Read the article Norway's largest bridal magazine, Ditt Bryllup, wrote featuring us and our gorgeous lab-grown diamonds!

Above: Nangi in Ditt Bryllup

Trendy and captivating lab grown diamonds might be exactly what you're looking for if you're dreaming of proposing to your partner with a beautiful ring, but want the diamond itself to be a sensible choice, both financially and ethically.

Thankfully, you no longer have to burn through several months' salary on an engagement ring. And the ring doesn't have to cost a fortune to be beautiful either. Quite the opposite. A lab grown diamond is trendy, timeless, and sustainable all at once, and it's a perfect fit if you're looking for an engagement ring that's more affordable, yet still beautiful, exclusive, and high quality.

Above: Nangi Oval Swan Double Prongs with Pavé stacked with Eternity Swan Band in solid 14k yellow gold

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

"Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds," says Stine Ilskov, production manager at Maria Black.

"They're completely identical to mined diamonds, both in appearance and chemical composition, since both are made of pure carbon."

She explains that the only difference between mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds is how they're made.

"Mined diamonds form underground over millions of years, while lab grown diamonds are made in a laboratory in a couple of weeks."

Above: Swan Oval Diamond Ring, 0.50 Carat, in 14k yellow gold

"A diamond is a diamond. Lab grown diamonds are made in a laboratory, but they're structurally, chemically, and physically identical to a mined diamond. Lab grown diamonds have exactly the same clarity and quality as mined diamonds," says Jenny Gørvell-Dahll of Nangi.

She founded the Norwegian jewelry brand Nangi with her husband, Danuka Hewage, in 2017.

Above: Deco Oval Trilogy Diamond Ring in 14k yellow gold

"The only difference between mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds is that lab grown diamonds are made in a more sustainable, ethical, and eco-friendly way."

"The industry behind mined diamonds is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Mined diamonds are often called blood diamonds or conflict diamonds because of their association with war and conflict. Despite a global effort to ban conflict diamonds over the past 20 years, the mined diamond industry is still marked by conflict and hardship."

Above: Diamond Swan Tail Ring in yellow, white, and rose gold

Because lab grown diamonds are a sustainable alternative to mined diamonds, demand is rising, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, who want an alternative to blood diamonds. One study shows that 70 percent of them are considering a lab grown diamond for their engagement ring.

(Jenny Gørvell-Dahll)

How Much Cheaper Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

"No diamond is free, but because of a shorter supply chain and no middlemen, lab grown diamonds are more affordable than mined diamonds," says Gørvell-Dahll, continuing:

"That means you get more value for your money. In the industry, lab grown diamonds are typically described as being around 30 percent more affordable than mined diamonds."

Above: Swan Oval Double Halo Diamond Ring in 14k yellow gold

Lab Grown Diamonds with Color

"Lab grown diamonds come in just as many color shades as mined diamonds. Everything from chalk white to yellow-brown," says Gørvell-Dahll.

Ilskov at Maria Black says lab grown diamonds are available in many colors.

"We use exclusively white diamonds in F-G/SI quality. But down the line, the plan is to introduce colored diamonds."

Above: Nangi Three Stone Swan Diamond Ring in various carat weights

Is It Wrong to Give an Engagement Ring with a Synthetic Diamond?

"First and foremost, it's important to make clear that a lab grown diamond isn't synthetic at all, unlike, for example, cubic zirconia and other diamond imitations. A lab grown diamond is made in a laboratory, but it's structurally, chemically, and physically identical to a mined diamond," says Gørvell-Dahll.

In other words, it will sparkle just as beautifully and last a lifetime, just like a diamond taken from a mine.

(Jenny Gørvell-Dahll)

Above: Nangi lab grown diamonds in a variety of shapes

In 2018, the definition of a diamond was changed to remove the word "natural," according to Gørvell-Dahll, so that it could also include lab grown diamonds.

She believes lab grown diamonds are becoming more and more popular right now.

Above: Fancy Brown Oval Diamond Ring in 14k yellow gold

"That's a good thing, since they're the only sustainable alternative to mined diamonds. Here are five reasons why you should choose a lab grown diamond, and why they're perfect for an engagement ring:"

They're real diamonds

They're conflict-free

They're sustainable

You get more for your money

They're absolutely gorgeous.