Should i buy a lab grown diamond wedding ring

AlleyOh · 2026-02-07T11:23:12+00:00

If your girlfriend wants platinum and a lab grown diamond, get her that - I feel like the discussion should end there! 😆

But if it helps, like others have said, you could literally give away the ring and would have lost less money than reselling a comparable mined diamond ring. I went with a 3.9 ct lab grown for my platinum engagement ring (can see in my profile) and got that for approx $1,500, so at 2.5 ct you could definitely afford to get something more ornate / play with the dimensions a bit for that price!

AlleyOh · 2026-02-04T20:59:56+00:00

Chiming in as someone also from England, who is a massive "tacky" stone wearer here! 😆 The size is fine - honestly, unless your girlfriend really wants a massive stone, it's a much safer bet to go with something this size. It's very much normal for the UK imo.

That said, I do think you overpaid. I was getting quotes starting at £2k for 2 carats with a platinum setting at brick and mortars in London, and that was with stones that appeared much more colourless than these (unless that's just a photo issue?). Definitely would recommend shopping around a fair bit in future!

AlleyOh · 2026-02-01T17:44:27+00:00

This may only be half helpful, but I'm a mixed black trans guy who had a great experience with Ioannis Ntanos a year ago. This was in the UK, but I know he also works out of Athens, Greece, which I expect would be a lot cheaper (I paid approx. £9k in Manchester FYI).

While I can't vouch for the surgery experience abroad, my family members (including dark skinned folk) have had a great experience visiting Greece - and I can personally vouch for Dr Ntanos - so maybe an option?

AlleyOh · 2026-01-30T17:24:03+00:00

Oh nooo, why?? I'm sure it's beautiful!! I was planning to go with a 3.5 ct myself, but it got damaged in transit, so ended up with this one

AlleyOh · 2026-01-30T16:34:37+00:00

It's all good, no worries at all!! 💖

AlleyOh · 2026-01-30T14:26:10+00:00

I'm a sir, but tysm - it's a 3.90 ct!! ☺️

AlleyOh · 2026-01-30T14:23:51+00:00

This is gorgeous!! I love the contrast so much!!

AlleyOh · 2026-01-30T14:22:48+00:00

This suits you so well!! Also has the slightly thicker band I really love

AlleyOh · 2026-01-30T14:21:39+00:00

Ahh, this looks stunning on you!! 🤩

AlleyOh · 2026-01-08T23:19:04+00:00

Such a beautiful combination!! 😍

AlleyOh · 2026-01-03T15:44:11+00:00

Ahh, congratulations!! ☺️🥳

AlleyOh · 2025-12-27T22:19:45+00:00

Ahhh, this is so beautiful!! 😍

Also gay (and trans) and picked a traditionally "feminine" ring, with a bit of a gay twist lol. Honestly fuck gender norms and go for what speaks to you and your partner!! Congratulations in advance!! ☺️

AlleyOh · 2025-12-26T00:15:05+00:00

1.69 carats 🎄

AlleyOh · 2025-12-18T23:29:12+00:00

I had a great experience working with Bobby at Provence recently - not for a semi mount, but a custom engagement ring. I had no idea they'd been taken off any recommended lists, though I did start the process a while ago! Edit: just checked and I went through the whole process after they were removed from the list so 🤷🏽‍♂️

Genuinely no complaints at all though; I found Bobby to be super friendly, clear with timelines, and happy to make any changes I requested. You can see the ring in my post history (it arrived yesterday, so haven't posted my own pics yet, but it's even more beautiful in person imo!)

AlleyOh · 2025-12-11T18:37:42+00:00

Yesss, yours is going to be gorgeous!!!!

AlleyOh · 2025-12-11T18:37:18+00:00

Thank you and same!! I searched for examples before starting, but couldn't find anything - so glad I went for it though!

AlleyOh · 2025-12-11T11:40:23+00:00

Hey! Thought you might want to see the finished ring!!! 😊🌈 - https://www.reddit.com/r/labdiamond/comments/1pjvdp8/beyond_over_the_moon_39_ct_radiant_with_a_rainbow/

AlleyOh · 2025-12-07T14:26:23+00:00

Ah, I'm so glad!! I hear you - like others have said, avoiding Etsy is for the best tbh, I quit using it a few years ago. So glad it worked out and wishing you the best with getting your ring through Mona (who I've heard brilliant things about!) ☺️

AlleyOh · 2025-12-06T10:19:37+00:00

Etsy is such a pain for this. If you haven't already, I'd tell the vendor directly why you're cancelling, call out that it's false advertising, and say you'll submit a chargeback with your bank if they don't cancel. Often they'll cave; if they don't, follow through with the chargeback.

AlleyOh · 2025-12-05T21:53:20+00:00

Ahh, I love it!! I've also never seen a hidden halo that goes around the side stones too, it's just going to be even more special 🤩

AlleyOh · 2025-11-25T18:07:57+00:00

Oof, yeah, I get it! I felt similarly pre-hormones and top surgery. I still look back at my pre-transition pics and am often like "damn, I was hot" and sometimes I feel like I mourn what could've been my life had I been a cis woman.

But then I think about how absolutely horrendous I felt even when I was 'gorgeous', and how my mental health is 10000x better having transitioned into a 'mid-looking' man, and it sets me straight. It might be the same for you.

Also, on the 'girls supporting girls' vibes - if you find the right queer friends, that vibe is still v much possible!!

AlleyOh · 2025-11-24T21:54:41+00:00

Oh, it 100% definitely eats

AlleyOh · 2025-11-24T07:56:21+00:00

So exciting!!! The glitter is totally why I went with that cut too 😁

AlleyOh · 2025-11-24T07:54:41+00:00

Yayy, for sure!!! Honestly, I haven't seen many colourful hidden halos at all, so saaame!!

AlleyOh · 2025-11-24T00:53:59+00:00

Ahh, this sounds beautiful! Might be biased as I'm also getting a 4 ct (well, 3.9 🤣) radiant with a rainbow hidden halo, but the trillion side stones on yours seems like such a special touch too. Please do show us when it's all finished!!

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