A wedding band may be a small piece of jewellery, but selecting the right one means considering more than a display case. It should be comfortable to wear, reflect your lifestyle and, in some cases, complement an engagement ring.
For couples in New Zealand, a lab diamond wedding band provides the look and longevity of natural diamond jewellery, but with an enhanced budget. Increasing consumer awareness about laboratory-grown diamonds has also meant that shoppers can consider a variety of different settings, diamond sizes and precious metals, without straining their finances.
Before selecting a band, it is important to understand the factors that influence its appearance, how different styles wear with time and what considerations to make before finalising an order.
What Makes a Lab Diamond Wedding Band Different?
The primary difference between a lab-grown and mined diamond is its origin.
Lab made diamonds are grown in a controlled environment with the aid of sophisticated technology. They share the same chemical make-up, crystal structure and optical properties as natural diamonds, but are not diamond imitations such as cubic zirconia.
There are two primary methods for growing gem-quality diamonds – High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD).
Lab diamond wedding band can range from a few small stones across the band to a full eternity style with a continuous row of diamonds.
Diamonds that have been grown in a laboratory are not inherently more prone to scratching or less dazzling than mined diamonds. Their appearance will depend on their cut grade, proportions and setting.
Choosing a Diamond Setting That Matches Your Lifestyle
A wedding band tends to see more regular wear than other pieces of jewellery, meaning its setting is an important consideration.
Pavé bands
Pavé bands make use of small, closely-set diamonds to create a sparkling effect. They tend to complement a solitaire engagement ring, but the small stones and delicate settings may require extra care during physically demanding activities.
Channel-set bands
Diamonds on a channel setting sit between two strips of metal, creating a uniform appearance along the length of the band. The channel setting creates less exposed edges than a prong setting.
Half-eternity bands
A half-eternity band places diamonds across the front of the band, with smooth metal underneath. This can create a desirable alternative for hand preference.
Full-eternity bands
Full-eternity bands have a full row of diamonds around the circumference. They create a dazzling display, but can be challenging to resize.
A person working with their hands may find a low profile band more comfortable than a higher option made with prongs or an eternity design. When making this decision, it is also important to bear in mind that the band with the largest number of diamonds is not always the best option.
The Importance of Selecting the Band Metal
The metal used on a wedding band influences its colour, weight, maintenance requirements and overall presentation.
Yellow gold tends to be a desirable option for those wishing to create a warm look for their wedding bands. It also looks striking when paired with white diamonds, with the contrasting colours of the metal and stones creating a distinctive appearance.
White gold tends to be used for diamond wedding jewellery, with the metal’s cool tone complementing the diamonds. However, the rhodium plating on white gold rings may require maintenance as it wears away with time.
Rose gold has a pinkish hue, while platinum has a naturally white colour and is known for its strength. 9ct and 18ct gold continue to be popular choices for jewellery in New Zealand, with the 18ct option containing a higher percentage of gold, changing both the composition and cost. Gold alloys and construction methods also play a role in determining suitability.
When comparing lab diamond wedding bands, it is important to consider the metal’s width, thickness and quality of the setting as well as its colour.
Wedding Band Style Matching an Engagement Ring
Two beautiful rings do not always make a set.
An engagement ring with a low profile centre stone may not provide enough height for a standard band style to fit snugly against. In this situation, a contoured or curved band may be necessary for a flush fit.
The width of the rings is another consideration, with a wider band often dominating a slender engagement ring. A narrow band with diamonds could provide the perfect amount of detail without distracting from the centre stone.
Couples considering their options through NOVITA Diamonds New Zealand can use the available band styles as a starting point when considering diamond placement, ratio of band widths and metals.
For those purchasing an engagement ring separately, it is worthwhile measuring the width of its band and examining the height of its centre stone before ordering a wedding band online.
A photograph of the two rings together can be useful when comparing their widths, but trying them together is the best way of assessing their compatibility.
How the Quality of a Diamond Influences the Band
The traditional four Cs (cut, colour, clarity and carat) remain relevant when shopping for lab-grown diamonds, but there are some differences to be aware of when shopping for bands.
Bands tend to have multiple smaller diamonds rather than a single large stone, so consistency is important. Inconsistent colour or proportions can make a row of diamonds appear uneven.
Diamonds that have been cut to release their maximum potential for brilliance will shine more brightly than those with poor proportions. Colour and clarity are also factors, but the variation between grades may not be noticeable on small stones.
The carat weight requires a careful assessment, as a listed 0.50 carat weight usually refers to the total weight of all the stones rather than the weight of each individual diamond.
Where a band contains a number of small stones, individual grading reports may not be provided. In an online purchase, it is worth asking the jeweller about the matching process and what quality specifications apply to the stones.
What Should New Zealand Buyers Consider Before Placing an Order?
While shopping online presents more options for couples, the specifications of the rings should receive particular attention.
Ring sizing is an essential consideration, with alphabetical sizing being the norm in New Zealand. Some retailers may also indicate equivalent international sizes, but it is important to clarify which system to use before placing an order.
It is also necessary to examine whether the chosen band can be resized. Plain gold bands tend to be more easily adjusted than full eternity or bands with diamonds running around most of the ring.
Delivery options, return policies, any warranties and the cost of resizing should also be taken into account.
For New Zealand buyers, NOVITA Diamonds is an option when comparing lab-grown diamond jewellery. Assessing the ring specifications and the retailer’s current conditions are more useful than basing a decision on photographs. Inquiring about whether the listed price includes GST, if the ring is custom-made and what happens if the ring turns out to be an incorrect size are all relevant questions.
While seemingly unimportant when purchasing a ring, these considerations become crucial if the ring needs to be altered following the wedding.
Are Lab Made Diamonds a Smart Investment for Wedding Jewellery?
For many couples, the ability to purchase genuine diamond jewellery while leaving more of the wedding budget for other purposes is the primary attraction of lab-grown diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds tend to be less expensive than natural diamonds, but cost will vary according to the size, quality, style and the retailer.
This could mean that couples have more options in terms of the width of the band, the total carat weight and the design.
However, the initial outlay should not be mistaken for an investment, with lab-grown diamonds unlikely to hold their value in the same way as natural diamonds. Environmental claims should also be treated with caution, with the power consumption and energy source for a laboratory-grown diamond determining its impact rather than its origin.
For those with particular concerns in this area, it is always worth requesting detailed information from a jeweller, rather than accepting generalised statements.
Unconsidered Details of a Wedding Band
What appears on the inside of a ring can be just as important as its exterior.
A comfort fit design which has a rounded interior surface can be more comfortable to wear than a band with a squared interior surface, particularly with wider band styles.
The thickness of the band is also a consideration, with extremely thin rings being more fragile than those with greater substance.
Examine how the diamonds are held in place, with prongs becoming worn with time and small stones becoming dislodged if the ring is subject to regular knocks. Regular inspections will highlight any issues before a diamond is lost.
It is also worth bearing in mind that fingers may change in size over time, with some styles being unable to be resized.
When browsing through NOVITA Diamonds NZ collections, take advantage of any side-view photographs and detailed measurements to determine how high the stones are and how much metal is holding them in place.
Lab Diamond Wedding Band Care Advice for Everyday Wear
While lab-grown diamonds are a strong material, the whole band is not impervious to damage. Gold and platinum are relatively soft metals which can be scratched and the settings on a ring can become worn or broken. Diamonds can crack with the right kind of impact.
Warm water, washing up liquid and a soft brush are often sufficient for cleaning a diamond band unless it contains more exotic materials. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Avoid wearing a diamond ring while doing heavy manual work, engaging in contact sports or placing it under pressure from cleaning chemicals. Bands with pavé diamonds should be regularly inspected by a qualified jeweller, particularly if they catch on clothing or a stone becomes loose.
A lab diamond wedding band should complement the lifestyle it will be worn with, with comfort, security and appropriate stone choice outweighing any additional carat weight.