When Quince launched diamond engagement rings starting at just $900 for a single carat solitaire, I'll admit I was intrigued. After reviewing more than 60 Quince items over the years, I've learned the brand is not very consistent. The quality usually varies depending on the category — the cashmere is decent, for example, but I was less impressed by its denim.
Engagement rings, however, are a much bigger commitment than a sweater. Quince promises solid gold settings crowned with IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds, akin to jewelry from Brilliant Earth and Blue Nile.
All these promises had me wondering: Is this one of Quince's best values, or another case where the low price comes with tradeoffs? To find out, I tested the 3-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Emerald Comfort Fit Engagement Ring to see exactly what $2,900 buys.
The ring has a simple gold band with an elegant diamond centerpiece.
I thought I was immune to the hypnotized look I've seen people get when admiring diamonds. It turns out, the visual drama of a stone bending light really does have an effect on you. I also love the its elongated shape, which is reportedly a trend in engagement rings this year.
However, I was surprised at how big 3 carats looks on my hand — so big that it makes my other jewelry seem disproportionately small. I figure the right engagement ring should complement my other pieces, not eclipse them, so I'd rather size down to a two carat oval diamond.
I also didn't get its band fitted before trying it on, so it was too loose on me. Before you decide on a style, it's important to use a ring sizer to get the closest fit. You may still need it professionally resized because your finger can be between whole and half sizes.
Diamonds like these are graded on their "4C's:" cut, carat, color, and clarity. This particular emerald cut lab-grown diamond weighs 3.05 carats, has a color grade of F, and a clarity of VS 1. F Color diamonds are the most affordable grade of colorless diamonds. VS 1 diamonds have minor internal defects, also called "inclusions," but I couldn't see these at all. You'd likely only detect them under 10x magnification.
The setting is a four-pronged platinum head.
The prong setting is the most classic style in engagement rings. Four prongs can sit flush with a wedding band and is secure enough for a small diamond, but for weightier carats, six prongs is safer. This is another reason I'd recommend sizing down in carats if you plan to buy an engagement ring from Quince.
More of Quince's engagement rings
You can find dozens of Quince engagement rings, including ones with yellow diamonds and peachy-pink morganite, on the retailer's site. Most of these are available in classic shapes like emerald, brilliant, and oval cuts, with options for adding pavé bands, halos, or both.
When it's eventually time for the ring exchange, Quince also has a wide selection of matching lab-grown diamond wedding rings and simple metal bands.
Below are rings in gold and white gold for the same price. You can also find these in a slightly more expensive platinum version.
A brilliant diamond is the most classic and enduring shape, with lots of cuts that throw light beautifully. This ring runs from a one-carat, $900 pick to a three-carat, $2,900 option.
Starting at just $900 for a one-carat oval ring, this finger-lengthening and elegant shape is a modern favorite. And for an even bigger wow factor, the full three-carat version is available for under $3000.
A pave band is a great way to take an engagement ring to the next level — and this is a great, budget-friendly way to add more diamonds since it's only $100 more than the simple oval ring.
If you want a ring with a touch more bling, this is the sparkliest option. The price ranges from $1300 for one carat to $2,600 for two carats.
Where do Quince's diamonds come from?
Even under a jeweler's loop, lab-grown diamonds are both chemically and visually indistinguishable from mined diamonds.
No one will be able to tell your diamond is lab-grown — unless, of course, you present them with the IGI Lab Grown Diamond Report that comes with each Quince lab-grown diamond ring. This lists the diamond's growth using a process called Chemical Vapor Deposition, as well as stats like its measurements and weight.
The bottom line
A Quince diamond engagement ring is worth it for those who prefer lab-grown diamonds with small carats and simple designs.
I advise that you be prepared to take it to a jeweler, because there may be slight fitting issues that you won't discover until it's on your finger. Also, be wary of having it dropped off at your doorstep, because Quince doesn't use a special delivery system despite the value of what you ordered.
Otherwise, I believe even a trained eye can appreciate the beauty of a Quince engagement ring, and budget-savvy couples everywhere can appreciate its price tag.
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