Lab-Grown Engagement Rings: A Guide for Jewellers

Engagement rings are the segment where lab-grown diamonds are growing fastest. Couples want a beautiful, large stone, but also a sensible purchase. Lab-grown makes that combination possible.

For jewellers that is an opportunity, provided the assortment and the sales conversation are right. In this guide we set out which shapes, styles and carat weights work best, and how to guide the customer to the right choice.

1. Why couples choose lab-grown

The reasons almost always come down to three points:

• More diamond for the same budget. A 1.5 or 2 carat stone becomes attainable for couples who would otherwise choose a much smaller one.
• The same beauty. Chemically and physically a diamond, with the same hardness and sparkle.
• A conscious choice. No mining, and an origin the customer knows.

2. The shapes that sell best

Round brilliant

The classic and still the most popular shape. The round brilliant cut gives the most sparkle and is timeless.

Oval

Growing fast. An oval stone looks larger than a round stone of the same weight and visually lengthens the finger.

Emerald and radiant

Rectangular shapes for customers looking for a clean, elegant look. The step cut of an emerald gives a clear, calm lustre. A radiant combines that shape with more sparkle.

Pear, marquise and cushion

More striking choices for customers who want something personal. Pear and marquise in particular look very large per carat.

3. The styles you want in your collection

• Solitaire: one stone, the foundation of every engagement ring collection.
• Solitaire with side stones: a centre stone with small diamonds set in the band.
• Hidden halo: a fine row of diamonds beneath the centre stone, visible from the side. Subtle and very popular.
• Trilogy: three stones, often with a symbolic meaning for the couple.
• Toi et moi: two stones side by side, often in different shapes. A strong trend.
• Half eternity and eternity: often chosen as a wedding band or as a second ring next to the engagement ring.

4. Which carat weights to show

With lab-grown, demand shifts towards larger stones. In practice, customers most often ask for:

• 1 carat: the entry point many customers dream of
• 1.5 carat: a clear step up, still very wearable
• 2 carat: a striking stone, now within reach of many couples

Show these sizes side by side. Customers find it hard to imagine how big 1 or 2 carats is. An actual-size chart helps enormously, and customers then often choose a larger stone.

5. How to guide the sales conversation

• Start with style, not price. Ask what the partner wears: classic, modern or bold.
• Show lab-grown and natural side by side. Let the customer see the difference in price and size for themselves.
• Explain the 4 Cs simply. Decide together where the budget delivers most, often in cut quality and weight.
• Know the ring size. A ring sizer the customer can use at home helps anyone planning a surprise.
• Offer peace of mind. A certificate, a warranty and an annual check of the setting build trust.

6. A strong collection without a large stock

You do not need to stock every shape and carat weight yourself. Show a selection in store and order the rest to measure. With a delivery time of 2 to 3 weeks, the customer has their ring on their finger quickly.

Lab-grown engagement rings for your store

At Noam Jewels you will find more than 1,500 designs in 14k and 18k gold, from solitaire to toi et moi, white label and delivered in 2 to 3 weeks from Antwerp. Create your B2B account or book a call.