On the hunt for a stunning engagement ring with a conscience? We’ve compiled some of the best ethical and sustainable engagement rings to buy right now, from gorgeous gemstones to lab-grown diamonds.
For decades, diamonds have been the traditional choice of stone when it comes to choosing engagement rings. Recognised as one of the strongest, naturally occurring compounds on earth, diamonds are symbolic of the kind of enduring love and commitment that can last a lifetime. However, as society has grown more aware of the detrimental impacts diamond mining has on our natural environment, consumers are becoming more interested in less harmful alternatives.
It’s no secret that in recent years the topic of sustainability has dominated conversations in the fashion industry. Many brands have adopted environmentally friendly practices to show solidarity with this movement, which has become an undeniable focus for many retailers, including those working in the jewellery industry. With this push for change, many manufacturers have started to embrace more sustainable practices, from recycling metals to offering lab-grown diamonds in response to their rising popularity. In fact, lab diamonds have become so mainstream in recent years that they’re now widely available in high-street stores such as Swarovski and Pandora.
For those who don’t feel that a diamond is right for them, many are turning to colourful gemstones when it comes to choosing an engagement ring. These unconventional stones have been a hit amongst A-list celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Longoria, and Halle Berry, who have all effortlessly rocked these colourful stones. The royal family is no exception - just take a peek at Kate Middleton's sapphire engagement ring as proof!
There's no doubt that an engagement ring can be a huge dealbreaker, making the quest for the perfect ring daunting. The good news? Broadening your options in this way will provide you with a wider selection of inexpensive and uniquely crafted rings, better suited to the distinct personal style of your partner.
For those of you who are still not quite sold on the idea of foregoing a natural diamond ring, we’ve put together a simple guide to our favourite sustainable engagement rings on the market right now.
CHUPI - One in a Trillion 2ct Lab-Grown Pink Oval Diamond Engagement Ring
This 14k solid gold, hawthorn twig-inspired band is an exceptional piece to mark a precious moment. Crafted from recycled gold, lab-grown and carbon-neutral diamonds, this breathtaking ring is a phenomenal piece. Completed with a blush pink oval cut diamond, which contrasts with the two white cut diamonds on either side, it’s an undeniably striking and exquisite pick.
How much? £28,789
Buy it: CHUPI One in a Trillion 2ct Lab-Grown Pink Oval Diamond Engagement Ring
Pandora - Infinite White Gold Ring
Featuring a charming and elegant infinity setting that flows seamlessly around the centre stone, this design exudes luxury with a regal flair. Flaunting a 1ct, lab-grown diamond that has been grown, cut and polished using 100% renewable energy, then set in 100% recycled silver, this Pandora Brilliance ring is frankly the finest choice for an eloquent declaration of love.
How much? £1,490
Buy it: Pandora Infinite White Gold Ring
Pippa Small - Gold Green Amethyst Greek Ring
Carefully fashioned with recyclable gold material sourced from India, this incredibly unique design showcases a dazzling and polished green amethyst stone. Known to promote the flow of peace and tranquillity, this gemstone is said to attract happiness, growth, good health, harmony, stability, and fertility.
How much? £2,860
Buy it: Pippa Small Gold Green Amethyst Greek Ring
Pattaraphan - Ying Band, Sunset
Crafted in Bangkok, this gorgeous signature band features three uniquely set gemstones. Available in both 14k yellow gold and rhodium-plated silver sterling, this epic design showcases red garnet, citrine, and amethyst crystals which are placed horizontally.
How much? From £390
Buy it: Pattaraphan Ying Band Sunset
Pascale James - Diamond Deep Wave Ring 18ct Fairtrade Gold
Feast your eyes on this fascinating cascade of conflict-free Canadian diamonds. This made-to-order ring will give you the chance to obtain a fairly rare design for your partner. It features a 1.2ct centre stone surrounded by a swarm of 0.95cts stones, which are positioned in a sensational wave motion 18ct fairtrade gold band.
How much? £4,200
Buy it: Pascale James Diamond Deep Wave Ring 18ct Fairtrade Gold
Pdpaola - Diamonds And Gold Solitaire Supreme Ring
A delightful piece, perfect for minimalist brides – this sophisticated 18k gold piece has been set with a single lab-grown diamond for a sleek appearance. Manufactured using certified raw materials, this ring is a good choice for those who are set on doing their part for nature.
How much? £1,350
Buy it: Pdpaola Diamonds And Gold Solitaire Supreme Ring
Lylie - Gemstone Wave Ring
This domed-style ring combines both Lylie's 'Ocean' and 'Diamond' Wave rings to create something totally new and unique. Available with pearl, aquamarine, sapphire or emerald stones, this stunning 14ct gold ring resembles the gentle movements of the ocean.
How much? £1,250
Buy it: Lylie Gemstone Wave Ring
Kimai - Jackie Pear Ring
This daring design provides an updated twist on a classic engagement ring. The Jackie Pear Ring offers a timeless pear-shaped diamond set on a contemporary, curved 18k recycled gold band. Made with a large band, there is plenty of room for customisation.
How much? £2,790
Buy it: Kimai Jackie Pear Ring
Matilde Jewellery - Chuva Ring
With its lab-grown pear-shaped diamond and 14k recycled gold chain band, this piece is an ideal statement ring that would work well with a wide range of jewellery or looks.
How much? £1,455
Buy it: Matilde Jewellery Chuva Ring
Rachel Balfour - Aqua and Diamond Satellite Ring
A ring that's certain to steal the spotlight! The Aqua and Diamond Satellite ring features an aquamarine gemstone which sits in the centre of an 18-carat gold satellite design. Surrounded by a set of 1mm black diamonds and 1.8mm white diamonds, this ring is all about the glitz and glam! It’s a bold and flashy statement ring for an ostentatious bride.
How much? £6,495
Buy it: Rachel Balfour Aqua and Diamond Satellite Ring
Lark and berry - Canary Elm Engagement Ring
Designed in 14k gold, 18k gold and platinum, the Canary Elm Engagement Ring boasts an exquisite combination of bands entwined together to create a visually stunning base for its yellow lab-grown diamond.
How much? £2,630
Buy it: Lark and Berry Canary Elm Engagement Ring
Emma Aitchison - Ethical Custom Engagement Ring
Looking for a custom design with elaborate details? Emma Aitchison offers one-of-a-kind, quintessentially handcrafted rings with a personalised touch. Using 100% certified recycled metal and the choice of ocean, antique diamonds, you can easily bring your vision to life.
How much? DOD
Buy it: Emma Aitchison Ethical Custom Engagement Ring
Loveness Lee - Shimeji Emerald Recycled Silver Ring
Taking inspiration from the delicate patterns and tactile surfaces of wild mushrooms, the Shimeji Emerald recycled ring captures the essence of nature's artistry. Recycled sterling silver is enhanced by lab-grown emeralds, together presenting the values of responsible craftsmanship - a celebration of sustainable luxury, artful design, and natural magic.
How much? £265
Buy it: Loveness Lee Shimeji Emerald Recycled Silver Ring
Lebrusan Studio - Athena Pink Emerald Cut Sapphire Solitare Engagement Ring
Heavily inspired by the art deco era of the 20s and 30s, this chic, emerald-cut pink sapphire engagement ring is a fine option for those looking for a sophisticated but ultra-feminine ring. The pink Sri Lankan stone sits elegantly against the 18ct yellow Fairtrade gold band, complementing the prettiness of the gemstone.
How much? £2,830
Buy it: Lebrusan Studio Athena Pink Emerald Cut Sapphire Solitare Engagement Ring
Bario Neal - Burst Cluster Champagne Diamond Ombré Ring
This Bario Neal Burst Cluster engagement ring has a fantastic design, featuring a Champagne diamond centre stone with an ombre mix of white and champagne diamond side stones. A truly noteworthy piece.
How much? $5,690
Buy it: Bario Neal Burst Cluster Champagne Diamond Ombré Ring
The Diamond Store - 3-Stone Meghan Diamond Engagement Ring In Platinum
An alluring replica of the infamous Megan Markle engagement ring showcases three white lab-grown diamonds set on a handcrafted platinum band. Its immeasurable opulence makes this the ultimate choice for your proposal.
How much? £7,849
Buy it: The Diamond Store 3 Stone Meghan Diamond Engagement Ring In Platinum
If you enjoyed this edit featuring our favourite sustainable engagement rings by eco-friendly brands, but are keen to learn more about lab-grown diamonds, we've got you covered! Discover everything you need to know about lab-grown diamonds, including a curated list featuring the best lab-grown diamond engagement rings for every style.