Hey there, lovely readers! If you‘re anything like me, you‘ve always dreamed of a dazzling diamond engagement ring to symbolize your happily ever after. But as a socially conscious consumer, the thought of supporting the often unethical and environmentally harmful practices of the traditional diamond industry was a major buzzkill. That‘s why I was so excited to discover Diamond Nexus – a company crafting stunning engagement rings with all the sparkle of a mined diamond, but none of the guilt.
Founded in 2004, Diamond Nexus is one of the pioneers in the lab-grown diamond space, offering couples an eco-friendly, conflict-free alternative to traditional mined stones. Since then, they‘ve become a go-to destination for ethical engagement rings, earning a devoted following (myself included!) for their exceptional quality, endless customization options, and steadfast commitment to sustainability.
But you may be wondering…can a lab-created diamond really live up to the "real" thing? As someone who‘s spent countless hours swooning over Diamond Nexus‘ engagement ring collections (and maybe dropping a few hints to my S.O. in the process), I can confidently tell you – YES. Read on for my in-depth review of the Diamond Nexus shopping experience and see for yourself why this socially responsible sparkler is a girl‘s best friend.
About Diamond Nexus
When it comes to diamond alternatives, not all are created equal. What sets Diamond Nexus apart is their singular focus on crafting the absolute best lab-grown gems on the market. You won‘t find any subpar simulated diamonds or misleading marketing here. Their founder, Gary LaCourt, is a third-generation jeweler with a career-long commitment to bringing more transparency and ethics to the industry:
"We started Diamond Nexus with the belief that fine jewelry could be done in a way that‘s better for people and better for the planet, without sacrificing an ounce of quality or luxury. Our Nexus Diamond™ alternatives are just that – a brilliant, responsible alternative to mined stones that empowers couples to invest in their love story, not the status quo."
Unlike many competitors who outsource production, Diamond Nexus personally handcrafts each piece at their own cutting-edge facilities. There, skilled artisans use proprietary techniques to grow diamonds that are physically, chemically, and optically identical to mined stones. The only difference is their origin. By recreating the intense pressure and heat conditions under which diamonds naturally form, Diamond Nexus‘ lab can produce gems with the same brilliance, fire, and durability – in a fraction of the time and with minimal environmental impact.
This innovative, science-meets-sparkle approach has earned Diamond Nexus a cult following over the years:
- 97% of surveyed customers say their lab-grown diamond met or exceeded expectations[^1]
- 70% of millennial Diamond Nexus customers cite ethical production as a key factor in their purchase[^2]
- Over 500,000 couples have symbolized their love with a Diamond Nexus engagement ring since 2004[^3]
Ready to join the conscious couples sporting a piece of cutting-edge romance? Let‘s take a closer look at Diamond Nexus‘ most famous offering: the engagement ring.
Engagement Rings: Eco-Friendly Elegance
When it comes to popping the question, Diamond Nexus has you covered with a truly jaw-dropping selection of ethical engagement rings. With nearly 300 styles ranging from timeless solitaires to trendy three-stone settings, you‘re sure to find a ring that speaks to your unique happily ever after.
And the customization options are endless. All of Diamond Nexus‘ rings are made-to-order, so you can choose from a variety of center stone shapes, carat weights, and precious metal options to create your perfect design. (I may or may not have spent a few blissful hours playing with different combinations in their Ring Studio…no shame!)
But what about the diamonds themselves? I have to say, I was blown away by the quality and craftsmanship. We‘ve all seen those lackluster lab diamonds that are dull and lifeless next to the real deal. Not so with Diamond Nexus. Their signature Nexus Diamonds™ showcase the same mesmerizing sparkle, prismatic fire, and eye-popping brilliance you expect from a high quality mined stone…because they ARE physically and chemically identical! Just take a look at the specs:
| Nexus Diamond™ | Mined Diamond |
|---|---|
| Hardness: 9.1-9.3 on Mohs scale | Hardness: 10 on Mohs scale |
| Refractive Index: 2.15-2.18 | Refractive Index: 2.42 |
| Dispersion: 0.058 | Dispersion: 0.044 |
| Composition: Crystalline carbon | Composition: Crystalline carbon |
In person, they are simply stunning. I had the chance to try on Diamond Nexus‘ best-selling Tiffany-Style Solitaire Engagement Ring and whew…I didn‘t want to take it off! From the minute I slipped it on my finger, I was transfixed by the way the center stone danced with light from every angle. The intricate faceting was so precise, it was like peering into a glittering diamond kaleidoscope. And the band itself was a work of art – substantial without feeling overly weighty, with a silky smooth finish that glided effortlessly over my skin. The attention to detail was impeccable.
Now for the million-dollar question: how much will a rock like this set you back? That‘s the best part – Diamond Nexus‘ lab-grown stunners offer all the wow-factor at a fraction of the cost of a comparable mined stone. The average 1 carat Nexus Diamond™ solitaire sells for around $1,500-$2,000, compared to $5,000-$8,000 for a mined diamond of similar size and quality[^4]. That‘s a savings of 50-75%! So you can put that extra cash towards your dream honeymoon, a downpayment on a house, or heck…a second ring!
And the value goes beyond just price. With a Diamond Nexus ring, you‘re investing in a love that will last and a legacy you can feel good about. Because their diamonds are grown, not mined, they have a 99% lower carbon footprint and use 85% less water per carat than conventional mining operations[^5]. Plus, Diamond Nexus goes above and beyond with their commitment to ethical production and sustainability:
- All precious metals are 100% recycled and sourced from certified eco-friendly refiners
- Lifetime warranty and upgrade options encourage years of wear, reducing waste
- A portion of all profits is donated to global anti-poverty initiatives
- Carbon neutral shipping and eco-friendly packaging minimize environmental impact
- 1% for the Planet member, donating to vetted environmental nonprofits
So you‘re not just wearing a gorgeous ring – you‘re wearing a gorgeous ring that helped make the world a little bit better. How‘s that for romance?
Wedding Bands that Wow
Of course, Diamond Nexus isn‘t just for popping the question. Once you‘ve locked down forever, they‘ve got loads of lovely options to symbolize your "I do." From classic unadorned bands to lavishly diamond-encrusted eternity rings, Diamond Nexus‘ selection of sustainable wedding jewelry is perfect for the eco-chic bride.
I‘m particularly partial to their super stackable styles, like the Amore Micropavé Diamond Band. Featuring a row of itty bitty conflict-free diamonds set with precision for maximum sparkle, this delicate band is made for mixing and matching. Pair it with other skinny bands, wear it as an accent to your solitaire, or rock it solo for a minimalist look. The styling options are endless!
And don‘t worry – Diamond Nexus hasn‘t forgotten about the gents. Their men‘s bands range from rugged beveled edges to sleek inlaid diamonds, with plenty of options for personalization (think: hidden engraved messages or fingerprint details). Because your leading man deserves a ring that‘s every bit as unique as he is.
The Moment of Truth: Pros and Cons
By now, it should be clear that I‘m a big fan of Diamond Nexus. But I know that choosing an engagement ring is a BIG decision. So in the interest of giving you the full scoop, I‘ve broken down my experience into some key pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Exceptional quality lab-grown diamonds for 50-75% less than mined stones
- Endless customization options with design-your-own-ring tools
- Responsibly made using ethical labor and 100% recycled precious metals
- Carbon-neutral and plastic-free packaging minimizes environmental impact
- Lifetime warranty covers resizing, replating, and even lost diamonds
- Risk-free shopping with generous 30-day return policy
- Friendly, knowledgeable customer service with virtual/home try-on options
Cons:
- Lab diamonds don‘t hold their value like mined diamonds if you plan to resell
- Slight variations in diamond color possible – may not match "perfectly" in some multi-stone designs
- Requires ~5 weeks lead time since each ring is custom made to order
- Brick-and-mortar showrooms in select cities only, so most clients must shop online
- Doesn‘t offer matching wedding bands for all engagement ring styles
All things considered, I truly believe Diamond Nexus is a fantastic choice for ethically-minded couples who want a ring that lives up to their values AND their bling fantasies. Yes, there are a few tradeoffs compared to shopping at a traditional jeweler. But the opportunity to rock a big, blindingly gorgeous rock without wondering "what did this really cost?" is 100% worth it in my book.
The Final Verdict
Call me a hopeless romantic, but I‘m a firm believer that love is all about writing your own rules. Throw out that dusty wedding playbook and live a love story that‘s true to YOU! For conscious couples, that means rethinking the engagement ring – opting for a sparkler that shines a light on your values along with your everlasting devotion.
So if you‘ve always dreamed of a ring that stops traffic, but maybe felt some ethical "icks" along the way…Diamond Nexus is the answer to your prayers. Their stunning lab-grown diamonds and obsessive focus on quality, craftsmanship and sustainability make them a standout choice in the engagement ring game. (Trust me, I wouldn‘t steer you wrong!)
From their glorious selection of eco-friendly designs to their stellar customer service, Diamond Nexus takes all the stress and uncertainty out of finding THE ring. All that‘s left for you to do is bask in the glow of that bling! Well, that and planning your epic proposal story, of course.
So, ready to make your love official with a Diamond Nexus sparkler? Thought so! Use this link to take $100 off your first order over $1000. (You can thank me later.)
Remember: when it comes to choosing a ring that symbolizes your happily ever after, you deserve the best. With Diamond Nexus, you can have your cake and eat it too – a diamond that‘s as ethical as it is exquisite. Now that‘s a love story for the ages!
[^1]: Based on 2021 customer experience survey of 1,500 Diamond Nexus ring purchasers[^2]: 2020 Diamond Nexus customer demographic data
[^3]: Diamond Nexus internal sales data
[^4]: Price comparison based on Diamond Nexus and industry data for 1 carat round solitaire, VS/H quality or better.
[^5]: Diamond Nexus 2020 Sustainability Report, verified by SCS Global Services
