you’re searching for a personalized gift for someone special, a custom-made pendant is a staple accessory they’re sure to love.
Custom-Make A Unique Pair Of Diamond Studs
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.
Natural Vs. Lab Grown Diamonds
You may be wondering: What is a lab grown diamond and how is it different from natural diamonds? We’re here to clarify a few points before you decide if a True Hearts Lab Grown Diamond™ is right for you.
Lab diamonds are optically and chemically identical to natural diamonds. The only difference between the two is their origin.
Natural 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 natural 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 Grown diamonds? Check out the articles below to get more inspiration!
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!
Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.
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!
Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.
Two budget-friendly stone choices – but one clearly comes out on top. Join us as we explore the difference between moissanite vs. lab grown diamonds.
Debating between moissanite vs. diamonds? We’re breaking down everything there is to know about moissanite and lab grown diamonds to help you choose which center stone will suit your dream ring best!
Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamonds Buying Tips
Never be afraid to ask the hard question when it comes to choosing the right gem for your engagement ring. Not all of us require a diamond, and some of us want one but would definitely prefer an option that doesn’t break the bank. So, what questions should you be asking? Is a moissanite ring the way to go? Or is a lab grown diamond center stone the best fit for your budget and personal preference?
We’ll walk you through all there is to know about moissanite and lab grown diamonds to help make your choice an easy one.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite has a different chemical makeup from natural and lab grown diamonds. While a diamond is pure carbon, moissanite is both silica and carbon. As a result, Moissanite sparkles differently, more even, and is slightly less hard than diamond. However, it does look nearly identical to a diamond!
What Is A Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond, also known as a man-made diamond is a diamond that is formed in a lab instead of the earth’s crust (don’t you just love science?) Lab diamonds are chemically and optically identical to natural diamonds, the only difference is in the price tag! You’ll find that lab grown diamonds are three times less expensive than natural diamonds.
Remember, lab grown diamonds ARE real diamonds!
Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamonds
Moissanite
Lab Grown Diamonds
It looks like a diamond
It is a real diamond
Significantly cheaper than lab and natural diamonds
A budget-friendly alternative to natural diamonds
Sparkles more than diamonds
Sparkles equally to earth-made diamonds
Occurs in colorless, near-colorless, and yellow/green shades
Occur in every color
Diamond is doubly refractive
Diamonds are singly refractive
Highly durable
Slightly more durable than moissanite
Ethically & environmentally sourced
Ethically & environmentally sourced
What Are the Differences Between Moissanite vs Lab Diamonds?
As you can see from the table above, both gemstones have their advantages, but what sets them apart from one another?
Color
Moissanite comes in colorless, near-colorless, and yellow/green shades. This is perfect if you’re looking for a more traditional-looking center stone. On the other hand, lab grown diamonds come in every color under the rainbow. You will have no trouble finding an affordable white lab diamond or a fancy color lab diamond.
Price
On average, a lab grown diamond engagement ring will cost three times less than that of its natural diamond ring counterpart. But a diamond, regardless of its origin, may still prove to be too costly for a young couple or a couple with a tight budget. That’s where moissanite certainly has an advantage. If you choose to go with a moissanite engagement ring, you’ll pay almost four times less than that of a lab grown diamond ring.
If you’re looking to maximize your budget and the size of your center stone, a moissanite ring may be the best option. However, if having a real diamond is important to you or your partner, a lab grown diamond is definitely the better choice and will still allow you to get a stunning gem of high quality.
Origins
Both lab diamonds and moissanite are made in safe lab environments with fair wages. There’s also no destructive mining involved.
Durability
A gemstone’s durability is measured using the Mohs hardness scale. FYI, diamonds are the hardness substance on earth, rating a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale!
Moissanite doesn’t do too badly either, coming in a close second at 9.25 on the scale. This means your moissanite ring will remain clear and unscratched. In fact, the only thing hard enough to scratch it would be a diamond.
Can You Really Tell the Difference Between Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamond?
Yes. If you looked at moissanite engagement rings up close, you’d notice the distinctive sparkle. Not only does moissanite sparkle brighter than diamonds, but they also sparkle more colorfully, too.
Where Can I Buy a Lab Grown Diamond Or A Moissanite Engagement Ring?
Where you buy your engagement ring is a very important choice. Most, if not all, online jewelry retailers have a larger selection of engagement ring settings, diamonds, and diamond alternatives. They also have more advanced technological features and are usually much more affordable than store-bought engagement rings.
FAQs
Is moissanite a real stone?
Yes, moissanite is a real and naturally occurring mineral. However, the moissanite used in jewelry is typically lab made due to its rarity in nature.
Is moissanite worth buying?
Moissanite can be a great alternative to traditional diamonds, offering exceptional brilliance and fire at a more affordable price point. Its durability and unique optical properties make it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry.
Is there a downside to lab grown diamonds?
Potential downsides include perceived value differences and the absence of natural rarity, which can affect resale or sentimental value for some individuals.
Are lab grown diamonds considered to be real diamonds?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are considered real diamonds as they have the same chemical composition, physical properties, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds. The main distinction is their origin.
Let’s Wrap It Up
Lab grown diamonds, and moissanite are both equally good alternatives to mined diamonds. If your main concern is a tight budget, but you still want a white stone that will last and sparkle forever while looking like a diamond, moissanite is your guy!
But if you’re a socially conscious shopper who still prefers a traditional diamond ring with an affordable price tag, lab grown diamonds are your best bet.
SHOP RELATED PRODUCTS
Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!
