Creating a Custom Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring in Melbourne

Choosing an engagement ring can be one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll ever make and increasingly, Melbourne couples are considering custom lab grown diamond engagement rings as an option.

At MDT DESIGN, we combine traditional handmade craftsmanship with strict quality diamond sourcing to create bespoke engagement rings and jewellery pieces that reflect both your values and your vision.\

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Why More Melbourne Couples Are Choosing Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds have grown significantly in popularity across Melbourne in recent years.

For many clients, they offer:

  • Greater value for size and higher quality
  • Flexibility when designing a lab grown custom engagement ring
  • A modern alternative to the more traditional natural diamond sourcing

Importantly, they allow clients to prioritise the rings design, proportions, and look of the ring rather than compromising on the diamond size or quality.

If you’re still comparing your options, you can read our detailed guide on lab grown vs natural diamonds to better understand the differences between the two.

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. Chemically, physically, and optically identical to Earth made natural mined diamonds.

They are made by using an advanced technology that replicates and mimics a natural diamond’s growing process.

This means:

  • The same brilliance and lustre
  • The same hardness and durability
  • The same standards in grading

Understanding Lab Grown Diamond Grading

Lab grown diamonds are graded using the same criteria as used for natural diamonds; the 4Cs:

Cut

The most important factor for lustre and brilliance. A well cut diamond will maximise light return with each facet acting as a mirror bounce light through the stone and sparkle.

Colour

Graded from D (colourless) downwards. D to F offers a crisp white appearance. For Lab grown diamonds MDT DESIGN chooses to stock D colour in lab grown diamonds.

Clarity

Lab grown diamonds are often available in high clarity grades such as VS and VVS. MDT DESIGN chose’s to stock VVS2+ clarity lab grown diamonds.

Carat Weight

Lab grown diamonds allow for larger sizes within budget, making 1.5ct–2ct+ far more accessible than a natural diamonds.

Learn more about the 4 C’s of Diamonds here

Choosing the Right Lab Grown Diamond Shape

The shape of your diamond plays a significant role in the overall look of your ring.

  • Round Brilliant Cut – to maximum brilliance and lustre
  • Oval Shape – perfect for longer fingers, very popular in Melbourne
  • Emerald Cut– clean, structured appearance
  • Cushion Cut – softer, classic look and in between a princess cut and round.
  • Pear Shape – distinctive and directional
  • Princess Cut – Square stone with a modern feel

At MDT DESIGN, you can view and compare shapes in person to better understand if the stone works for you.

Choosing Your Diamond in Melbourne

At MDT DESIGN, we stock a large selection of loose lab grown diamonds for you to compare and select from in various shapes and sizes.

This allows our clients to compare diamonds side-by-side and make informed decisions in what is perfect for them.

If you are looking for something more specific, we can source lab grown diamonds globally based on your requirements.

Things to consider:

  • Exact carat weight
  • Shape proportions
  • Budget

The Custom Design Process at MDT DESIGN

Creating a custom lab grown diamond engagement ring in Melbourne is highly based on us educating our clients to make the right decision for what suits them.

Consultation

We begin with a one-on-one consultation to understand what designs you are drawn to, the practicality of what works best for your lifestyle, and the price point.

Diamond Selection

We present loose lab grown diamonds that may be suited for you. This allows you to view and compare to narrow down your ideas on what is right for you. We may then have to source options specifically for you.

Design Development

We refine your ideas into one design, considering the proportions, style of setting, and metal being used that is best suited to you.

Popular Styles for Custom Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

Design plays a major role in creating an engagement ring that feels personal.

Solitaire Lab Grown Engagement Rings

A timeless and minimal setting focused on the centre diamond. With a design like this, the focal point is the stone rather than the ring.

Hand wearing a handmade platinum solitaire engagement ring featuring a round brilliant cut diamond in a classic claw setting by MDT DESIGN Melbourne.

Halo Designs

Adds subtle detail to the ring by surrounding he centre stone with small diamonds and enhances the appearance of the main diamond featured.

pear shaped halo engagement ring with pavé band in white gold featuring a lab grown diamond

Three Stone Trilogy Engagement Rings

Perfectly balanced with a larger centre stone flanked by 2 smaller stones that may be a different size or shape.

oval lab grown diamond trilogy engagement ring with pear shaped side stones in white gold setting

Oval & Elongated Designs

Highly popular for their finger coverage and elegant proportions. Oval diamonds are nice and bright due to the amount of facets and angles.

marquise lab grown diamond engagement ring with pavé band in white gold claw setting

Minimal vs Statement Settings

From refined claw settings to bold unique designs, fully customised to suit your taste and style.

How Much Does a Custom Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring Cost in Melbourne?

Pricing depends on the diamond and the level and type of craftsmanship involved.

As a guide, an MDT DESIGN fully handmade custom engagement ring in 18ct coloured golds or platinum with a high quality colour and cut grade:

  • 1ct lab grown diamond rings from approximately $5,950
  • 1.5 lab grown diamond rings from approximately $6,400
  • 2ct lab grown diamond rings from approximately $6,700
  • 2.5ct lab grown diamond rings from approximately $7,050
  • 3ct lab grown diamond rings from approximately $7,600
  • 4ct lab grown diamond rings from approximately $9,000

Because every MDT DESIGN ring is made the traditional way, by hand to ensure quality and longevity, pricing reflects both the diamond quality and the labour intensive process required to craft a truly custom piece.

Why Handmade Engagement Rings Matter

At MDT DESIGN, every ring is made entirely by hand using traditional techniques like rolling, hammering, and forging the metal. This creates strength in each piece as every component in compressed and made harder and stronger.

We DO NOT:

  • Use CAD in order to Cast manufacture the ring
  • Mass produce rings in any way, shape or form
  • Use pre-made or formed settings

Strength

Forging metal aligns its internal molecule structure, resulting in a significantly stronger ring than what a cast alternative can achieve.

Longevity

A properly handmade ring is built to last a lifetime. We do not cut back on the use of metal by hollowing out the design, thinning the band or settings.

Precision

Traditional handmaking techniques allow for better detail and refinement in the piece. Our in-house jewellers create all our pieces here in our Melbourne boutique and workshop.

True Customisation

Each ring is made specifically handmade for your diamond. It is not adapted from a mould or custom designed on a computer in order to mass produce.

Unlike many jewellers offering lab grown diamonds through mass-produced settings, every MDT DESIGN ring is individually made by hand to ensure both strength and precision.

two loose diamonds, a round brilliant cut and a princess cut diamond. Both natural diamonds

Designing for Your Lifestyle

A well-designed lab grown diamond engagement ring balances aesthetics with practicality.

We always need to take the following into consideration:

  • Will it be worn daily?
  • How secure will the setting be for that particular stone?
  • How well does the ring work with a wedding band?
  • Proportions of both the diamond and ring

What to Expect When Working With MDT DESIGN

Clients working with MDT DESIGN can expect:

  • One-on-one professional consultation
  • Expert guidance from on-site jewellers, diamond graders and award winning designers.  
  • The ability to compare lab grown diamonds in person
  • A fully handmade ring, nothing is cast or mass produced

We apply the same MDT DESIGN standards to each and every lab grown diamonds as we do to natural diamonds.

inside a jewellery workshop hands hold a saw and plyers- tools a jewellery needs to create handmade jewellery

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. Lab grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds. They are just not grown in the ground.

Are lab grown diamond engagement rings worth it?

They can be excellent value for money and offer a larger stone for less money when compared with a natural diamonds.

How much does a lab grown diamond engagement ring cost in Melbourne?

Pricing varies depending on size and quality, there are also factors like the quality of make, type of metal and the design to take into consideration.

Can I customise a lab grown diamond engagement ring?

Yes. Every MDT DESIGN ring is made to order in our on-site Melbourne boutique allowing full control over design and diamond selection.

Do lab grown diamonds hold their value?

They are typically chosen for design and value rather than resale.

What is the difference between handmade and cast engagement rings?

Handmade rings are forged and shaped for strength. Cast rings are produced from moulds and do not achieve the same structural integrity.

Can MDT DESIGN source a specific lab grown diamond?

Yes. We can source diamonds globally to match your exact requirements.

Ready to Create Your Custom Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring?

If you’re exploring custom lab grown diamond engagement rings in Melbourne, MDT DESIGN offers a personalised, traditionally handmade approach.

👉 Book a consultation to view our range of loose lab grown diamonds and begin designing your ring.