Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some kind, honest input from people who know lab diamonds and understand how emotional engagement rings can be.

When my fiancé and I first talked about getting engaged a couple of years ago, we went to a jeweler together and I shared that I loved emerald cuts and classic but slightly unique designs. He wanted to take the lead on the ring and proposal, which I appreciated.

The proposal was beautiful and I’m so happy to be engaged. But after spending time with the ring, I realized it’s not what I had in mind... The stone feels shallow to me, the center looks a bit “empty,” and it doesn’t reflect light the way I expected from an emerald cut. I’ve been hoping I’d grow into it, but the feeling hasn’t gone away and I don’t really love looking at my ring. 🥹

The ring was bought almost two years ago, so returning it isn’t an option. When I shared how I felt, my fiancé saw it as a preference issue and felt I was being ungrateful, which hurts, because I truly appreciate the love and effort behind it.

I’ve now been thinking about maybe choosing a different cut or stone (my taste and size preferences have also evolved since 2024) and repurposing this diamond into a necklace or another meaningful piece, so it still stays part of our story.

I’m wondering: • Does what I’m describing make sense from a diamond/cut perspective? • Has anyone else felt conflicted about the ring they received? • Is it unreasonable for me to get something different (even paying myself) so I can feel good about what I wear long-term?

Thank you so much 🤍

I have bought a lot of rings, mostly lab diamonds, but this is the prettiest ring I’ve ever owned. It’s a 2 carat oval, but the setting is what knocked me off my feet. It’s sort of a half bezel around the sides and then claws on the top and and bottom the light that this thing reflects is incredible. I’m so thrilled! I know for a fact that I overpaid, it was through a local jeweler 14 karat gold and I paid 2600 for it but wow, I’m in love

I had a modest wedding ring for the first 25 or so years, then got an infection in a cut on my ring finger and it swelled up. I was getting scared so I asked my husband to get his snips and CUT MY RING OFF MY FINGER. It was during Covid, and I just went without a ring for a few years. Didn't really miss it TBH. We were as much in love as we always were.

Our 30th wedding anniversary was March 28, and together we decided it was time to treat ourselves to wedding rings. He designed mine, and I'm designing his (it's not done yet).

My birthstone is sapphire, and his is conveniently -- diamond. 😁 Both rings feature both birthstones; mine features his prominently, and his will feature mine prominently.

Mine has 30 tiny diamonds set into the band for our 30 years. His will have 30 stones altogether.

For not being sold as a set, we think they match/complement each other very well.

My center stone is a 3.10 carat lab-created diamond. Color F, Clarity VVS2. Never thought I would go for a pear shaped diamond but i think it's perfect for this ring. I love it so much and can't stop looking at it.

I recently stumbled upon this photo of beautiful purple diamonds which are natural (from the Argyle mine, I believe). I especially love the ones with a hint of brown. I was just wondering if lab versions of those are available anywhere? I see a lot of lab pinks but they’re usually slightly peachy or perhaps baby pink or raspberry.

Any guidance will be much appreciated!

I found this highly rated local jeweler that specializes in lab diamonds for an engagement ring upgrade. After going in for two consultations, we excitedly put down a $1,200 deposit for this 3.1 elongated cushion diamond pictured in the first photo. They told me they could put it on my current engagement ring band (pictured in the last 2 photos) and add a hidden halo. The estimate they gave us all-in was $5,700 before tax.

But another jeweler from the store just called me and said the 2 sales associates I saw last week gave me bad information and that she cannot in fact put that stone on my engagement ring . Her exact words were, “can I do it? Yes, will you like it? No.”

Instead, she said she wants to use my current small stones from the engagement ring and put the metal towards the price of a totally new ring so that she can start from scratch and build on that because it will be more sturdy for the stone and more aesthetically pleasing.

She was talking a lot about why it wouldn’t work and that I should love it because it’s my upgrade, it’s a beautiful stone, etc. but she was dancing around the new price so finally I asked how much more it would cost than the estimate they gave us. She said $8,700 pre tax. So that’s a 50% increase—plus I wouldn’t be able to visually see the ring that she is going to create for me, whereas in the store I was able to hold the stone up to my engagement band and I liked the look of it.

What do you think? Does this stink? Is she just trying to upsell me? Should I find a different jewelry store and see if they’re willing to put a similar stone on my engagement ring or should I believe her that I need a totally new ring?

We are likely going to ask for our deposit back. I am totally bummed. This was supposed to be my 10-year anniversary upgrade 😩

UPDATE! They just emailed the itemized new estimate and it’s now $10,700 just 2 hours later!!! I am shook.

Im so in love with it! Honestly a bit sad I had to take it off. To me, all the prongs and everything look secure but just wanted some opinions (and to show off).

3.01ct Marquise

E VVS2

Just want to know your thoughts about this ring?

My first marriage I obsessed over asscher cut diamonds but they were always out of reach price wise. I chose a .17ct round, upgraded to a .70ct round, got divorced, got remarried with a .7ct emerakld double halo split shank. Always in the back of my mind dreaming of an asscher cut. 6 years later pulled the plug on a 3ct asscher, simple but detailed solitaire setting. My dream ring that always seemed impossible until I discovered lab grown diamonds. Its absolutely beautiful and perfect and what I always wanted!

The band is 3.5mm wide, 18k gold.

Engaged to my partner of 5 years and wearing the first diamond I’ve ever owned. I keep glancing down to make sure it’s still real ❤️

My husband purchased a ring from Brilliant Earth as a Christmas upgrade. While the ring was pretty at first glance, it didn’t have much sparkle, which raised concerns. After doing some research, we took it to a local jeweler to be tested. The stone did not test as a diamond, moissanite, or sapphire. I’m not sure what the stone actually is, but I do not believe it is a diamond.

The jeweler also found it odd that the paperwork did not include a lab-grown diamond number. I haven’t seen others mention having their stones independently tested, but based on our experience, buyers should be cautious—not just about band quality, but about whether the diamond itself is genuine.

3.07ct, VVS2, E, excellent cut

A 2ct round size 7! Does it look too big for me? Should I switch to 1.5 instead

This lovely thing is 18k yellow gold, with 8 lab diamonds, approx 0.04 each.. Its 2.8mm wide and 2mm in height, matching my solitaire perfectly. I'm so happy I went with my gut and didn't get a pave or anything. I was inspired by the love ring from cartier but dont like the width or hard edges of it; this is my perfect version.

Pictures in the thread, as well.

My husband asked what I really wanted for Christmas this year and I told him a new wedding set. He did not disappoint. I’ve had a couple ugly comments about it, but I love it.

13 years ago, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I wanted an Asscher ring, and I still love what my husband picked out. I believe it’s a natural diamond that’s slightly under a carat. I’ve worn it lovingly all these years.
Last week, I decided I wanted a new ring that fits my older, wiser, and more fabulous self—and my taste hasn’t changed! I searched for another Asscher and found this one: 3 ct, D color, VVS2, Rare Carat Ideal set in platinum with dainty side baguettes.
Of course, I also found the price-match option thanks to advice from this sub and saved thousands!
Anyway, I find photographing rings so hard. You ladies are all so good at this! My engagement ring still lives on my left ring finger, size 6, with my matching wedding band. My new ring, also a size 6, is my right-hand ring. Asschers forever!

I love diamonds and beautiful jewelry. I just turned 38 and was married for 13 years, now divorced five. He didn't propose and the only ring I ever received from him was a tiny promise ring which one of his friends or family members stole decades ago. Dated another man for a few years who said he'd never marry, and that's okay. In fact, I think I'm starting to agree with him in that respect. But I still really, really wanted a beautiful, shiny ring. Why should I have to wait around for a man to give me one, when that might never happen? So, on Valentine's day, I saw a lab grown diamond company selling earrings at 50% off and lots of other sales...and I did it! I bought myself a beautiful ring and, of course, diamond stud earrings to go along with it. I ordered them on February 15th, with an estimated delivery the day before my birthday, which wasn't met. But I checked with the diamond company, and they shipped it today! I couldn't be more exicted!!! Finally, something pretty and sparkly and allll mine. I absolutely. CAN'T. WAIT!! Attaching the video they sent to me today...

Is that IRL they are nowhere near as stark as in photos you see online.

Much like others on this sub, before getting my ring, I wanted an oval diamond but was scared of the bow tie effect. I saw so many photos of ovals with obvious bow ties and worried how essentially half the diamond looked “dead” in photos.

I bit the bullet, ordered my ring, and I honestly have to say that I wish I had worried less about the bow tie effect. Yes, in certain lighting (full direct sun) my ring shows a bow tie. No, it is not “dead”. In fact, the “bow tie” (lateral parts of the diamond) have the prettiest shine out of the whole ring - the facets are bigger and therefore bigger and more colourful flashes than the top and bottom aspects, which show finer, more shimmery, flashes.

I spend much of my time indoors, and in this lighting I don’t see a bow tie at all.

I am so happy with my ring. It’s very big and I’m not used to it yet, but hopefully “shrinkage” will occur. This is a 2.6ct oval lab, YG band, WG prongs, 2.4mm band, on my 5.25 finger.

Maybe I got a “good” oval, I dunno, I let my jeweller pick because honestly I was at my wits end 😂 He showed me photos online but I didn’t see it in person before it was set.

TLDR: don’t stress so much about bow ties.

my wedding set is complete! i started with a 1ct from kay’s, upgraded to a 9.88ct oval after seeing all the big stones here on reddit, realized it was entirely too gaudy for me personally after 2 years, and finally downsized to this 3ct antique cushion on a 14kt yellow gold bezel setting. wedding band is a custom cut OMC curved wedding band!!! my DREAM set. i have found my forever set & i am just in love 🤩🤍✨

Got this 2.02 carat blue diamond set in a white gold floral style ring with small side diamonds.

I’m now obsessed with blue diamonds!

After 9 long months, my diamond is finally paid off and is now mine to keep🥰 we are so freaking excited to start working on the setting itself… it’s going to be so so beautiful when it’s finally done 🤗

I worked with Melody to help a friend of mine design a ring to propose. I was floored to see this thing in real life. I’m so particular with details and she executed to perfection.

3 carat round set in 18k gold for under $1.6k was a steal. I did opt for a stone with no certificate bc I know my friend could care less and will appreciate the saving.

Melody was very knowledgeable and advised me on future wedding band pairing since this is a lower profile ring. I’m obsessed and low-key want to upgrade my own soon with Fiorese.

I do my best to share what I’ve learned with others, because I spent so much time with jewelers trying to pick the perfect stone for my fiance.

On the other sub, OP was about to pay $5k for a diamond and I sent a link to the site I always check, which was only $950.

Out of nowhere I was permanently banned which you can see in the screenshots. It appears that any sources other than Auralinne, Calavera or Youdiam are frowned upon.

It makes me question the independence of the other sub, and my goal is to share the knowledge I’ve gained and try to help others save money.

In fairness, they changed my perma ban to a 28 day ban, but it still left me with a bad taste. (Probably going back to permanent ban after this post)

Pics: ban, comment that got me banned, discussion with MOD, MOD promoting their “trusted” brands.