Do You Really Need an “Engagement Ring”?

Let’s be honest—when you hear “engagement ring,” you probably picture a classic diamond solitaire, a hefty price tag, and a big moment on bended knee. But here’s the thing: an “engagement ring” is just a ring. There’s no law, no secret handshake, no ancient decree stating that a proposal must come with a specific style of jewellery.

The jewellery industry has spent decades convincing us that an engagement ring must look a certain way, cost a small fortune, and come from a tiny velvet box. But what if that’s not your style? What if you want something different—something that actually means something to you and your partner?

Here’s the truth: the ring that marks your engagement should be the one that speaks to you, not just one that fits into a marketing category. Whether it’s a sleek modern band, a vintage-inspired piece, or a dazzling lab-grown diamond beauty, the most important thing is that it feels right for you.

Article Summary

• Lab-grown diamonds offer versatility in colour and design, allowing for personalised engagement rings that reflect individual styles and preferences.
• Couples are increasingly involved in the ring selection process, embracing unique designs that tell their love story.
• Any ring can symbolise engagement, as modern trends prioritise personal meaning over traditional expectations.
• Lab-grown diamonds are more affordable, enabling couples to choose larger or higher-quality rings within their budget.
• The ethical and environmental benefits of lab-grown diamonds align with contemporary values, making any ring a thoughtful engagement choice.

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£1,390.00 £3,095.00

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What Defines an Engagement Ring?

The moment you hear "engagement ring," what springs to mind? That classic solitaire with its proud diamond perched atop a gleaming band? Or perhaps a halo setting where tiny diamonds encircle a larger stone like adoring courtiers around a queen? Maybe it's those deliciously sparkly pavé bands that catch your eye every time you scroll through Instagram?

But here's the juicy bit—that "engagement ring" label is largely a marketing masterstroke. The diamond engagement ring wasn't always the tradition we now consider sacrosanct. In fact, back in the early 1900s, less than 10% of brides received a diamond engagement ring! It wasn't until 1947, when diamond giant De Beers launched their iconic "A Diamond is Forever" campaign that diamonds became the expected centerpiece of proposals. They even convinced men they should spend two months' salary on the ring – talk about clever marketing!

The diamond industry has brilliantly woven itself into our cultural fabric, turning what was essentially a marketing campaign into what feels like an ancient tradition. Even the phrase "diamonds are a girl's best friend" was part of this calculated effort to make us believe we simply must have that sparkler.

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£525.00 £1,001.00

Declare your love with the breathtaking Grace Lab Princess Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, crafted in the UK with the finest materials. This stunning ring features a sparkling 0.50-carat solitaire diamond of G/VS clarity and is set in luxurious 18k white… read more

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How Engagement Rings Differ from Other Rings

What separates your average gorgeous ring from one worthy of sealing a proposal? It's all in the marketing!

Engagement rings are sold to us dripping with sentiment—they're not just jewelry, they're symbols of eternal love, commitment, and your partner's financial dedication to your future together. Other rings? They're just pretty accessories. 

Then there's the eye-watering price difference. Slap the word "engagement" on a ring, and suddenly the price tag swells like a celebrity's lips after filler. The engagement ring market is a significant segment within the global luxury goods industry, with brands like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Harry Winston commanding premium prices based on prestige alone.

And let's talk stones, shall we? Engagement rings traditionally feature diamonds as the star of the show, while other rings might flaunt colored gemstones or different cuts without raising eyebrows. The three-stone setting, for instance, is marketed as symbolising your past, present, and future together—how's that for loading meaning onto a piece of jewellery?

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£355.00 £795.00

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The Rise of Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

Now here's where things get interesting. Lab-grown diamonds are absolutely shaking up the engagement ring scene, and for good reason.

These scientific marvels are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds—they're made from the same carbon atoms arranged in the same crystalline structure. Even trained gemologists struggle to tell the difference without specialised equipment!

The ethical appeal is undeniable. While traditional diamond mining can involve environmental degradation and questionable labor practices, lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using sustainable methods. No more worrying about whether your symbol of love came at someone else's expense.

And here's the part that will make your wallet sing: lab-grown diamonds typically cost 20-40% less than their mined counterparts. That means you can either save a pretty penny or go bigger and bolder with your stone while staying within budget. Who doesn't love more sparkle for less cash?

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Discover the breathtaking allure of the Three Row Lab Diamond Full Eternity Ring, boasting 6.00ct of D/VVS quality genuine diamonds. This masterpiece features a luxurious 8.0mm wide band adorned with three rows of claw-set diamonds, each sparkling with unmatched brilliance.… read more

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Do You Need to Buy an "Engagement Ring"?

Here's my controversial take—you absolutely do not need an "engagement ring" to get engaged. Shocking, I know!

The rules around engagement rings are meant to be broken. That vintage cocktail ring your grandmother left you? The modern art piece you spotted in that quirky boutique? The simple band that matches your minimalist aesthetic? Any of these can be your engagement ring if you want them to be.

Some couples are ditching rings altogether in favor of other symbols—charm bracelets that tell your love story, lockets that hold tiny mementos, or even matching tattoos for the bold among us.

What truly matters isn't the label slapped on by jewellers eager for your cash, but the personal connection you have to whatever symbol you choose. After all, you're the one who'll be looking at it every day for years to come.

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£870.00 £1,935.00

Embrace modern elegance with the Lab Diamond 7 Stone Wishbone Ring, featuring 1.00ct of real diamonds in D/VVS quality, meticulously claw set for a striking display. Crafted in luxurious platinum, this ring presents a contemporary wishbone design that symbolizes luck… read more

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Choosing the Right Lab-Grown Diamond Ring for You

If you're leaning toward a lab-grown diamond (and why wouldn't you, clever thing?), here's how to select one that's absolutely perfect:

First, familiarise yourself with the 4 Cs: cut, clarity, colour, and carat. The cut quality is particularly crucial as it determines how well your diamond sparkles – and who doesn't want maximum sparkle?

When it comes to settings, you're spoiled for choice. The classic solitaire never goes out of style and beautifully showcases your diamond. Halo settings make your center stone appear larger (sneaky!), while three-stone settings offer that lovely symbolism we mentioned earlier.

Don't forget to consider the metal for your band. White gold gives a modern look, yellow gold offers vintage charm, and rose gold adds a romantic blush. Platinum is pricier but incredibly durable for everyday wear.

For the ultimate personalised touch, many jewellers now offer customisation options. Want a unique shape or a hidden accent that only you know about? With lab-grown diamonds' affordability, you can stretch your budget to include these special details.

So there you have it, my fashionable friends. The "engagement ring" as we know it is largely a construct of brilliant marketing, but that doesn't mean you can't embrace tradition if it speaks to you. Choosing a ring that reflects your personal style, aligns with your values, and makes you feel excited every time you glance down at your hand is what matters.

After all, isn't that what true love—and fabulous accessories—is all about?

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£215.00 £475.00

Discover the delicate elegance of the Lab Diamond Cross Ring, a symbol of faith and beauty seamlessly blended. This exquisite piece features real diamonds with a total weight of 0.06ct, set in a classic claw setting that enhances their brilliance.… read more

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Forget the Label—Find the Ring That’s Right for You

So, do you really need a ring labelled as an “engagement ring”? Absolutely not. You need a ring that makes you feel something—one that represents your love, your style, and your values.

That’s where After Diamonds comes in. Our stunning lab-grown diamond rings are handcrafted in Britain, designed for those who want the brilliance of diamonds without the baggage of tradition (or the price tag of mined stones). Oh, and did we mention they come with a lifetime workmanship guarantee? That’s real peace of mind, right there.

So whether you’re planning a proposal or just shopping for a show-stopper, ditch the label and find the ring that’s right for you. Browse our collection today → After Diamonds.