In New Zealand, the summer holidays, from Christmas through January, are a favourite time to propose: long days, beach trips and family gatherings. If you're planning to ask, here's how to choose a lab-grown diamond engagement ring.
Why Kiwis are choosing lab-grown
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, identical in sparkle and hardness to mined stones, at a fraction of the price. That means a bigger, better-quality centre stone, or money saved for the wedding or a house deposit.
Choose the shape
- Round: classic and the most brilliant.
- Oval: looks larger per carat and flatters the hand; one of the most popular choices right now.
- Emerald: elegant and understated.
- Pear: romantic and distinctive.
Choose the setting
- Solitaire for timeless simplicity
- Halo for extra sparkle
- Trilogy (three stones) for past, present and future
- Hidden halo for a subtle surprise from the side
Quality sweet spot
For a centre stone, D–G colour, VS clarity and an Excellent cut give a beautiful result. Ask for an IGI report and verify it online.
Where to buy in NZ
National jewellers, including Michael Hill and Pandora, now offer lab-grown diamonds in New Zealand, and many independent jewellers in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch create custom rings with lab-grown centre stones. You can also buy directly from a manufacturer. We compare the options in where to buy lab-grown diamonds in NZ.
Buying from overseas
If you order from abroad, GST and any duty may apply on import, and delivery to NZ takes time. Allow extra weeks for a custom ring.
Made to order in Surat
We craft engagement rings with certified lab-grown diamonds and ship insured to New Zealand. See our engagement ring styles or contact us.
Good luck!
