Finding the perfect diamond for your ring is an exciting journey, especially with the range of lab grown diamonds available today. These affordable gems provide a spectacular selection of shapes, enabling you to design a ring that’s as unique and special as your love story.

Whether you prefer the timeless beauty of a round diamond or the sleek lines of an emerald cut, each shape has its unique appeal. Understanding these differences will help you pick a gem for your lab grown diamond engagement ring that not only sparkles but also complements your style.

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds? 

Lab grown diamonds are authentic diamonds produced in a controlled laboratory setting. They share the same qualities as mined diamonds but are created without the extensive mining process. This production method eliminates issues related to unfair labor practices in the traditional mining industry, making lab grown diamonds a more ethical choice for your jewelry. 

While lab grown gems are not a recent invention, developed during the mid-20th century for industrial purposes, their popularity has increased, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. 

Recent surveys suggest that nearly 70% of Gen Z consumers consider a brand’s ethics a critical factor when making purchasing decisions. This makes cultivated gem options particularly appealing for engagement rings and lab grown diamond bracelets.

Popular Diamond Shapes and Their Characteristics

When selecting a lab grown diamond ring, the central stone shape defines its overall appearance and style. Here’s an overview of some popular diamond shapes for lab grown diamonds:

• Round brilliant. This is the most popular shape for natural and lab grown diamond engagement rings due to its versatility and exceptional brilliance. The round cut’s 58 facets allow maximum light return, making the diamond sparkle intensely.
• Princess cut. Known for its sharp, angular lines, the princess cut is a favorite for contemporary jewelry designs. It’s an excellent choice for someone seeking a mix of modern and classic styles in lab grown diamond rings.
• Cushion and elongated cushion cut. This shape combines a square cut with rounded corners and has been popular for over a century. The elongated version mixes emerald and oval cuts, blending a finger-flattering length with plenty of glittering facets. Cushion cut diamonds are ideal for those who love vintage styles and soft, romantic aesthetics.
• Oval cut. An oval diamond offers a unique twist on the classic round shape and flatters the hand with its long shape. Oval cut stones are becoming more popular in lab grown diamond rings due to their sophisticated silhouette.
• Emerald cut. Distinguished by its rectangular facets, the emerald cut is known for its clean lines and elegant appearance, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and lab grown diamond bracelets. This cut highlights the clarity of the diamond, which is perfect if you appreciate subtle sophistication.
• Marquise cut. In the 18th century, King Louis XV of France commissioned the marquise cut, inspired by his mistress’s mouth, the Marquise de Pompadour. The marquise cut features an elongated shape with pointed ends, which can make the diamond appear larger than it is. It’s an excellent choice for lab grown diamond rings, creating a dramatic look and maximizing carat weight.
• Pear cut. With their elegant teardrop shape, pear cut diamonds combine the brilliance of a round cut with the sophistication of a marquise. Since more of the stone shows from the top view, pear-shaped diamond rings tend to appear larger than they are. This makes them a perfect choice if you want an impressive central stone. 
• Heart cut. If you’re a romantic, consider choosing a heart cut diamond for your engagement ring. This feminine cut looks stunning as a solitaire on a simple band or nestled within a hidden halo setting. Symbolizing your love and affection, it’s a meaningful choice for your special moment.
• Radiant cut. While the radiant cut may appear similar to an emerald cut gem, the deeper cut facets give these stones a brighter and more complex sparkle. The cutting method also eliminates any sharp edges from the design, which prevents chipping. This means you can choose from a wider selection of ring settings rather than a protective bezel setting. 
• Asscher cut. If you love vintage glamor, an Asscher cut diamond might be perfect for your engagement ring. Named after Joseph Asscher, the jeweler who patented the design in 1902, the Asscher cut features an elegant octagonal shape with 58 large step facets. 

This cut was especially popular during the Art Deco era and was loved for its uniquely symmetrical geometric design. Despite its vintage origins, the Asscher cut maintains incredible radiance and sparkle, making it a timeless choice for any engagement ring.

• Old Mine cut. This vintage cut, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, features a slightly rounded square shape with a high crown and a small table. Known for its chunky facets and warm, romantic glow, the Old Mine cut offers a unique, nostalgic beauty. Choosing an Old Mine cut diamond adds classic elegance to your engagement ring.
• Multi-shape cuts. If you can’t decide on a single cut, choosing multi-shape diamonds for your engagement ring is a fantastic way to create a one-of-a-kind, eye-catching piece. Multi-shape diamonds allow you to play with various facets and light reflections, creating a dazzling, personalized look. 

Considerations When Choosing a Diamond Shape

When choosing a diamond shape, consider the wearer’s style, the proportions of their hand and how the shape will complement the desired setting. It’s also important to consider your budget, as some shapes may be more costly due to their cutting complexity or high demand.

• Personal style. Think about the wearer’s style. Are they more traditional or modern? Do they prefer intricate, vintage designs or sleek, contemporary looks? If you are unsure, check out what jewelry they usually wear. 

For example, if you’ve noticed they often wear a round cut lab grown diamond tennis bracelet, choose a round brilliant or oval cut engagement ring to complement the stones in the bracelet’s design. 

• Proportions of the hand. Different shapes can enhance or downplay the proportions of the wearer’s hand. For instance, longer shapes like oval or marquise can make short fingers look more elongated.
• Setting of the ring. The diamond shape should complement the ring’s setting. Certain settings are better suited to specific shapes, so consider how the diamond will integrate with the ring’s overall design. 

For instance, a princess cut diamond has sharp edges prone to chipping, which can cause the gem to fall out of the setting. In this case, a six-prong or bezel setting is the best option. 

• Budget. Some shapes are more expensive than others due to their cutting complexity and the demand. Round brilliants tend to be pricier than other shapes due to their popularity and the amount of rough diamond wasted during cutting.

Choose the Ideal Lab Grown Diamond Shape

Choosing the right shape for a lab grown diamond ring involves considering both aesthetic preferences and practical considerations. Whether you’re drawn to a round brilliant’s timeless elegance or a marquise cut’s distinctive charm, each diamond shape offers something unique. 

The best diamond shape reflects the wearer’s personal style and fits seamlessly into their life. With lab grown diamonds, enjoy the beauty and brilliance of a stunning gemstone while making an ethically responsible choice.