When was the last time you looked at an engagement ring and thought, that’s actually them? Not just a shiny rock on a finger, but a piece that feels personal. That’s where custom engagement rings come in. And with the rise of lab grown diamonds, the whole world of jewellery is shifting—quietly, but in a big way.

The Story Behind the Sparkle

Think about it: jewellery has always carried stories. Your grandmother’s brooch. That silver bracelet you bought on a trip and never take off. Engagement rings, though—they’ve often been a little cookie-cutter. Same designs, same glossy ads, same “perfect” diamond everyone’s told to want.

But here’s the thing. Not everyone wants the same thing. In fact, most people don’t.

That’s why custom engagement rings have been gaining traction. Couples want a design that actually feels like their story, not just something out of a catalogue. Add lab grown diamonds into the mix, and suddenly you’ve got more freedom—bigger stones, more creative settings, less guilt about where the gem came from.

Honestly, it feels like the jewellery world finally caught up with how people really think about love.

What’s Trending (and What’s Actually Cool)

Here’s where it gets fun. When people go custom, the options are endless. Some trends that keep popping up:

• Unique stone shapes – Pear, oval, marquise. Round brilliants are classic, but let’s be honest, not everyone wants “classic.”
• Mixed metals – Yellow gold with a platinum halo? Why not.
• Hidden details – Tiny engraving inside the band, or a secret diamond tucked underneath. Feels like a little inside joke you carry forever.
• Lab grown diamonds – Yep, here’s where the real change is happening. Same sparkle, same durability, but you don’t need to sell a kidney to afford it.

The best part? Lab grown diamonds don’t lock you into the “smaller stone because of budget” problem. Couples are playing around with bigger carats, unusual cuts, and even colored lab grown stones. A pale blue or pink diamond in a custom engagement ring? That used to be only for celebs. Now it’s something your neighbor might have.

Why Here, Why Now

Let’s zoom out for a second. Custom engagement rings aren’t new. People have been making one-of-a-kind pieces for centuries. But what’s different now is accessibility. Technology for lab grown diamonds has matured. Local jewellers are more open to collaboration. And buyers—let’s face it—are way more aware of sustainability and sourcing issues than a decade ago.

Plus, shopping habits have changed. You’re not just walking into a store anymore. You’re scrolling Instagram, checking Pinterest boards, DMing jewellers directly. The whole process feels more personal. Almost like you’re co-creating, instead of just picking.

Another little thing I’ve noticed? People love telling the story. “Oh, this stone was lab grown. We designed the setting ourselves.” That kind of origin story has way more punch than “It was on sale at the mall.”

How the Process Actually Works (Without the Boring Bits)

If you’ve never gone through the process, it can sound intimidating. But it’s not as scary as it seems. Usually, it looks something like this:

1. Start with ideas – Pinterest boards, screenshots, sketches on a napkin. Anything goes.

2. Find a jeweller – This is key. Someone who gets your vibe. Not just someone pushing standard templates.

3. Pick your stone – This is where lab grown diamonds shine (pun intended). You’ll usually have more size and cut options within your budget.

4. Design session – Could be in-person, could be over Zoom. They’ll mock it up digitally, so you can tweak until it feels right.

5. Crafting time – The jeweller works their magic. Depending on complexity, this can take weeks.

6. The big reveal – You finally see your ring, not just a ring.

To be fair, there’s a lot of back-and-forth in step four. People change their minds. They realize they want a thinner band, or an engraving. That’s normal. Honestly, it’s part of the fun.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, custom engagement rings with lab grown diamonds aren’t just about jewellery—they’re about telling your story in a way that feels authentic. A little sustainable, a little personal, and a whole lot more interesting than something mass-produced.