While wearing a diamond formed over millions of years is undoubtedly romantic, lab-grown diamonds are often less expensive and more sustainably sourced. Like natural diamonds, the lab-created variety is available in every shape and cut imaginable—and it’s practically impossible to tell them apart with the naked eye. In 2022, more people said “I do!” to a lab-created diamond, which accounted for nearly 10 percent of all diamond sales for the year.
Finding the best lab-grown diamond ring is the same as shopping for a natural diamond ring. Set your budget, shop with a reputable jeweler, and look for the four Cs (color, cut, clarity, and carat size) to pick the perfect stone and choose a setting that suits the wearer’s tastes.
To help you with your search, we polled our editors, interviewed industry experts, and conducted hands-on testing under the guidance of Dr. Ulrika D’Haenens-Johansson, Senior Manager of Diamond Research at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). After dozens of hours of research, a full day of trying on sparkling samples, and countless “Oohs” and “Ahhs,” we narrowed it down to the best lab-grown diamond rings.
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Brilliant Earth
During our lab-grown diamond testing, Brilliant Earth scored high marks for quality and presentation—we especially love the brand’s organic wood ring boxes. Simple and elegant, the petite comfort-fit engagement ring is the perfect choice for the classic bride. Although you can set it with any shape diamond, we’re partial to the elegant faceting of the emerald cut. The band’s unique rounded edge is comfortable, so you’ll never want to remove it.
Metal: 18K white gold, 18K yellow gold, 14K rose gold, platinum | Setting: 5-prong | Diamond Shape: 7 cuts available | Color: J–D | Clarity: SI2 | Carat Weight: 0.3–5
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Ritani
Ritani sent us a natural diamond ring and a lab-grown diamond ring to test—and even the most discerning Brides editors couldn’t tell the difference. This solitaire offers a modern twist on the timeless pear shape with its eye-catching tapered setting, which features “surprise” diamonds at the base. No matter which metal type you choose, platinum prongs hold the stone securely in place. If size matters to you, it’s important to note that a pear-cut diamond can appear larger per carat than other shapes.
Metal: 14K white gold, 18K white gold, 18K yellow gold, platinum | Setting: 5-prong | Diamond Shape: 9 cuts available | Color: L–D | Clarity: SI2–IF | Carat Weight: 0.3–12.3
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Kimaï
Are you looking for an engagement ring that’s anything but traditional? This stunner from Kimaï will speak to any bride with bold, modern tastes. It’s designed with an exquisite stand-alone oval lab diamond and a glittering band that wraps delicately around the finger.
Metal: Recycled 18K yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum | Setting: 4-prong | Diamond Shape: Oval | Color: F–D | Clarity: VVS2–VS1 | Carat Weight: 0.5–2
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Blue Nile
When most people imagine an embellished band, they imagine accent diamonds, but this beauty stands out for its unique hand-engraving. The band motif is visible to all, but you can customize the ring with a special engraved message hidden in the basket. The platinum four-prong cathedral setting elevates the round-cut diamond so you can see every facet.
Metal: 18K yellow gold | Setting: 4-prong | Diamond Shape: Round | Color: K–D | Clarity: SI2–IF | Carat Weight: 0.8–5.1
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Brilliant Earth
This exquisite bauble is technically a three-stone ring, with an oval-shaped center stone and two marquise-cut accent diamonds sitting front and center. But look closer; you’ll see “hidden” pavé diamond accents adding brightness along the shoulders and bottom of the four-prong setting. Milgrain detailing embellishes the shank, designed to sit flush with a wedding band.
Metal: 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold, 14K rose gold, platinum | Setting: 4-prong cathedral | Diamond Shape: Oval, marquise flanks | Color: J–D | Clarity: SI2–IF | Carat Weight: 0.5–4
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12Fifteen
When you want to go full glamour, you can’t go wrong with a halo-cut center stone, and this one gets upgraded with a pavé accented split band. The setting style also accommodates every diamond cut from asscher to marquise—and no matter which shape you choose, the finished ring makes a bold statement.
Metal: 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold, 14K rose gold, platinum | Setting: 4-prong halo | Diamond Shape: 10 cuts available | Color: J–D | Clarity: SI2–VVS1 | Carat Weight: 0.3–10.7
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Brilliant Earth
At first glance, this may look like a simple solitaire, but look closer and see…
Read More: The 14 Best Lab-Grown Diamond Rings of 2024