I just built my dream diamond ring. Here’s how that happened.
I’ve heard stories about women, either single or in a relationship, going to a jewelry store to buy themselves their own diamond ring–not as an act of challenging conventions but simply to treat themselves. I’ve long been curious too about what kind of diamond ring I would like for myself and thought it would be fun to just head to a store on a random day and find the one that’s perfect for me.
I had no idea what I would want but I knew I couldn’t just go to any store. Jewelry is one of those things that should definitely be an investment in quality and longevity, after all.
And so, I’m glad that my first experience stepping into the world of diamonds was done with Lucce at Ayala Malls Vertis North–this beautiful, elegant store that warmly welcomed me as I walked through the doors. I’ve only heard about them through friends and was immediately drawn to their commitment to offering only sustainable rings. I didn’t expect that stepping into the store and building my dream engagement ring would be so fun and painless!
Photo from Instagram.com/luccerings
But first: what does it mean to own an ethically sourced, sustainable diamond ring?
An ethical engagement or wedding ring is one that sourced its materials through sustainable means and utilized fair labor. It’s essential to consider how a diamond ring was made when making your purchase so you’d know if you’re investing in something that’s good for the planet—whether it adheres to the strict regulations of where it was mined and who had mined it, or it was created in a lab instead.
Eco-consciousness and mindful consumption have led to the concept of lab-grown diamonds which shouldn’t be mistaken for diamonds that are “fake.” In actuality, lab-grown diamonds are as real as they could be, created with state-of-the-art technology by replicating the conditions of how natural diamonds are formed and thus possess the same physical and chemical properties. You wouldn’t be able to tell the difference!
They’re also less expensive than natural diamonds, so if you’re saving on cost without wanting to compromise quality, lab-grown diamonds are the best option to go for. And Lucce has plenty of them—all certified by the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Photos by Therese Aseoche
My Experience with Lucce
In the process of discovering what my dream engagement ring would look like, I couldn’t stop myself from deciding to buy something myself!
It was a great thing that shopping for my diamond ring was enjoyable and easy with Lucce, to say the least. Everyone at the store was so accommodating that the intimidation I had felt upon entering the store quickly waned. Every question I had was answered patiently and they were super helpful in guiding me toward discovering my perfect ring.
And what a delight it was to browse their expansive catalog! Lucce prides itself in its original designs and craftsmanship, all under the creative hands of the owner herself: Christine, a designer who studied at the Hatton Jewellery Institute in Hong Kong. With her and her husband Michael at the helm, both possessing a shared passion for eco-friendly fine bridal jewelry, I just knew that each piece was thoughtfully crafted with only high-quality and ethically sourced materials, where no two rings are alike.
Finding my perfect ring happened pretty quickly. The Fiore Diamond Ring (which was apparently the most popular choice for most of their clients) was love at first wear and I went all out and opted for the Platinum metal band. Lucce is possibly one of the few jewelers in the Philippines to offer Platinum, aside from the standard 14k and 18k gold bands, which is rarer, more durable, and hypoallergenic.
Photo by Therese Aseoche
After choosing my ring, they let me choose the diamond from their website catalog. Personally, I’m not that meticulous about the color, clarity, and cut, so I just went for what they recommended for my chosen carat size. The 0.75-carat stone (their sizes can go as big as 10-carat, but I preferred just a small 0.75-1.0 carat). You can pick what shape you want the diamond to be too, such as round, oval, pear, heart, emerald, or marquise, to name just a few.
Of course, if you’re someone who’s especially particular about the diamond you’re getting, then you’d appreciate the ease of toggling the options and browsing their expansive list.
I also love that Lucce specializes in colored diamonds, perfect for those who want their engagement and wedding rings to stand out. Their Rosé Collection is by far the prettiest and also the most rare, as only less than 5% of lab-grown diamonds are colored pink.
After choosing my ring, all that was left to do was wait for it to be made and pick it up in-store! Lucce also makes it a point to hand you the certifications of your diamond ring as assurance that it’s 100% genuine and certified. Plus, each ring comes with lifetime warranty!
Photo by Therese Aseoche
I am over the moon with my purchase and the whole experience of finding my perfect ring at Lucce, and it makes such a huge difference that they align with my personal values of mindful, eco-conscious consumerism. I honestly wouldn’t choose any other designer for my eventual engagement and wedding! (Yes, the boyfie already knows.)
If you want to get your own conflict-free natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and moissanite rings, whether it’s for a proposal or just for you to wear on your own, you can book an appointment via Lucce’s website or message in any of their social media platforms and contact numbers. You can also visit the showroom in Ayala Malls Vertis North, or book virtual appointments via ZOOM or phone call.
