Collection: Top Rated Lab Diamond Engagement Rings

You can't beat a classic! The round brilliant cut solitaire engagement ring has maintained its status as the most popular style of engagement ring for decades.

The round cut centre stone has consistently been a favourite engagement ring style, perhaps because of its timeless, versatile, and brilliantly sparkly appearance which comes from the way the diamond has been cut to maximise the light refracted and reflected from the stone. A round brilliant diamond also looks stunning in any setting!

So, it is no wonder this style is continuously chosen over any other. However, in recent years, despite remaining the most popular style, the round brilliant solitaire engagement ring's lead over other stone shapes has begun to decline.

Who knows, maybe there will be a new contender for most popular engagement ring style before long!

It is important to consider what materials such as metal and stone type you want to have in a ring for your engagement.

The most popular choice of materials for an engagement ring in the last year have included white gold and diamond for a classic and sophisticated look. However, there are a variety of other materials that are also popular to meet your every desire when it comes to an engagement ring.

A well as white gold, an engagement ring can be made using yellow gold, and rose gold, both of which are available at Ethica. The popularity of this metal comes from its durability and resistance to tarnishing which means whatever colour you choose, you are guaranteed to have an engagement ring with long lasting shine.

Platinum is another popular choice when it comes to what metal you may want to use in your engagement ring. Not only is platinum strong and long lasting, it really brings out the shine of whatever you choose as the stone or stones for your engagement ring since it has a slightly more grey finish than white gold or silver, for example.

Rising in popularity, the lab grown diamond is a very desirable alternative to mined diamond that accounts for over 70% of diamond sales these days. Lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in their brilliance, fire, and sparkle since their chemical makeup is identical. You can't beat the classic look, so lab grown diamond is a fabulous stone to use in your engagement ring.

One other material that is massively popular in the world of engagement rings, is coloured gemstones. They can come in the form of precious and semi precious stones which can often be lab grown and in virtually any colour! It isn't hard to understand why coloured stones would be a favourite for your ring - who wouldn't want a colourful gem to reflect their personality and style?

So, there you have it. The most popular materials for an engagement ring.

Here are the top five most popular stone shapes which you can choose for your engagement ring:

Round Brilliant

The classic round brilliant cut is the most popular style of stone cut, designed to reflect and refract the most amount of light for the highest amount of sparkle. This style will suit everyone!

Princess

This shape has just as much sparkle as a round brilliant except it has a more contemporary look with its square shape when seen form above. Very popular in Art Deco inspired engagement rings.

Emerald

The emerald cut is a rectangular shape which holds flashes of lights rather than a consistent sparkle like the round brilliant or princess cut. This type of ring suits long fingers with its linear, straight facets.

Cushion

The cushion cut has a more vintage feel to it since it is based on a more old-fashioned cut which has rounded corners - like a cushion! similar to the princess cut but with much softer edges.

Asscher

Asscher cuts are reminiscent of the emerald shape, except that they have more facets and therefore a much greater sparkle. Art Deco style and timeless this is a popular choice for an engagement ring.

There is no physical difference. Lab grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds. Both consist of pure carbon and rank a 10 on the Mohs scale for hardness, meaning your lab grown engagement ring will offer the same lifetime durability and brilliance as a traditional mined diamond.

Yes. Lab grown diamonds require significantly less land disturbance and water than mining. In 2026, most of our stones are sourced from foundries using 100% renewable energy, making them the preferred choice for eco conscious couples seeking a conflict free, sustainable engagement ring.

1. The "Bigger for Your Buck" Effect

One of the biggest drivers for the popularity of elongated cuts is that they appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight.
Because the stone is spread out vertically, it takes up more "real estate" on your finger.
An oval diamond can look 10–15% larger face up than a round diamond, allowing you to get a "big rock" look without the price jump of a higher carat weight.

2. The "Slenderising" Effect

Just like vertical stripes in fashion, elongated shapes create an optical illusion on the hand.

• Ovals: Their soft, continuous curves draw the eye up and down the hand, making fingers appear longer and more slender.
• Elongated Cushions: They provide a similar lengthening effect but with a slightly more "architectural" and rectangular silhouette that balances the hand perfectly.

3. The "Hailey Bieber" & "Taylor Swift" Influence

Celebrity trends are currently split between these two specific looks:

• The Modern Icon (Oval): Popularised by Hailey Bieber and Kourtney Kardashian, the oval solitaire on a thin "whisper" band is the gold standard for modern, minimalist luxury.
• The Vintage Revival (Elongated Cushion): Recently, Taylor Swift’s choice of an antique inspired "Old Mine" cushion cut has sparked a massive trend toward "romantic" shapes. Couples love that the elongated cushion feels like a 1920s heirloom but with the modern brilliance of 2026 cutting techniques.

Better Value with Lab Grown Technology

Since lab grown diamonds allow for higher quality at a lower price point, consumers are moving away from "safe" round diamonds and experimenting with Fancy Shapes. In 2026, the tech has advanced so much that "bow-ties" (the dark shadows sometimes seen in the centre of ovals) are almost non-existent in high quality lab stones, making these shapes more beautiful than ever.

In 2026, the Bezel setting has emerged as the gold standard for anyone with an active lifestyle from fitness enthusiasts and healthcare professionals to travellers and outdoor adventurers.

If you're wondering if a bezel is right for your daily routine, here is a breakdown of why it is considered the most practical and secure choice on the market today.

1. Maximum Protection for Your Stone

Unlike a traditional prong setting that holds a diamond at only 4 or 6 small points, a bezel setting encases the entire perimeter of the stone in a rim of precious metal.

• Impact Shield: The metal acts as a "bumper," protecting the diamond's edges from accidental chips, knocks, or hard blows (like hitting a gym weight or a car door).
• Security: It is nearly impossible for a diamond to fall out of a bezel. In 2026, many jewelers recommend them specifically for lab grown diamonds, which are often purchased in larger carat weights that need that extra stability.

2. Zero Snagging

One of the most frustrating parts of wearing an engagement ring is the prongs catching on hair, expensive knitwear, or medical gloves.

• Smooth Silhouette: A bezel ring is completely smooth to the touch. It glides through fabrics and doesn't get caught in your hair when you're getting ready or working out.
• Low Maintenance: Prongs can bend or thin over time, requiring "re-tipping" or tightening every few years. A bezel is a "set it and forget it" design that stays secure for decades.

3. Low Profile Comfort

Active lifestyle rings are often designed with a low profile, meaning the diamond sits closer to your finger rather than being "elevated" high in the air.

• Practicality: This reduces the leverage of the ring, so it won't spin around as much or feel top-heavy during movement.
• Gloves & Gear: If your lifestyle involves wearing winter gloves, latex gloves (for doctors/nurses), or even lifting straps, a low profile bezel is the only setting that won't feel bulky or uncomfortable under pressure.

The "Active Life" Trade off

While a bezel offers the best protection, it’s helpful to know the trade off:

• The Look: It offers a modern, "Quiet Luxury" aesthetic. If you want a traditional, vintage "Cinderella" look, a 6-prong setting is the next best secure option.
• Light Performance: Because more of the diamond is covered by metal, slightly less light enters from the sides. However, in 2026, high quality lab diamonds are cut with such precision that 90% of their sparkle comes from the top (the table), so you’ll still get incredible brilliance.

Choosing the right carat for a lab diamond in 2026 is about visual balance rather than just budget. Because lab grown stones are more affordable, the "standard" has shifted toward larger, high quality stones.

1. Find the "Sweet Spot" (1.5ct – 2.0ct)

The most popular range for 2026 is 1.5 to 2.0 carats. This size offers a significant "wow" factor while remaining practical for daily wear. In today's market, you can often secure a 2ct lab diamond for less than the cost of a 1ct natural stone.

2. Match Your Finger Size

The same carat weight will look different on every hand:

• Size F–J (Petite): A 1.0ct – 1.2ct stone looks substantial. Anything over 2.0ct may appear overwhelming.
• Size L–P (Average): A 1.5ct – 2.0ct stone is perfectly proportional.
• Size Q+ (Wider): A 2.0ct – 2.5ct stone provides the best finger coverage.

3. Use Shape to "Cheat" Size

If you want a bigger look without a higher price tag, choose elongated cuts. Ovals, Pears, and Marquise shapes have a larger surface area, making a 1.5ct stone look like a 2.0ct round diamond.

4. Lifestyle Check

• Active/Hands on: Stick to 1.0ct – 1.5ct in a low-profile or bezel setting.
• Statement led: 2026 trends favour 3.0ct+ for those who want a bold, "Loud Luxury" look.