For generations, natural diamonds were considered the only serious option for engagement rings. But in 2026, British couples have far more choice and far more information available than ever before.
As BBC News reports, the UK jewellery market has shifted dramatically towards ethical luxury and value driven decision making. Couples now look beyond tradition and explore alternatives that better align with their lifestyle, budget and principles.
This change has placed moissanite and lab grown diamonds firmly into mainstream conversation. And leading the way in this transition is Lily Arkwright, widely recognised as one of the UK’s first specialists to introduce both premium moissanite and laboratory grown diamonds to British consumers. Their collections, including moissanite and lab grown diamonds have helped transform the market and educate couples seeking transparent, beautiful alternatives.
In this guide, we provide a clear comparison of the three major stones now shaping the UK engagement ring landscape.
What Is a Natural Diamond?
Natural diamonds form deep within the earth over billions of years under extraordinary heat and pressure. This geological rarity has traditionally given them cultural weight and emotional symbolism.
Natural diamonds are valued based on the Four Cs:
- cut
- colour
- clarity
- carat
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world’s leading diamond authority, explains that these factors govern brilliance and value far more than size alone.
Pros of Natural Diamonds:
- historical rarity
- traditional symbolism
- strong resale value for high grade stones
- geological origin
Cons:
- significantly higher cost
- environmental concerns
- ethical questions around mining in certain regions
- less predictable pricing
As The Guardian highlights, sustainability and transparency are pressing issues in modern diamond mining. This is one reason many couples are now exploring lab grown diamonds or moissanite instead.
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond, chemically identical to natural diamonds. The only difference is origin. Instead of forming underground, it is created in a controlled laboratory using advanced technology such as HPHT or CVD.
The Financial Times notes that lab grown diamonds have disrupted the luxury market by offering high clarity, excellent colour grades and ethical sourcing at notably lower prices.
Key advantages of lab grown diamonds:
- identical to natural diamonds in structure, beauty and hardness
- more budget friendly
- fully traceable origin
- often higher quality for the price
As one of the UK’s leading experts in lab grown jewellery, Lily Arkwright offers a full range of lab grown diamond engagement rings
Couples can select shapes, settings and stone sizes that might otherwise be unaffordable in natural diamond equivalents.
Limitations of lab grown diamonds:
- future resale market is still evolving
- traditionalists may prefer mined stones
- prices may continue to change as production scales
Still, for modern UK buyers who prioritise beauty, ethics and value, lab grown diamonds are often the perfect centre ground.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone originally discovered in the late nineteenth century in a meteor crater. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, so all jewellery grade moissanite is lab created.
Moissanite’s brilliance, fire and durability make it one of the best known diamond alternatives. According to Vogue UK, its popularity has surged because of its luminosity and outstanding value.
Advantages of Moissanite:
- more brilliance than diamonds
- exceptional fire
- very durable
- significantly more affordable
- ethical and traceable
Moissanite has been part of the UK market for over a decade, largely due to early introductions by Lily Arkwright, one of the first British jewellers to specialise in premium moissanite. Their collection includes the Forever One Moissanite range:
Limitations of Moissanite:
- different optical properties to diamond
- some people prefer the more neutral sparkle of a diamond
- slight warmth in certain lighting depending on cut and grade
Lily Arkwright offers a detailed moissanite guide explaining composition, durability and comparisons
Appearance and Sparkle: Which Looks Best?
Diamonds
Classic white sparkle with balanced brilliance and fire.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Identical appearance to natural diamonds. Often excellent clarity and colour.
Moissanite
More fire and rainbow flashes than diamonds. Some love the dramatic sparkle, others prefer diamond’s subtler look.
As Cosmopolitan UK notes, the preference is entirely subjective.
Durability: Which Lasts Longest?
Durability is measured using the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
- Natural and lab grown diamonds score 10
- Moissanite scores 9.25
This means all three options are suitable for lifelong wear.
According to BBC Environment, ethical sourcing is increasingly important to British consumers.
Ethical and Environmental Impact
Natural Diamonds
Impact varies widely depending on origin and mining standards.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Lower environmental impact and fully traceable production.
Moissanite
Synthetic origin makes it one of the lowest impact stones available.
This is one reason Lily Arkwright has become a go to choice for ethical engagement rings.
Cost Comparison
Moissanite is the most affordable, followed by lab grown diamonds, with natural diamonds remaining the most expensive.
A one carat natural diamond might cost several thousand pounds more than its lab grown equivalent, and far more than moissanite.
This allows couples to spend more on:
- bespoke designs
- higher quality settings
- matching wedding bands
Which Stone Should You Choose in 2026?
Choose Natural Diamond If You Want:
- traditional status
- long term investment
- unique geological formation
Choose Lab Grown Diamond If You Want:
- identical brilliance to natural diamonds
- ethical origins
- better value
- larger size for the same budget
Choose Moissanite If You Want:
- exceptional sparkle
- the most affordable option
- low environmental impact
- a modern alternative
Thanks to companies like Lily Arkwright, British couples now have access to premium quality options across all three. Their early leadership in introducing moissanite and lab grown diamonds to the UK means the brand has deep expertise across every category.
Conclusion: A New Era of Transparency and Choice
The UK engagement ring landscape in 2026 is defined by knowledge, ethics and individuality. Natural diamonds remain iconic, lab grown diamonds offer cutting edge beauty and moissanite provides unmatched value and brilliance.
With clear information and trusted specialists such as Lily Arkwright, couples can confidently choose the stone that reflects their values, style and future together.
Diamonds are a girls best friend 
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