2.96 Ct Oval Cut Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring — IGI Certified E/VVS2, 18K Yellow Gold

This is a 2.96-carat oval brilliant lab-grown diamond engagement ring in 18K yellow gold. The single center diamond is IGI-certified E color and VVS2 clarity, with Excellent polish and symmetry, held by four prongs within a floating gold frame that orbits the stone on a sculptural bypass shank.

Every stone is a genuine diamond, graded on the same 4C scale as a mined diamond and documented under IGI report LG715558405. Curated, set, and backed by Karat 22 Jewelers — a family-owned fine-jewelry house in Houston, Texas, established in 1984.

The oval brilliant is a timeless choice for an engagement ring. Its elongated silhouette draws the eye along the finger, creating an impression of length and elegance, while its brilliant faceting returns nearly as much fire as a round cut. At 2.96 carats and measuring 11.31 × 8.04 mm, this oval reads generously large for its weight and sits with quiet presence on the hand.

A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. It shares the identical chemical composition, crystal structure, and optical properties of a mined diamond, and it measures a full 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is graded on the same 4C standard by the same laboratories. This center stone is graded E in color — among the highest colorless grades — and VVS2 in clarity, meaning any inclusions are minute and invisible to the unaided eye. Because it is grown rather than mined, it delivers a larger, higher-clarity stone for the price, and it is fully traceable and conflict-free.

The mounting is 18K yellow gold, its warm tone chosen to flatter the diamond's colorless brilliance. Four slender prongs secure the oval within a floating gold frame that encircles the stone, while the shank divides into a graceful bypass that carries the design around the finger. It is an architectural, contemporary take on the solitaire — clean, sculptural, and unmistakably designed rather than mass-produced.

An oval solitaire of this size and grade is made for the moments that matter most — an engagement, a milestone anniversary, or a self-purchase worth marking. Curated and certified by Karat 22 Jewelers, a family-owned Houston fine-jewelry house established in 1984, it arrives with its IGI report and the assurance of a house that has specialized in diamonds, gold, and bridal for four decades.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond with the identical chemical composition, crystal structure, and optical and physical properties of a mined diamond, including a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. It is graded by the same laboratories on the same 4C scale. The only difference is origin — it is grown in a controlled environment rather than mined — and only specialized lab equipment can tell the two apart.

What do E color and VVS2 clarity mean?

E color is the second-highest grade on the diamond color scale and is considered colorless — the stone shows no perceptible tint and appears bright white. VVS2 stands for Very, Very Slightly Included: any internal characteristics are microscopic and invisible to the unaided eye, even on close inspection. Together, E/VVS2 places this diamond near the very top of both the color and clarity ranges.

Is IGI certification good for lab-grown diamonds?

Yes. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is the industry-standard laboratory for grading lab-grown diamonds. An IGI report independently documents the diamond's carat weight, color, clarity, cut, polish, and symmetry, and assigns a unique report number — here, LG715558405 — that is laser-inscribed on the stone, so buyers can verify exactly what they are purchasing.

Are lab-grown diamond engagement rings worth it?

For many buyers, yes. A lab-grown diamond is optically and physically identical to a mined diamond but typically costs 60–80% less, which allows you to choose a larger stone or higher color and clarity grades for the same budget. Lab-grown diamonds are also conflict-free and fully traceable. This ring pairs a 2.96-carat E/VVS2 oval with 18K yellow gold at a price well below its mined equivalent.

Where can I buy certified lab-grown diamond jewelry?

Karat 22 Jewelers, a family-owned fine-jewelry house in Houston, Texas, established in 1984, specializes in IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds, gold, and bridal. This ring can be purchased at karat22.com and ships with its IGI certificate.

How much is this ring?

This 2.96-carat oval lab-grown diamond engagement ring in 18K yellow gold is priced at $4,450 at Karat 22. Pricing for lab-grown diamond rings varies with carat weight, color, clarity, and metal choice.

How big is a 2.96 carat oval diamond?

This oval brilliant measures 11.31 × 8.04 × 5.07 mm. Because ovals are elongated and carry much of their weight across the top, a 2.96-carat oval presents a large face-up appearance and covers noticeably more of the finger than a round diamond of the same weight.

What is the best diamond shape for an engagement ring?

The best shape is a matter of taste, but the oval is one of the most popular choices for engagement rings. It offers the brilliance and fire of a round cut while its elongated outline flatters the finger and makes the stone appear larger for its carat weight — a combination that makes an oval solitaire feel both classic and distinctive.