Choosing the Right Engagement Ring Stone

How to Choose the Right Diamond (or Stone) for Your Budget & Style

You're engaged (yay!)—or maybe just dreaming—and you know you want a custom, handcrafted engagement ring with a stone that speaks to your heart. But with so many options—moissanite, lab-grown diamonds, salt & pepper diamonds, natural diamonds—how do you decide what’s right for you?

At Melissa Tyson Designs, we guide you through this every single day. We’re here to make it simple, joyful, and totally tailored to your style, values, and budget.

Let’s explore your options together.

1. Moissanite

Price Range: $1,790 – $3,900
Best For: Sparkle-lovers on a budget who want something ethical and brilliant

Moissanite is lab-created and known for its incredible fire (sometimes even more than a diamond!). It’s nearly as hard and durable, graded like a diamond (we only use D–F or G–H color), and sparkles like crazy in sunlight.

Why Our Brides Love It

Affordable without sacrificing beauty
Conflict-free and eco-conscious
Ideal for larger looks at lower price points

Try it in: Our Carolina Ring

2. Lab-Grown Diamonds

Price Range: $2,500 – $7,900
Best For: Conscious brides who want a real diamond with ethical sourcing

Lab diamonds are real diamonds, just grown in a lab rather than mined. They offer identical brilliance, fire, and grading to natural diamonds—without the environmental and ethical questions of traditional mining.

Why Our Brides Love It

Certified, real diamonds at a lower cost
Perfect for higher clarity or larger size on a budget
No compromise on sparkle, style, or durability

Try it in: Valerie (two-tone hidden halo)

3. Salt & Pepper Diamonds

Price Range: $2,500 – $7,900
Best For: Artistic, free-spirited brides who want something totally unique

These diamonds are full of natural inclusions, giving them a smoky, celestial, or speckled appearance—each one is truly one of a kind. They’re often rose-cut or brilliant-cut in custom shapes like the elongated cushion.

Why Our Brides Love It

Wildly unique stones with character
Ethically sourced from Misfit Diamonds
Feels organic, moody, romantic

Try it in: Victoria

4. Natural Diamonds

Price Range: $3,500 – $20,000+
Best For: Heirloom quality lovers who want long-term value and tradition

Mined from the earth and billions of years old, natural diamonds are timeless. We work with ethical sourcing partners and offer both new and antique/vintage diamonds (like Old Mine cuts!) in unique shapes.

Why Our Brides Love It

Traditional, timeless sparkle
Often holds or increases value
Ideal for heirloom designs and classic aesthetics

Try it in: Kelce (vintage Old Mine cut), Valerie, or a fully custom setting

Feeling Overwhelmed? Let Us Be Your Guide.

We’re here to walk you through this decision, step-by-step—with kindness, clarity, and zero pressure. We’ll help you narrow it down based on:

-Your budget
-The size and shape you love (elongated cushion is flattering!)
-Your values (eco-conscious? vintage lover? minimalist?)
-The style of setting you’re drawn to—hammered bands, halos, minimal solitaires

Designed With Soul, Made By Hand—in Wilmington, NC

Every ring is made to order, by hand, in our private studio by the sea in Wilmington, NC. You can visit us in person (by appointment), or we’ll guide you virtually and ship your ring insured and beautifully boxed—anywhere in the country.

- Local? Schedule a design consult in person.
- Out of town? Book a virtual consult online.
- Always: Free insured shipping or local pickup available!