Engagement Rings

Lab-grown diamond rings look, feel, and perform like diamond engagement rings that feature naturally sourced diamonds. Instead of a mined stone, they feature a real diamond created in a laboratory through innovation and advanced technology. Lab-made diamonds take a few weeks to form, whereas mined diamonds form over eons below the earth's surface.

There's no physical, chemical, or structural difference between a lab diamond and a mined one. Lab diamonds are an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.

An engagement ring is what comes out of the box during a marriage proposal. Worn before the wedding day (but often long after), it's a symbol of commitment and a promise to marry. Engagement rings are often more elaborate and traditionally feature a large center diamond, with or without other accenting stones. Wedding bands are exchanged during the wedding ceremony itself, marking the beginning of the marriage. They're often less ornate and may not feature any diamonds or gemstones at all. Many people wear both their wedding band and engagement ring regularly on the same finger.

Not necessarily. Many wedding bands complement engagement rings. But some designs may clash visually, while others don't quite fit together or rub against each other, possibly causing damage to the stones or metal. When shopping for wedding bands and engagement rings, confirm that the two pieces go together in terms of both fit and appearance. If you're concerned about mixing and matching, a bridal ring set can be bought as a pair to help eliminate the guesswork.

Standard jewelry care instructions apply to engagement rings. But these rings carry extra sentimentality, so it's worth being mindful about keeping yours in pristine shape. Gilded recommends having an engagement ring professionally cleaned at least once a year.

For regular at-home maintenance, soak the ring in a soap-and-water solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove residue or buildup with a soft toothbrush, then rinse with water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid using paper towels, which can scratch metal surfaces.

Gilded diamonds featured in engagement rings may be certified by the IGI (International Gemological Institute) where indicated. You can see whether a ring is IGI-certified by visiting its product page. The IGI professionally examines gemstones to determine quality and authenticity. Not every diamond carries a certification, whether lab-created or natural. But the report can give buyers useful information to support a purchasing decision.

There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to the price of an engagement ring. The "three-month salary rule" can feel unrealistic to many buyers, and the reasoning may not make as much sense in the modern world. With the rising popularity and availability of lab-grown diamonds, diamond engagement rings are more accessible. How much you spend is up to you. Ultimately, it should align with the couple's values, budget, and vision for the ring.

Whether you're picking out your own ring or choosing one for the person you're going to marry, Gilded engagement rings offer both quality and value.