Planning the proposal and picking the perfect lab-grown engagement ring can be quite daunting. Which style, band, metal… the list goes on. However, with the use of some tips and tricks from some of the leading UK jewellery experts, this should make your proposal just that little bit easier and hopefully provide you with the information you’ve been searching for.
CHOOSING THE RING

Selecting the perfect ring is one, if not, the most important part of a proposal. It’s the piece that ties everything together. However, with the variety and wealth of choices made available, it can make picking that forever ring a little bit more difficult. Choosing a ring that is within your budget, but something that your partner loves is a top priority, and that is why lab-grown engagement rings are the perfect alternative to your traditional engagement ring.
One of the most common expectations is that engagement rings should cost a 3 month’s wage, yet with the rise of lab-grown jewellery, you can spare yourself that expense. Opting for lab diamonds means that dreaming big can become a reality, not only providing a more affordable but ethical option too.
The leading UK Lab grown jewellery specialist company, Lily Arkwright, operates internationally, with a variety of rings and bespoke options, providing you with luxury and ethically sourced jewellery at an amazing price point. They offer a selection of lab grown engagement rings, such as:
Lab Grown Diamond

It’s as simple as the name implies, Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a lab through the use of extremely high temperatures and pressure conditions which occur in the earth’s crust where natural diamonds form. But are Lab grown diamonds real diamonds? Possessing the same sparkle, brilliance and fire, you receive the highest quality provided in a natural diamond. With no noticeable differences between a natural and a lab diamond, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference. Just take a look at the stunning ‘Eden’ displayed above. An elegant twist on the classic solitaire, the Eden oval engagement ring gracefully showcases a total of 28 conflict-free diamonds on either side of your choice of stunning Charles & Colvard colourless D-F, Forever One Moissanite or our very own Lily Arkwright moissanite centre stone. This ring is truly set to sparkle. Free from flaws and impurities that are acquired in the
formation and mining of natural diamonds, these ethical diamonds can be considered more desirable than natural diamonds. Lab diamonds are up to 40% more cost-effective than mined diamonds, paired with a more ethical background – lab diamonds are just as dazzling. Opting for lab diamonds means that dreaming big can become a reality.
Moissanite
Lily Arkwright specialises in moissanite engagement rings. Their rings can be set in either Charles & Colvard Forever One Moissanite or with their own branded Lily Arkwright Moissanite. With decades of experience, Charles & Colvard are leading producers who develop gemstones with astonishing clarity, which is rated from ‘internally flawless’ to the ‘very slightly included’ range. Using a unique patented process to grow each moissanite, Forever One by Charles & Colvard possesses impeccable colour – ten times whiter than standard moissanite – exceptional cut and clarity, creating a gemstone with exceptional beauty and sparkle. However, they also provide their own Lily Arkwright moissanite, which is a gorgeous option that won’t hurt your wallet! Just look at the dazzling cushion cut triple micro pavé moissanite and diamond shoulder set engagement ring ‘Coco’, featuring a hidden halo that can only be seen from the side profile of the ring. Crafted in luxurious 18k white gold, this ring truly sparkles from every angle. The image below shows exactly how, with lab grown, anything is possible.

Adding colour
The popularity of coloured gemstone engagement rings has increased dramatically over recent years. Lily
Arkwright is proud to be able to produce vividly coloured, ethical and sustainable pieces without any of the harmful effects of mining. Lily Arkwright’s lab grown coloured engagement ring collection is grown by the world’s leading lab diamond coloured gemstone producer, Chatham. Including gorgeous alexandrites: and yellow, pink, champagne and aquamarine sapphire. More and more people are opting for a coloured gemstone engagement ring.
This romantic halo engagement ring, the ‘Rosa’ has been meticulously designed and crafted with a 4 prong setting and features a stunning Chatham® Lab Grown champagne sapphire oval cut centre stone and a dazzling pavé of G/H SI conflict-free diamonds. Steering away from tradition and towards sustainability, Lily Arkwright is proud to be able to produce vividly coloured and ethical pieces without any of the harmful effects of mining.
PLAN THE RING IN ADVANCE
When selecting your engagement ring, it is important to keep in mind that they usually take a few weeks to be handcrafted, especially if you’ve opted for a bespoke piece. Therefore, it makes sense to plan ahead so it arrives within the timeframe you want. Each and every Lily Arkwright ring is made by their selected expert UK Goldsmiths, and must endure a number of strict quality control checks before it is shipped off to you with free and insured shipping. As members of the National Association of Jewellers, there is a guarantee that all of their jewellery meets and exceeds legal requirements, with each ring having been independently hallmarked and tested, providing customers with outstanding quality and a 12-month warranty.
CHOOSING THE PROPOSAL LOCATION
Just like in the movies, making sure that you pop the question in the perfect setting is just as important as the ring. Whether this is a small private occasion, or a public display with an audience in admiration, curating both a sentimental and romantic location is a crucial part of your engagement. Asking for someone’s hand in marriage is the definition of a huge commitment and something many dream of since a young age, whether it be the place you had your first date, first became a couple, or even somewhere you share your favourite memory together. Taking the time and effort to choose the right setting is more than essential.
KEEPING THE RING HIDDEN
The surprise factor and making sure that your significant other has no idea what’s coming is one of the many joys of proposing. Making sure that any ring purchase is hidden well when it arrives is extremely important. Of course, the big giveaway would be an engagement ring that’s been buried away in a drawer only to be discovered. After all the time spent deciding on your forever ring, the element of surprise adds that extra special twist.
WHY CHOOSE LAB GROWN
By choosing lab-grown, this is an amazing choice for a number of reasons. The cost of lab-grown rings is
unbeatable, with some rings costing up to 30% less than mined stones. The clarity, carat size and vast array of available cuts mean that a dream engagement ring can be made into a reality! In addition to the drastic cost benefits, their sustainable and ethical origin means no mining is involved in their production, ensuring all customers that no environment was harmed. Lily Arkwright uses cutting-edge technology which enables lab grown gemstones such as moissanite, diamonds and Chatham-coloured gemstones to be formed without the need for mining.

Chemically, there is no difference. Aesthetically, there is no difference. The only difference is their origin, and in the ever-evolving world, moving towards a more sustainable pathway seems like the best option.
Deciding to propose is a nerve-racking decision, but making sure you have the right ring is vital. If you’d like to find out any more information regarding lab-grown engagement rings and why they might be the right choice for you, visit the Lily Arkwright website or get in contact with one of their expert jewellery consultants via email hello@lilyarkwright.com or phone 01615376773.
Disclosure: collaborative post
Thank you for reading - if you enjoyed this content, please consider buying me a coffee here or browse my Amazon wishlist I really appreciate your support and it helps to keep the site running and for my time 🙂
