When my best friend got engaged last year, she did something that surprised everyone — including herself. Instead of the classic round-cut diamond that’s dominated engagement ring trends for decades, she went for something a little different: an oval lab grown diamond engagement ring.
Now, if you’d told me five years ago that “lab grown” diamonds would be not just acceptable but coveted, I probably would’ve raised an eyebrow. But here we are — in a new era of conscious luxury, where sustainability meets stunning design, and love stories sparkle a little greener.
So, I started digging. What makes these oval lab grown diamonds so special? Why are more Australians, especially younger couples, leaning towards them? And honestly, are they really as good as the natural ones we grew up seeing in Tiffany’s windows?
Turns out — they might be even better.
A New Chapter in Engagement Rings
Let’s start with the obvious: diamonds have always been about storytelling. They’ve marked promises, milestones, and (let’s be honest) status. But as our generation becomes more mindful of what we buy — from food to fashion — that same awareness has finally reached the jewellery box.
Lab grown diamonds, quite literally, are changing the conversation.
And the oval shape? It’s leading the charge.
You might not know this, but oval cuts have this quiet magic about them. They elongate the finger, give off an incredible sparkle (thanks to their brilliant faceting), and somehow blend vintage charm with modern flair. It’s elegant without trying too hard — which, in my opinion, makes it perfect for today’s understated romantic.
Combine that with the technology of lab-grown production, and you’ve got something truly fascinating: a diamond that’s chemically identical to mined ones, yet born without the environmental baggage or inflated price tags.
Wait — What Exactly Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Before we get carried away with the aesthetics, let’s clear up one big misconception.
Lab grown diamonds aren’t “fakes,” “synthetics,” or “imitations.” They’re not cubic zirconia, and they’re certainly not moissanite. They’re real diamonds — same carbon structure, same sparkle, same hardness on the Mohs scale.
The only difference? Their origin story.
Instead of being pulled from deep within the earth, these diamonds are created in high-tech labs using two main methods: HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition). Both processes replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form, just without the environmental disruption or questionable mining ethics.
The result? A diamond that’s virtually indistinguishable — even under a jeweller’s loupe — from its mined counterpart.
Why Oval Lab Grown Diamonds Are Stealing the Spotlight
Now, if we zoom in on oval lab grown diamond engagement rings, there’s a reason they’ve become the darling of designers, influencers, and soon-to-be brides alike.
1. They Look Bigger for Their Carat
The elongated shape of an oval diamond creates an illusion of size.
A one-carat oval will often look larger than a one-carat round stone — purely because of how the surface area catches light. It’s like optical magic, but backed by geometry.
2. They’re Exceptionally Flattering
Oval diamonds draw the eye along the finger, giving a slender and graceful appearance. Whether you’ve got dainty hands or prefer chunkier settings, this shape has a knack for suiting just about everyone.
3. They’re Unique Without Being Flashy
In an era when everyone wants to stand out but not scream for attention, the oval cut hits the sweet spot. It’s timeless, yet just different enough to feel personal.
4. They’re Kinder to the Planet (and Your Wallet)
Let’s be real — love shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. Lab grown diamonds generally cost 30–50% less than mined ones, meaning you can invest in a higher-quality stone or save for your honeymoon (hello, Amalfi Coast).
And for those who care about ethics, this shift towards sustainability is more than a trend — it’s a movement.
A Sustainable Love Story
When you think about the environmental impact of traditional diamond mining — the land disruption, water usage, and energy consumption — it’s hard to ignore the appeal of a cleaner, more transparent option.
Lab grown diamonds, by contrast, are produced in controlled environments with traceable origins.
No hidden hands in the supply chain. No digging up ecosystems. No question marks about where your stone really came from.
For many Australians, that peace of mind is priceless.
One jeweller I spoke to in Sydney put it beautifully:
“People want their engagement rings to symbolise love, not compromise. The oval lab grown diamond is the modern way of saying, ‘I care about you and the world we live in.’”
That sentiment is echoed globally — from eco-conscious millennials to high-end designers who’ve started embracing lab grown gems in their collections. In fact, luxury houses that once swore by mined diamonds are quietly (and proudly) introducing lab grown alternatives.
Craftsmanship Still Matters — Perhaps More Than Ever
While the origin of the stone might have evolved, one thing hasn’t changed: craftsmanship.
A well-cut oval diamond, whether lab grown or mined, relies heavily on precision. Too shallow, and it looks dull. Too deep, and it loses that captivating brilliance. The setting plays a big part too — halos, solitaires, and three-stone designs can each transform how the light dances through the gem.
If you’re shopping for one, don’t just look at the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, carat). Pay attention to balance.
Does the shape feel right for your hand? Does the diamond sit comfortably in the band? These are the small details that turn a beautiful ring into something unforgettable.
And if you want to see how refined and romantic this style can look, I’d honestly suggest browsing through a few examples of an oval lab grown diamond engagement ring. You’ll notice how each piece captures light differently — it’s a bit mesmerising, really.
But Are Lab Grown Diamonds a “Good Investment”?
This is where the conversation gets a bit more nuanced.
Traditionally, mined diamonds have held their value partly because of their rarity — or, at least, the perception of it. Lab grown diamonds, being created in controlled environments, don’t rely on limited natural supply. That means they’re more affordable and accessible — but less likely to appreciate over time.
However, if you think about it, most people don’t buy engagement rings as financial assets.
They buy them because they symbolise something deeply personal — love, commitment, the start of a shared journey.
And when you consider that lab grown diamonds allow you to get a higher-quality, more ethical stone at a better price, the emotional value arguably outweighs the resale factor.
Still, if you’re someone who likes to research every angle (as you should), you might enjoy reading more about the growing diamond industry and common buying pitfalls in this guide to lab grown diamonds. It’s packed with practical insights for anyone navigating the modern engagement ring market.
How to Choose the Perfect Oval Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably either considering one yourself or helping someone who is. Here’s what I’ve learned from countless hours of research and a few too many visits to jewellery stores:
- Check the Certification
Always ensure your diamond comes with a grading report from a recognised body like IGI or GIA. It’s your assurance of quality and transparency. - Mind the Bow-Tie Effect
Ovals sometimes display a shadowy “bow-tie” across the centre. A good cut minimises this, but it’s worth viewing your stone under different lighting before buying. - Consider the Setting
Simple solitaire settings highlight the stone’s shape, while halos add extra sparkle. Hidden halos (a popular modern choice) can subtly boost brilliance without overwhelming the design. - Don’t Skimp on Cut
Of all the 4Cs, cut arguably matters most. It determines how your diamond reflects light — and how it ultimately feels on the hand. - Think Long-Term
Your ring will see decades of wear. Choose something timeless, not just trendy. Oval cuts, thankfully, tick both boxes beautifully.
A Quiet Revolution in the Jewellery World
What’s happening right now in the diamond world feels a bit like the shift we saw with electric cars or organic food — a collective awakening. People are realising that luxury doesn’t have to come at a moral or environmental cost.
And it’s not just younger couples driving this change. More established buyers, too, are swapping mined stones for lab grown ones when upgrading rings or designing new pieces. The stigma is fading fast — replaced by curiosity, excitement, and pride in making a thoughtful choice.
When you think about it, that’s quite poetic.
A symbol of everlasting love evolving to reflect a more conscious kind of romance.
Final Thoughts: The Future Is Sparkling — Sustainably
I’ll admit, when I first started researching lab grown diamonds, I was sceptical. Maybe even a bit sentimental about the idea of “real” diamonds coming from the earth. But after seeing — and wearing — some incredible pieces, I’ve completely changed my tune.
The oval lab grown diamond engagement ring isn’t just a style statement; it’s a reflection of where we’re heading as a society. One where love and responsibility coexist. Where technology serves beauty, not the other way around. And where the sparkle on your finger can tell a story that’s as clean and kind as it is dazzling.
So, whether you’re proposing, celebrating an anniversary, or simply curious about what’s next in fine jewellery — give the oval lab grown diamond a second look. It might just redefine what “forever” means to you.