Lab-grown diamonds, also known as lab-created diamonds, man-made diamonds, or synthetic diamonds, are diamonds that are manufactured in a laboratory. Lab-grown diamonds are created using two different methods: high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same hardness, optical properties, and chemical composition as natural diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds have many benefits over natural diamonds.

• Lab-grown diamonds are ethically produced because they are not mined from the earth. All lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free.
• Lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds because there is an infinite amount of lab-grown diamonds that can be created.

Lab-grown diamonds are available through many different retailers. Lauren B Jewelry in New York City offers a large selection of lab-grown diamonds in-store located on the third floor at 608 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10020.

Every couple hopes to find that perfect symbol of eternal love. Today, there are so many engagement ring styles and shapes available to choose from that it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Before you begin shopping for your engagement ring, it is wise to have a good understanding of what's available and the differences between the shape of your center stone and the design of your new engagement ring.

It's easy to confuse the shape of your new diamond center stone with the design of your ring. Shape simply refers to the cut of the stone while design alludes to the configuration of the band and setting. Popular diamond shapes for the modern engagement ring include, but are not limited to:

• Round
• Cushion
• Oval
• Radiant
• Emerald
• Pear
• Princess
• Asscher
• Marquise
• Hybrid
• Heart

Your ring design, however, describes how your stone is set and how the band itself is embellished.

• Halo: A frame of pave set diamonds that encases the top facing part of the center stone. When viewed from the top, a halo will increase the surface area of the diamond. This is a very popular style for many of our custom engagement rings.
• Solitaire: A plain, simple band with no stones adorning the metal.
• Pavé: Small diamonds or gemstones that are set close together in a line within the metal of the ring. The gems are separated and held in place by tiny bead prongs. The prongs holding the stones essentially disappear into the background of the ring giving the look of a continuous surface of diamonds.
• Three-Stone: A three-stone design is marked by a central stone, usually larger, flanked by a stone on each side.

Lauren B Jewelry carries an exquisite collection of in-stock and custom-designed engagement rings in styles to please everyone. Stop by today on the third floor at 608 5th Avenue, New York, NY, or shop our online collection.