The Ultimate Guide to Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

Round cut diamonds are the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings, and it's no surprise why people are drawn to the symmetry and perfectly-cut facets that make the diamond sparkle. Round diamonds feature 58 facets that help make diamonds reflect light and give them the glitter and sparkle people adore. If you're thinking about getting a round cut lab diamond engagement ring, we've gathered all you need to know to make an educated choice.

Introduction to Lab Grown Diamonds

Before we get into the details about engagement rings, let's learn about lab grown diamonds. Natural and lab diamonds look the same optically, physically, and chemically. Natural diamonds have traces of nitrogen, but only a professional jeweler with a microscope can distinguish between the two. Lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment where they recreate the high temperatures and intense pressures needed to transform carbon into diamonds. Natural diamonds are created within the earth and are mined using natural resources and machinery. So, lab diamonds are an ethically sourced, sustainable option.

Round Cut

The round diamond features 57 or 58 facets of brilliance, with 33 facets on the crown (diamond's top) and 25 on the pavilion (diamond's bottom). The top of the diamond's (crown) facets feature the table, 8-star facets, 8 kite facets, and 16 upper girdle facets. If the stone has 58 facets, the culet on the bottom point is the last facet to clip off the pointy end. If the diamond has 57, then it'll still have the point.

Round diamonds are popular because they provide stunning sparkle and fire. Because they're a popular cut, you'll see a variety of quality options. They're a versatile, timeless shape that looks amazing in various engagement ring designs.

Advantages of Round Cut Lab Grown Diamonds

Because round diamonds are the most popular options, they're typically higher priced than other diamond shapes. Choosing a lab diamond over a mined diamond comes with some added benefits. One of the most popular benefits is that they cost less than mined diamonds. They're also ethically sourced and more environmentally friendly than mined diamonds. You also have more options to choose from so that you can be pickier about the quality that you'd prefer.

Quality Factors

Both natural and lab diamonds are graded on the same quality standards known as the 4Cs - color, clarity, carat weight, and cut. Your diamond's quality is a personal choice based on your budget and personal preferences. The quality impacts the overall look of the ring and also plays off of the metal setting you're thinking about choosing. A warmer-colored diamond would pair well with yellow or rose gold because the hues complement each other.

Customization Options

Another benefit of choosing a lab grown round diamond engagement ring is the number of setting options you have. Round diamonds look fabulous in ring styles varying from traditional to modern and everything in between. Browse different styles and see what styles catch your eye. Once you have a setting or two you like, look at how to customize them. You can pick the metal you prefer and then the center stone.

Sometimes, you can pick the overall carat weight if additional stones are within the band. Some lab grown engagement rings also feature colored gemstone side stones that provide a subtle splash of color and make the ring more unique. If you're looking for something different, consider a colored diamond as your center stone.

Certification and Authenticity

Certified lab diamonds come with detailed reports about where your diamond was made, confirm that your stone is lab made, and provide detailed information about the diamond's quality. It ensures that the stone you get is the exact same one that you carefully selected. Certification also provides peace of mind to back up the quality of your diamond. IGI and GIA both certify diamonds and are well-known organizations in the jewelry industry. They're not affiliated with jewelry retailers, so their reports are objective.

Care and Maintenance

Round diamonds emit brilliance and fire, and maintaining and cleaning them can make them sparkle and last for years. Clean your ring at home periodically and take your round engagement ring to a jeweler to have it professionally inspected. Losing your center stones or any of the diamonds or gemstones on your ring would be devastating. Have a jeweler look at the prongs and each stone so that you know your lab diamonds are safe and secure.

Trends and Popularity

The popularity of round diamonds isn't going anywhere, and the popularity of lab diamonds will continue to skyrocket. These two together are a well-paired match for your engagement ring. Halos and hidden halos continue to be sought-after setting styles. You'll find hidden accent stones and settings with colored gemstones as popular styles. Vintage styles are making a comeback as well. Whatever your style, you're sure to find a round lab grown engagement ring that feels like it was made for you.

Conclusion

Round cut lab grown diamond engagement rings look amazing. They’re fiery, sparkling, versatile, and gorgeous. It’s not a surprise that round diamonds are the most popular shape for engagement rings. They’re a timeless, classic look that will last through all of the trends of your lifetime. Choosing a lab diamond for your ring means you save some money on your diamond and get a higher quality diamond without going over budget. Plus, you have peace of mind knowing you bought a sustainable, ethically sourced diamond for your engagement ring. You have thousands of diamond and setting options for lab grown round diamonds. Have fun with the process, and you'll undoubtedly find the perfect ring for you!