The 25 Best Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings for Every Style & Budget
Did you know about 6 in 10 couples now choose a lab-created center stone for their engagement ring? The Knot Jewelry and Engagement Study* has tracked the rapid rise of lab-grown diamond engagement rings over the years, revealing a massive shift: Market adoption has surged more than 400% since 2019.
And it's easy to see why. When it comes to lab-grown diamonds versus natural diamonds, the most significant difference is price. Lab diamonds offer identical chemical composition and brilliance to their mined counterparts at a fraction of the cost. This has led to a decline in the average engagement ring cost, but an increase in the average carat size. Talk about getting more bling for your buck! Add in their lower environmental impact, and choosing a lab diamond becomes a total win-win.
So, if you're part of the 40% of respondents who said having a lab-grown diamond ring is important to you, you're in the right place. We've rounded up the most reputable lab-grown diamond jewelry companies alongside our favorite designs from each to help you find your (or your partner's) dream engagement ring.
In this article:
- Our Top Picks for Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings
- Best Places to Buy Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings Online
- How to Shop for a Lab-Grown Engagement Ring
- Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings You Can Buy Online Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About Lab-Created Diamonds
Our Top Picks for Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings
IMO, one of the best parts of being an editor at The Knot is getting to look at beautiful engagement rings all day. Out of everything I've browsed, these are my favorite lab-created diamond rings, no matter which stone shape you love.
- Best Lab-Grown Round Diamond Engagement Ring: Blue Nile Classic Tapered Solitaire Engagement Ring, from $1,500
- Best Lab-Grown Oval Diamond Engagement Ring: James Allen Marquise Cut Lab-Grown Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring, from $1,620
- Best Lab-Grown Pear Diamond Engagement Ring: Brilliant Earth Secret Garden Diamond Ring, from $2,980
- Best Lab-Grown Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring: Jean Dousset Elle Solitaire Lab Diamond Engagement Ring, from $2,050
- Best Lab-Grown Princess Diamond Engagement Ring: VRAI Veiled Halo Ring, from $1,265
- Best Lab-Grown Marquis Diamond Engagement Ring: Clean Origin Autumn Ring, from $1,940
Best Places to Buy Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings Online
Below, we've rounded up the best places to shop online or in-store for a lab-grown diamond engagement ring. If you prefer to buy locally, check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find top-rated jewelers near you.
Blue Nile: For over 25 years, Blue Nile has been a trusted leader in fine jewelry. While the retailer operates brick-and-mortar showrooms across the country, its advanced website makes shopping online just as effortless. The experience is fully customizable, allowing you to browse predesigned styles or build a custom lab-grown diamond ring from scratch. Even better? Popular designs from sister brand James Allen are now available as an exclusive, curated collection directly on Blue Nile.
Best for: Extensive diamond inventories, custom ring builders and sister-brand James Allen designs.
Brilliant Earth: Founded in 2005 with a mission to make the jewelry industry more transparent, inclusive and sustainable, Brilliant Earth prioritizes ethical sourcing across all its designs. The brand uses 100% recycled metals alongside ethically sourced natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Best for: Ethically sourced natural and lab-grown diamonds set in 100% recycled metals.
Charles & Colvard: Charles & Colvard was actually the first jeweler to introduce lab-grown moissanite, a rare gemstone formed from silicon carbide, back in 1995. Since then, they've expanded to lab-grown diamonds and other gemstones paired with 100% recycled precious metals.
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Best for: Lab-grown moissanite pioneers and recycled metal gemstone settings.
Clean Origin: Clean Origin is a minority-female-led retailer known for combining traditional jewelry craftsmanship with modern sustainability. The brand offers an extensive collection of engagement ring settings that ranges from classic to vintage inspired, all backed by a 60-day return policy and a generous free resizing window.
Best for: Versatile setting styles backed by a generous 60-day return policy and free resizing.
Frank Darling: Frank Darling is best known for their custom, bespoke engagement rings. Start with their try-at-home kit, which gives you three sterling-silver replica rings so you can know what you like on your finger, then pick a setting, metal and stone. You can even have the band custom engraved.
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Best for: Bespoke custom design processes and realistic at-home replica try-on kits.
Grown Brilliance: Direct to consumer, Grown Brilliance specializes in lab-grown diamond rings with high-carat fashion settings. Each is customizable from the diamond shape, carat size, cut and recycled-metal construction.
Best for: High-carat, direct-to-consumer lab diamond statement settings.
Holden: Holden's curation of gender-neutral, lab-grown diamond engagement rings are designed to look like modern heirlooms. Not only is the brand a Climate Label Certified company, it's been contributing to a net-zero future since 2021. Inclusivity is a core value, as Holden donates 1% of all sales to The Trevor Project to provide LGBTQ youth with life-saving resources.
Best for: Gender-neutral, modern heirloom rings with net-zero climate certification.
Jean Dousset: As the great-great-grandson of Louis Cartier, Jean Dousset continues his family's legendary heritage with his eponymous fine jewelry brand. Specializing exclusively in lab-grown diamond engagement rings, his designs range from timeless solitaires to striking architectural settings. The brand is a favorite among A-list celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Amy Adams and Eva Longoria.
Best for: Celebrity-loved, luxury architectural designs.
Kay Jewelers: You know how the saying goes: Every kiss begins with Kay. For over 100 years, this iconic diamond brand has been one of the most trusted names in the industry. Today, they offer both lab-grown and mined stones. Not to mention: Partnerships with luxury designers like Monique Lhuillier, Neil Lane and Le Vian blend high-end looks with accessible pricing.
Best for: Heritage brand trust paired with high-end designer collaborations.
Plum Diamonds: Women-owned and operated, Plum Diamonds makes every ring to order in their certified sustainable facility using recycled metals and, of course, man-made diamonds. While online only, their at-home engagement ring try-on kit and free lifetime sizing and care helps you shop with confidence.
Best for: Women-owned, custom-made rings crafted in certified sustainable facilities.
Quince: Quince is fast becoming a household name for everything from apparel and home goods to engagement rings and wedding bands. Operating under a direct-to-consumer model to keep prices accessible, the brand offers mostly solitaire styles with plain, pavé or twisted bands, along with options for a traditional or hidden halo.
Best for: Affordable direct-to-consumer solitaires and classic settings.
Ritani: If you're looking to maximize the size of a lab-grown diamond center stone while keeping strict control over your budget, Ritani is a top contender. They feature an extensive virtual database of certified loose lab-grown diamonds that can be paired with a wide variety of classic or unique settings.
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Best for: Maximizing center-stone carat weight.
Taylor Custom Rings: For unique engagement ring styles—like vintage-inspired compass halos, engraved bands and toi et moi silhouettes—explore Taylor Custom Rings. They exclusively use mine-free diamonds and gemstones alongside recycled precious metals. You can take their style quiz to discover which aesthetic suits you best, browse predesigned options or collaborate directly with a designer to create a fully custom ring.
Best for: Whimsical, vintage-inspired custom styles.
VRAI: All of the lab-grown diamonds from VRAI are manufactured at the Diamond Foundry in San Francisco. By crystallizing greenhouse gas into rough diamond using zero-emission river energy, VRAI's jewelry requires no carbon offsets. What's more, their team of Belgian cutters includes one of the co-creators of the iconic princess-shaped diamond. Shop their predesigned collection of engagement rings, or make your own unique piece with one of their loose lab-grown diamonds.
Best for: Zero-emission, sustainably grown lab diamonds produced with renewable river energy.
With Clarity: At With Clarity, you'll find both natural and lab-grown diamonds. The jewelry brand is heavy on personalization and offers tons of customization options to create your dream ring. However, they also have a collection of ready-to-ship lab diamond engagement rings with moderate pricing.
Best for: Extensive customization options.
How to Shop for a Lab-Grown Engagement Ring
If this is your first time shopping for an engagement ring, feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. Beyond finding a style your partner loves, you need to understand gemstone specs and metal types to ensure the ring is built to last a lifetime. Here are the key factors to consider before you buy:
1. Prioritize the 4 Cs
The 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat) form the global standard for assessing a diamond's quality and value. Because lab-grown diamonds are manufactured in controlled environments using advanced technology, they're typically produced with higher baseline clarity and color grades. For a full breakdown of how cut, color, clarity and carat impact your stone's overall look, read The Knot guide to understanding the 4 Cs of diamonds.
2. Choose the Right Setting and Metal Band
A lab-grown diamond is only half the equation—the setting and metal determine how your ring wears every day. If eco-conscious practices drive your search, look for jewelers that offer 100% recycled gold or platinum. Platinum is naturally dense and holds stones exceptionally securely. A 14K or 18K gold provides reliable scratch-resistant hardness too, and comes in silver-hued white gold, warm yellow gold or pinkish rose gold depending on your partner's style.
You'll also want to consider the setting's profile and prong count. High-profile settings elevate the diamond for maximum light exposure, while low-profile settings sit closer to the finger and snag less. Additionally, a four-prong setting shows off more of the diamond, whereas a six-prong or bezel setting offers superior protection for those with active lifestyles.
3. Pay Attention to Certification
You shouldn't buy a diamond without an independent grading report from a trusted organization like the International Gemological Institute (IGI) or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). A certification verifies that the stone is truly a lab created diamond (rather than a cheaper simulant like cubic zirconia or moissanite) and confirms its exact specs (cut, color, clarity and carat). Without an unbiased third-party evaluation, you risk overpaying for a stone with inflated quality claims.
While both institutes grade on the same rigorous standards, IGI is currently the primary certifier for lab-grown diamonds, whereas GIA historically focuses more on natural stones.
Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings You Can Buy Online Today
Shopping for an engagement ring online is the easiest way to explore a wide range of styles and compare retailers. Plus, you can benefit from transparent pricing and direct-to-consumer savings. That's why we've rounded up our favorite lab-grown diamond rings from top-rated jewelers with direct links to start building your dream ring.
Blue Nile Classic Tapered Solitaire Engagement Ring
Our study found that a round-cut diamond has been the most popular center stone shape for engagement rings over the last four years—and it doesn't get much more timeless than a round diamond on a solitaire band. We love the subtle, elegant touch of a tapered band, which narrows as it approaches the stone, making the center diamond pop even more.
Setting: Solitaire
Center stone: Round, princess, cushion, emerald, oval, radiant, asscher, marquise, heart, pear, cushion modified, square radiant or square emerald
Metal: 14K white, yellow or rose gold; 18K white or yellow gold; platinum
Band: Tapered, 2.7 mm
Head: Prong
Profile: Medium
VRAI Veiled Halo Ring
Hidden halos are a rising trend for engagement rings, holding steady as our second most popular design element for the last two years (behind prong settings), and the one on this ring in particular is utter perfection. We love that while it looks like a clean solitaire from the top, the side profile reveals plenty of extra sparkle.
Setting: Hidden halo
Center stone: Round brilliant, oval, emerald, pear, radiant, marquise, cushion, princess, trillion or asscher
Metal: 14K rose gold; 18K white or yellow gold; platinum
Band: Plain or pavé, 1.5 mm
Head: Prong
Profile: High
With Clarity Arc Hidden Halo Engagement Ring
You'll definitely want to view the 3D model of this ring, as still pictures simply don't do the halo justice. Known as an "arc halo"—a signature With Clarity design—it curves gently between the prongs so that it almost looks like a four-leaf clover when viewed from underneath. Set on a sparkling pavé band, you can customize this piece with a setting weight ranging from 1/4 to 1/3 carat.
Setting: Hidden halo
Center stone: Round, oval, cushion, emerald, princess, radiant, heart, pear, asscher or marquise
Metal: 14K white, yellow or rose gold; 18K white, yellow or rose gold; platinum
Band: Pavé, 1.7 mm
Head: Prong
Profile: High
Holden Square Bezel Solitaire Ring
Did you know the bezel is one of the oldest setting techniques in history? Equal parts vintage Art Deco and modern minimalist, it completely encases the diamond's edge for maximum security—and its low-profile fit is perfect for hands-on, active lifestyles.
Setting: Solitaire
Center stone: Round, oval, emerald, radiant, marquise, cushion, elongated cushion, pear, princess or asscher
Metal: 14K white, yellow or rose gold; 18K white, yellow or rose gold; platinum
Band: Plain, 1.5 mm, 3mm or 4.5 mm
Head: Bezel
Profile: Low
Brilliant Earth Secret Garden Diamond Ring
An award-winning design from Brilliant Earth, this nature-inspired engagement ring features 16 marquise diamonds that wind around the center stone like vines. We personally love how the intricate setting looks with a pear-shaped diamond.
Setting: Nature-inspired, diamond accent ring
Center stone: Round, oval, emerald, radiant, marquise, princess or asscher
Metal: 14K white, yellow or rose gold; 18K white or yellow gold; platinum
Band: Marquise cluster twisted band, 4 mm
Head: Prong
Profile: Low
Clean Origin Autumn Ring
The marquise-shaped diamond has seen a steady rise in popularity year after year, and this Clean Origin setting showcases the elongated cut perfectly. The design pairs a sleek plain band with a pavé strand, twisting together to taper right at the points of the stone.
Setting: Diamond accent ring
Center stone: Cushion, round, radiant, oval, emerald, marquise, asscher or princess
Metal: 14K white, yellow or rose gold; 18K white or yellow gold; platinum
Band: Twisted plain and pavé band
Head: Prong
Profile: Medium
Frank Darling Oval Cut Cluster Engagement Ring with Split Shank and Diamond Accents
Described as an homage to formal gardens, this lab-grown diamond engagement ring mimics their symmetry. It has a split-shank band, three pear-cut stones on each side and an elongated center stone.
Setting: Diamond accent ring
Center stone: Oval, radiant, elongated cushion or emerald
Metal: 14K white or yellow gold; 18K white, yellow or rose gold; platinum
Band: Pear cluster split shank band, 1.8 mm
Head: Prong
Profile: Low
Taylor Custom Rings The Allie Engagement Ring
Everyone has saved a sunburst-halo diamond engagement ring to their Pinterest board at some point. The vintage-inspired design sparkles with an oval- or round-cut lab-grown center stone surrounded by petite, round-cut, mine-free diamonds each nestled within five prongs to create a floral halo.
Setting: Halo
Center stone: Oval or round
Metal: 14K yellow, white or rose gold; platinum
Band: Plain, pavé or engraved
Head: Prong
Profile: Medium
Shane Co. Art Nouveau Halo Engagement Ring
This vintage-inspired lab-grown diamond center-stone engagement ring sparkles with 74 round-cut diamond accents, decorating the halo, side stones and double-pavé band. The craftsmanship goes far beyond the gemstones, featuring intricate miligree and swirling shank details. With so much detail to admire, it's a piece you could stare at for hours.
Setting: Halo
Center stone: Emerald
Metal: 14K yellow, white or rose gold
Band: Pavé, 2.5 mm
Head: Prong
Profile: Medium
Jean Dousset Elle Solitaire Lab Diamond Engagement Ring
For a look into my own Pinterest board, check out this lab-grown emerald engagement ring. The solitaire is far from basic, thanks to double-claw prongs that extend into a dual band. The underside even shimmers with a hidden gem. Referred to as Jean Dousset's "signature stone," it can be customized with your partner's birthstone or a sapphire for your "something blue."
Setting: Solitaire
Center stone: Oval, round brilliant, cushion, emerald, radiant, pear, marquise, antique cushion or princess
Metal: 18K yellow, white or rose gold; platinum
Band: Dual, plain band, 3 mm
Head: Double-prong setting
Profile: Medium
Grown Brilliance Athena Lab Grown Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Did you know a three-stone engagement ring is also known as a "past, present and future" ring? The sentiment feels especially fitting when asking someone to marry you—it honors where you've been, celebrates where you are today and looks forward to everything yet to come.
Setting: Three-stone
Center stone: Round, oval, cushion, pearl, emerald, radiant or asscher
Metal: 14K yellow, white or rose gold; platinum
Band: Plain, 1.9 mm
Head: Prongs
Profile: Medium
James Allen Marquise Cut Lab-Grown Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
While round-cut diamonds are a classic choice for a three-stone ring, marquise-cut gems offer a fresh, equally meaningful twist. Breaking away from traditional uniformity, the side stones on this engagement ring are turned horizontally so their tips point outward. An oval glimmers in the center stone.
Setting: Three-stone
Center stone: Round, princess, cushion, emerald, oval, radiant, asscher, marquise, heart, pear, cushioned modified, square radiant or square emerald
Metal: 14K yellow, white or rose gold; 18K yellow or white gold; platinum
Band: Plain, 1.8 mm
Head: Prongs
Profile: Medium
Ritani The Edith Ribbon Engagement Ring
Ritani's lab-grown diamond engagement rings offer no shortage of sparkle, reimagining traditional bands so they stand out just as much as the center stone. For instance, this design mimics the soft curves and folds of a ribbon, showing off delicate metal "knots" accented by round-cut diamonds along the band.
Setting: Solitaire
Center stone: Oval, emerald, radiant, pear, cushion, princess, asscher, marquise or heart
Metal: 14K white gold; 18K white, yellow or rose gold; platinum
Band: Contoured with station diamonds, 2.5 mm
Head: Prong
Profile: Medium
Charles & Colvard Eden Halo Engagement Ring
A common way to add extra sparkle to an engagement ring—and make the center stone look larger—is with a halo setting. The center diamond on this Charles & Colvard lab-grown engagement ring is encircled by small round stones that perfectly balance its pavé band. Just wait until you see how this ring catches the light!
Setting: Halo
Center stone: Round brilliant, oval, cushion, elongated oval
Metal: 14K white gold; 18K white, yellow or rose gold; platinum
Band: Pavé, 1.86 mm
Head: Prong
Profile: Low
Holden The Panorama Signet Ring
A signet ring was originally used as a functional signature and personal seal of authority—much like a modern engagement ring serves as both a symbol of commitment and a reflection of your personal style. Inspired by that bold heritage, Holden's The Panorama shows off a signet ring's signature wide band and elongated curved face, swapping the traditional family crest for a striking marquise diamond.
Setting: East-West
Center stone: Marquise
Metal: 14K yellow, white or rose gold; 18K white, yellow or rose gold; platinum
Band: Signet, from 5 mm
Head: Bezel
Profile: Low
Plum Diamonds Bypass Ring
A bypass band curves gently around the center stone rather than meeting it in a straight line, offering a unique silhouette. This setting can beautifully frame a classic round lab diamond, or an oval or a marquise set in the trendy east-west position. For an extra contemporary twist, opt for a two-tone metal design, pairing contrasting prongs with a different-hued band.
Setting: Solitaire
Center Stone: Round, oval, marquise
Metal: 14K rose gold; 18K yellow or white gold; platinum
Band: Bypass, 2.2 mm
Head: Prongs
Profile: Low
Quince 14K Gold Yellow Lab Grown Diamond Cushion Halo Engagement Ring
While our data shows that just 2% of couples choose a colored diamond center stone, the striking beauty of this ring might just sway a few more. The yellow lab-grown diamond is like a drop of sunshine on your finger, held securely by 14K yellow gold claw prongs and encircled by a brilliant halo. Placed on a 14K white gold pavé band, the two-tone details will keep you staring at it nonstop.
Setting: Halo
Center stone: Cushion
Metal: 14K white gold
Band: Pavé, 1.8 mm
Head: Prong
Profile: Medium
Taylor & Hart Tamora Engagement Ring
Conversely, 3% of respondents preferred colored gemstone accents—just like this nature-inspired lab diamond ring from Taylor & Hart. The design pairs an oval lab-grown center stone with marquise green sapphire "petals" for a botanical look that feels both bohemian and romantic. The floral theme extends underneath the setting, revealing an intricate latticework basket beneath the crown.
Setting: Gemstone accent ring
Center stone: Oval
Metal: 18K rose gold
Band: Plain, 1.8 mm
Head: Prongs
Profile: High
Kay Jewelers Now + Forever Lab-Grown Diamonds Oval-Cut & Pear-Shaped Three-Stone Engagement Ring
This dainty engagement ring looks as though it was plucked straight from a fairytale. Crafted in warm rose gold, the setting is shaped around an oval center stone flanked by east-west set pears and graduating round diamonds, creating the magical silhouette of a tiara.
Setting: Diamond accent ring
Center Stone: Oval
Metal: 14K yellow, white or rose gold
Band: Graduating diamonds
Head: Prong
Profile: Medium
James Allen Bow-Tie Engagement Ring With Channel Set Round Diamonds
Channel settings offer the sparkle of a pavé band with superior security. Instead of using prongs that can snag or wear down, a channel band locks diamonds inside a continuous groove between two solid metal walls. This channel band from James Allen features four round-cut diamonds on each side paired with any shape center stone.
Setting: Diamond accent ring
Center stone: Round, princess, cushion, emerald, oval, radiant, asscher, marquise, heart, pear, cushion modified, square radiant or square emerald
Metal: 14K yellow, white or rose gold; 18K yellow or white gold; platinum
Band: Channel, 3.9 mm
Head: Prongs
Profile: Medium
Brilliant Earth Petal Pear Three Stone Diamond Ring
The hidden details of this Brilliant Earth design make it one of the best lab-grown diamond engagement rings. From the top down, it looks like a classic three-stone setting, with a large center stone in the shape of your choice and east-west set pear diamonds. Turn it sideways, however, and you'll spot a claw-prong tulip basket with petite diamond accents, complete with a sparkling pavé bridge for added drama.
Setting: Three-stone
Center stone: Round, oval, emerald, radiant, cushion, pear, marquise, princess, asscher
Metal: 14K yellow, white or rose gold; 18K yellow or white gold; platinum
Band: Plain, 1.5 mm
Head: Prong
Profile: High
VRAI Toi et Moi Ring
If you can't decide on a single favorite diamond shape, you'll love a toi et moi lab-grown engagement ring. French for "you and me," this romantic style pairs two differently shaped stones—like an emerald cut and a pear cut—that look even better together (if we do say so ourselves).
Setting: Toi et Moi
Center Stone: Emerald and pear, round and oval or round and pear
Metal: 14K rose gold, 18K yellow or white gold; platinum
Band: Plain or pavé, 1.7 mm
Head: Prongs
Profile: Medium
With Clarity The Seraphine Ring
PSA: Taylor Swift's engagement ring is decorated with intricate filigree engravings along the band—much like this stunning design. With Clarity pairs the vintage look with a lab-grown diamond, combining swirling engraved details, double claw prongs and a hidden halo for a truly timeless aesthetic.
Setting: Hidden Halo
Center stone: Emerald, Elongated Cushion, Oval, Round
Metal: 14K yellow, white or rose gold; 18K yellow, white or rose gold; platinum
Band: Engraved band, 2.4 mm
Head: Prongs
Profile: Medium
Holden The Bloom Solitaire Engagement Ring
As part of Holden's "Past Forward" collection, which consists of a selection of vintage-inspired, recycled gold engagement jewelry, the "Bloom" solitaire ring makes the center stone appear as though it's blossoming from within its botanical setting. This unique lab-grown engagement ring is a stunning option for someone who wants a non-traditional ring or an heirloom-worthy stone that will become a cherished family jewel.
Setting: Solitaire
Center stone: Round, oval, emerald, radiant, cushion, elongated cushion or asscher
Metal: 14K yellow, white or rose gold; 18K yellow, white or rose gold; platinum
Band: Plain, 2 mm, 3 mm or 4.5 mm
Head: Bezel-prong hybrid
Profile: Medium
Plum Diamonds East-West Cathedral Ring
Zendaya's trend-forward engagement ring put east-west settings on the map. While this style—which flips the center stone in a sideways orientation—certainly isn't new, an A-lister's stamp of approval catapulted its widespread popularity. This lookalike from Plum Diamonds is a near-perfect dupe, right down to the lab-grown cushion-shaped center stone option.
Setting: East-West
Center Stone: Oval, emerald, cushion, radiant or old mine cut
Metal: 14K rose gold; 18K yellow or white gold; platinum
Band: Tapered plain, 3 mm
Head: Prongs
Profile: Medium
Frequently Asked Questions About Lab-Created Diamonds
Despite the surging popularity of lab-grown diamonds, plenty of misconceptions still linger. Here are answers to the most common questions to help you and your partner decide if a lab-grown diamond is right for you.
Do lab-grown diamonds hold value?
Lab-grown diamonds don't carry the same resale value as natural stones. Because lab-grown diamonds are not scarce, they don't hold their price on the secondary market. However, their real value is upfront: They allow you to get significantly more carat weight for a far more affordable price. Ultimately, choose the stone that best aligns with your budget and long-term goals.
Will a lab-created diamond pass a diamond tester?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real. They're optically, physically and chemically identical to mined diamonds, meaning they'll score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, test as real diamonds on standard thermal testing tools and sparkle identically.
How can you tell if a diamond is lab-grown?
You can't tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond with the naked eye. To differentiate them, a professional jeweler relies on specialized laboratory equipment, like a loupe, to inspect the micro laser inscription on the stone's girdle. An everyday buyer, on the other hand, can check the diamond's grading report (from IGI or GIA).
*The Knot 2025 Jewelry and Engagement Study surveyed 1,867 couples who were engaged between January 1, 2025 and December 22, 2025 and living in the U.S.