How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring

Choosing an engagement ring is more than a milestone — it’s a story waiting to be told. At Diamond Lab, Australia’s trusted name in luxury lab-grown diamonds and moissanite, we believe the journey to “yes” should feel just as special as the moment itself.

This guide will help you navigate the most important elements — from the type of stone to the final setting — with confidence, ease, and elegance.

1. Start With What Matters Most

You don’t need to know everything about diamonds to choose the right ring. Start by asking:

• What kind of look or vibe do you want?

• Do you value ethical sourcing or sustainability?

• Are you working with a budget, or creating a completely custom design?

Knowing the answers to these questions will shape the entire experience.

2. Stone Options: Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Moissanite

At Diamond Lab, we work with two exceptional stones — both ethical, both stunning:

Lab-Grown Diamonds are chemically and visually identical to mined diamonds, offering the same brilliance and durability at a better value. They're perfect for timeless, elegant designs.

Moissanite is known for its intense sparkle and fire. It’s not a diamond, but its clarity, beauty, and affordability make it a favourite among modern couples.

We’ll help you compare them side-by-side to find what feels right.

3. Choose the Cut That Reflects Your Style

The cut defines the shape and character of your ring. Some of our most loved styles:

• Round – Classic and brilliant

• Oval – Elegant and elongating

• Emerald – Refined, with vintage charm

• Cushion – Soft and romantic

• Pear – Bold and uniquely feminine

• Radiant, Asscher, Princess, Marquise – Each with distinctive flair

You don’t need to know all the names — you’ll feel the right one when you see it.

Explore Cut Styles

4. Choose a Setting That Fits Your Story

Your setting defines how the centre stone is held and how the ring sits on the hand. A few popular options:

• Solitaire – Minimal, elegant, timeless

• Hidden Halo – A subtle shimmer beneath the stone

• Three-Stone – A symbol of past, present, and future

• East-West – A bold modern twist

• Pavé or Cathedral – Extra brilliance or height

We can guide you on what best suits your chosen cut and lifestyle.

Explore Setting Styles

5. Select Your Precious Metal

At Diamond Lab, we offer every ring in 14K or 18K gold (yellow, white, rose) or platinum. Here’s how they differ:

• White Gold – Bright and modern

• Yellow Gold – Warm and classic

• Rose Gold – Romantic and on-trend

• Platinum – Naturally white, hypoallergenic, and ultra-durable

We'll help you find the one that complements your stone and skin tone.

6. Understand the 4Cs (for Lab Diamonds)

If you’re choosing a lab diamond, these are the essentials:

• Cut – The most important factor for sparkle

• Colour – D to F are colourless; G to J offer great value

• Clarity – VS1 or VS2 are flawless to the naked eye

• Carat – Bigger isn’t always better; balance size with quality

Moissanite is graded differently, based on brilliance. We’ll walk you through that too.

7. Create Something Custom

Want something entirely unique? You can fully personalise your ring through our
Custom Jewellery Design process.

Choose your:

• Stone type and size

• Cut shape and setting

• Band width and profile height

• Metal type and finish

You’ll receive a CAD design before production begins — ensuring every detail is exactly right.

8. Set a Budget That Reflects Your Values

Our rings start from around $2,000 for moissanite and $4,000 for lab-grown diamonds. Many clients spend between $5,000 and $8,000 on a one-of-a-kind design.

We’ll help you prioritise where to invest — whether that’s stone quality, band customisation, or ethical sourcing — to get the most out of your budget.

Book a Consultation

9. Make the Experience Yours

We believe the engagement ring journey should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Whether you want a classic solitaire, something bespoke, or are still figuring it all out — we’re here to help.

Let’s create something unforgettable together.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a custom ring take?
Lab diamond rings take around 40 days. Moissanite rings can be ready in 2–3 weeks.

Can I upgrade the stone in future?
Yes, we offer flexible upgrade options for both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds.

What if I don’t know the ring size?
Use our Ring Size Guide or reach out — we’re happy to assist. Resizing is also available.

Are lab-grown diamonds real?
Yes — they’re physically and optically identical to mined diamonds, simply created above ground.

How do I start designing a custom ring?
Begin with our Custom Jewellery Design page or book a
Virtual or In-Showroom Consultation.