Lab-Grown Edition
Lab grown diamonds make it easier than ever to get a bigger, better stone without spending more than you need to. Especially if you stay within the VS2–VVS1 clarity range (such as what we offer at LD Jewellery), you’ll find that value for money is at an all-time high.
If you want your diamond ring or engagement ring to stand out with maximum sparkle and size, here are the smartest choices to make.
Choose the Right Diamond Cut for Surface Area
Not all diamond shapes look the same, even if they have the same carat weight. Some cuts are designed to show more surface area when viewed from above. This makes the diamond look bigger than it actually is.
- Oval Cut – Its stretched shape gives the illusion of a larger stone.
- Marquise Cut – Pointed ends and long body make it look huge for its weight.
- Pear Cut – Combines round and marquise for a flattering, larger face.
- Emerald Cut – Flat top and long lines give it a bold, broad appearance.
- Radiant Cut – Mixes brilliance and width to maximise impact.
- Round Brilliant – Most sparkle, but tends to look smaller than elongated cuts.
Tip: For stones over 1 carat, oval and marquise can appear 10–15% larger than round cuts.
Add a Halo Setting
A halo setting surrounds your centre diamond with smaller diamonds. This adds sparkle and increases the visual size.
It’s perfect for round, cushion, and oval cuts.
A halo can make your centre stone look 0.25 to 0.5 carats bigger.
Because lab grown diamonds are more affordable, using lab grown melee for the halo is a cost-effective way to boost appearance.
Go Lower on Carat, Higher on Cut and Spread
Don’t focus only on carat weight.
A well-cut 0.9 carat diamond with great table size and depth can look bigger than a poorly cut 1 carat stone.
Always prioritise an excellent cut. It reflects more light and makes the diamond look larger and more brilliant.
Since lab grown stones are easier to cut without high material costs, you often get better precision for less.
VS2–VVS1 Clarity = Visible Perfection
You don’t need flawless clarity.
Diamonds in the VS2 to VVS1 range have no visible imperfections to the naked eye.
That’s all you need.
Going higher in clarity raises the price without improving how the diamond looks.
Stay in this range for the perfect balance of beauty and value.
Consider White Metals to Enhance Size Appearance
Platinum and 18K white gold settings reflect light and extend the look of your diamond.
These metals also give a clean, crisp contrast that can make your stone appear even whiter and brighter.
Great for diamond rings, diamond earrings, and diamond bracelets.
Lab Grown = Bigger Budget Room
Lab grown diamonds are up to 90% less expensive than mined diamonds.
That means you can buy a 2 carat lab grown for the price of a 0.75 carat mined diamond.
With that saving, you can upgrade to an excellent cut, add a halo setting, or pick up matching accessories like tennis bracelets or a pair of studs.
Final Tips to Maximise Size Without Compromising
- Choose elongated shapes like oval, marquise, or radiant.
- Use a halo setting to boost size and sparkle.
- Stick with VS2–VVS1 clarity for clean stones at better prices.
- Always go for excellent cut.
- Select white metal settings to extend visual width.
- Buy lab grown diamonds to stretch your budget further than ever before.