When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, one of the biggest questions couples face today is whether to opt for a lab-grown or a mined diamond. It’s a decision that goes far beyond sparkle and price. It’s about aligning your jewellery with your values, lifestyle, and the story you want your ring to tell. In this guide, Melody from Vinny & Charles shares what every couple should know before they buy. From sustainability and style to value and durability, so that you can make the choice that feels right for you.

When I talk to couples about engagement rings, the question of lab-grown versus mined diamonds comes up almost straight away. The answer isn’t always simple, because it’s about more than just looks or price – it’s about your values, your priorities, and the story you want to tell.

A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond, created in a lab instead of being formed deep underground over millions of years. Chemically, physically, and visually, it’s the same as a mined diamond. The only real difference is the origin. One grows in the earth, the other in a modern lab that recreates those natural conditions.

Here are the main things I encourage couples to consider:

Sustainability and ethics

Lab-grown diamonds skip the environmental damage and conflict issues that come with traditional mining. Not all labs are created equal, though. Some use renewable energy while others rely on traditional power. If sustainability is important to you, it’s worth choosing a producer that focuses on clean energy and transparency.

Appearance

Lab-grown and mined diamonds look identical. Even experienced jewellers can’t tell them apart without special equipment. If you placed two diamonds of the same cut, colour, and clarity side by side, you wouldn’t be able to spot the difference.

Grading and certification

Both lab-grown and mined diamonds are graded using the 4Cs – cut, colour, clarity, and carat. They’re certified by independent labs like IGI or GIA. Some labs, such as GIA, are updating how they grade lab diamonds, so it’s always worth chatting with your jeweller about the latest industry changes.

Price and value

Lab-grown diamonds are usually 30 to 60 percent less expensive than mined diamonds of similar quality. That’s mainly because of a shorter supply chain and faster production. The trade-off is that lab-grown diamonds generally don’t hold their resale value the way mined diamonds do. For most couples, this doesn’t matter, but it’s good to know up front.

Durability

There’s no compromise here. Lab-grown diamonds are just as tough as mined counterparts, scoring a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. With proper care, they’ll last for generations, making them an excellent choice for engagement rings or heirlooms.

Style and trends

Oval and round brilliants are still the most popular shapes, but emerald and pear cuts are in demand too. Timeless solitaire settings and hidden halos remain favourites. Toi et moi designs have become especially sought after, and customers love nature-inspired details to make their rings feel unique and personal.

There’s no “better” choice – it’s all about what matters most to you. For some couples, the story and rarity of a mined diamond matter most. For others, value and ethics come first. Both are real, beautiful diamonds. The most important thing is to find what fits your values and your budget.

When I help couples make this decision, I always start by getting to know what matters to them most. My goal is to find a piece that honours their priorities and becomes a once-in-a-lifetime piece of heirloom jewellery.

About the author: Vinny & Charles is a husband and wife run jewellery business that is passionate about making unique engagement and wedding rings. Many of our pieces like our flower and leaf wedding bands are nature inspired and we get immense joy from creating these special pieces for our lovely customers around the world. We’re dedicated to making meaningful jewellery that will last a lifetime, with high-quality conflict-free diamonds and ethically sourced gemstones.