An Extensive Guide to Lab Grown Diamond Halo Engagement Rings
Halo settings continue to be a popular, sought-after natural or lab grown diamond engagement ring style because they look stunning and make the gem look more prominent. Halo settings feature a diamond border that lines the ring's center stone. If you choose lab diamonds for your halo ring, your ring comes with some added environmental and ethical benefits. Engagement rings are one of the most significant, meaningful pieces of jewelry you'll purchase - they symbolize your everlasting love and commitment to one another.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Understanding Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamond popularity continues to increase as more men and women become aware of some of the ethical and environmental issues in the natural diamond industry. Lab and natural diamonds look identical chemically and physically. You can't tell the difference with the naked eye. Natural diamonds have trace amounts of nitrogen that can be seen under a microscope, but that's the only difference and a professional is required to distinguish between the two. A common myth is that lab diamonds aren't "real" diamonds, but they actually are chemically, optically, and physically. Natural and lab grown diamonds are graded the same to determine their quality, so you'll select a lab diamond the same way you'd choose a natural one.
Exploring Halo Engagement Rings
Halo engagement ring settings feature a center stone that is surrounded by smaller stones. You'll see pavé, micro-pavé, and colored gemstones in the halos. The extra diamonds make the center stone appear more prominent and add some extra sparkle. Halo settings are a classic, timeless look that accentuates the center stone. You'll see different styles of halo settings as well. Popular designs include traditional, vintage-inspired, and modern designs. Traditional halo settings have the classic halo look. Vintage-inspired halo settings might have some milgrain or other romantic details to give a vintage look. Modern halo designs vary - some might have more modern diamond cuts or feature unique details like a twisted halo.
Benefits of Choosing Lab Grown Halo Engagement Rings
Lab grown diamonds provide some additional benefits that contribute to their popularity. They're a sustainable option because they're produced in a lab instead of being mined from the earth. They have a smaller carbon footprint. Because they originate in a lab, they're also not involved in the conflict diamond industry. Fewer resources go into producing lab diamonds, and lab diamonds have a shorter supply chain, which means you'll save money. Lab diamonds cost less than natural diamonds. Choosing a lab grown diamond allows you to get a gorgeous diamond without compromising on quality or going over budget.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing
So how do you choose the perfect lab grown halo engagement ring? There are a few factors to consider. First, determine your budget. This will help you streamline your shopping and help narrow your options. Browse different settings within your budget and find a halo design that you adore. You'll need to determine the lab diamond's quality for your center stone.
You'll have thousands of lab diamond options to choose from, so browse different types of qualities (cut, carat, color, clarity) to see how quality impacts the look of each diamond. You'll also want to consider the metal you'll probably choose because the metal and diamond need to complement each other. Some retailers allow you to customize and build your halo engagement ring by picking the setting, choosing the metal, and then selecting the center stone. This will enable you to create the ring of your dreams quickly. As you look at different online jewelry retailers, make sure you research the company and read reviews. It's also recommended that you buy a certified lab diamond to know precisely what you're getting. Certified diamonds have third-party reports that explain the quality of your lab diamond in great detail.
Caring for Lab Grown Halo Engagement Rings
Caring for and maintaining your lab grown halo engagement ring can keep it looking fabulous for years and years. Clean your ring at home every so often. When the diamond looks less sparkly, and you notice dirt in the setting, soak your ring in a bowl of warm water and mild dish soap for about 15 minutes. Then, take a soft-bristled brush to remove any caked-on dirt. You'll also want a professional jeweler to look at your halo ring to ensure all of the stones in the halo and the setting are safe and secure and have them spot any future issues. They'll look at your prongs to ensure they're kept from being worn down. Lab diamonds and natural diamonds are a 10/10 on the Mohs hardness scale, so they're extremely hard and durable. If you care for your ring, it'll last a lifetime and then some.
Conclusion
As the popularity of lab grown diamond halo engagement rings grows, you'll see more halo settings. You'll see settings with a vintage vibe, some more modern, and everything in between. If your heart is set on a halo engagement ring, then you'll have plenty of options. The same goes for lab diamonds – as their popularity continues to grow, the more diamonds you'll be able to browse. Consider what type of quality you'd like based on your preferences and budget. Lab grown diamonds are a beautiful, ethical, and sustainable alternative for those seeking the perfect symbol of love and commitment for an engagement ring. You'll easily be able to create the ring of your dreams!