Selecting a lab created diamond wedding band is no longer just about shopping for a less expensive alternative to a mined diamond. Couples are now considering the style, durability, quality of the diamond, comfort and how well the wedding band complements an engagement ring. That means choice, but also the potential for confusion, since two rings that appear the same on a website can be very different in terms of the diamond quality, construction, metal weights and wearability.
While the crystal structure and physical qualities are essentially identical to naturally mined diamonds, lab created diamonds are formed through a man-made process which allows people to enjoy the beauty and appearance of mined diamonds. In addition, shoppers are often able to select from a greater variety when it comes to sizing and design. Before ordering a ring, look at the quality, style and other details in addition to carat weight and price. The shape, style and metal can have just as great an influence on long-term satisfaction as the characteristics of the individual stones. These are the factors that deserve special attention.
Lab Created Diamond Wedding Band Style
Think about how you see yourself wearing the ring. Some people prefer a wedding band that will complement an engagement ring, while others want a heavier style that can be worn as a statement ring on its own. There are a range of options, including:
Pavé: A style of smaller stones that give sparkle without weight.
Channel: Another style that features stones mounted in a channel with extra protection.
Eternity bands: These have a full row of stones that go completely around the ring.
Half-eternity bands: Similar to eternity bands, except that the stones are only on the top of the band, not the bottom.
Bezel: This is a popular contemporary style that uses metal to go along the edge of the diamonds on a band.
If you have a demanding job that requires a lot of handiwork, a lower profile style can help to reduce the risk of scratches and damage to the band. If you have a thinner band, any delicate or projecting detail can be prone to snagging or chipping.
Look at the Quality of Lab Made Diamonds
The 4C’s still apply to a lab made diamond wedding band. However, when it comes to smaller stones, the overall cut and quality can have a greater impact on beauty and value. A row of well cut, similarly sized diamonds will always look better than a mix of poorly cut or uneven stones. In addition, when shopping for smaller diamonds you may want to consider a lower color and clarity grade since those differences are generally not noticeable to the naked eye. Spend wisely based on what you can actually see, rather than spending more for a higher grade that you cannot see or distinguish.
Lab Created Diamond Wedding Band and Engagement Ring Compatibility
If you plan to stack your lab diamonds band with your engagement ring, think about the two rings as a whole. Pay attention to the width of the band on the engagement ring, the color of its metal, how high the diamonds are set, the shape of the diamonds and the overall appearance of the ring. If you have an engagement ring with a very low basket, you should not expect to simply slide a standard wedding band over it since the two styles will not meet properly. A curved wedding band can often work better in a situation where the band of the engagement ring is also curved. You might also consider contrasting metals, such as yellow gold next to platinum or white gold, as long as the overall look is aesthetically appealing.
Gold and Platinum Considerations Are Important
While gold and platinum are popular choices for wedding bands, there are pros and cons to each. Platinum is extremely dense and has a beautiful white color that appeals to many buyers. However, white gold requires occasional replating to maintain its appearance. Yellow and rose gold offer a warm color that looks spectacular when paired with clear diamonds. Always consider the overall construction and security of the ring, rather than just the quality of the stones. Good prongs, setting style, adequate metal and precise finishing will all prolong the life of your jewelry. The same is true when considering how well the ring will fit.
Compare Prices and Policies
Pricing should be compared to construction and after-sales support. For rings that feature larger individual stones, ask about grading reports. For bands that feature many small diamonds, individual grading is rarely used. Ask the jewelry company for an indication of the expected color and clarity of the stones. In addition, look at the resizing policy carefully. An eternity band, where the diamonds go all the way around the ring, can often be more challenging to resize. Return policies, warranties, maintenance agreements and coverage for individual stones can all have a major impact on long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
They have essentially the same chemistry and crystalline structure, although they are formed using a man-made process.
Are lab created diamonds suitable for a wedding band?
Yes, since they can be found in pavé bands, channel bands, bezel bands and eternity bands.
Can a diamond band be resized?
The process can be more challenging if the band does not have any spaces between the diamonds. However, sizing is still possible with many styles, including half-eternity bands.
Does the wedding band need to match the engagement ring?
The two pieces of jewelry do not need to completely match, since the metal, width, height and style still need to complement each other. The same is true when looking at the shape and cut of the diamonds.
Final Thoughts
The right lab created diamond wedding band should enhance the aesthetics of the day while being something that can be worn and worn comfortably for years. Pay attention to overall construction, a comfortable fit, consistency in the stones, the choice of metal and compatibility with your engagement ring.