Designed your ring with AI? Here's how to source the stones

AI ring design tools have made it easier than ever to visualise your perfect piece. But there's a gap between a beautiful render and a finished ring — and it starts with sourcing the right stones. Here's exactly how to go from AI design to real diamonds.

What your AI design is actually telling you

Most AI ring tools output a design with stone shapes, sizes (in mm), and quantities. A pavé band might call for 1.3mm rounds; a halo setting might need 16x 1.8mm rounds around a centre stone. These specs are your shopping list — you just need to know where to take it.

Natural vs lab-grown — which is right for your design?

Both are real diamonds. Lab grown stones offer significant savings at the same visual quality, making them popular for melee-heavy designs like halos and pavé. Natural diamonds carry provenance and long-term value. We supply both — the choice is yours.

How to read your stone specifications

• Shape — round, oval, pear, cushion, marquise and more
• Size — given in mm (diameter for rounds, length x width for fancies)
• Quantity — how many stones your setting requires
• Quality — colour and clarity grades (we can advise on what's appropriate for your design)

Finding a supplier

Not all diamond suppliers sell to the public — many are trade-only. The Carat Club supplies both trade jewellers and individuals sourcing stones for their own designs. You don't need to be a jeweller to order from us.

What happens next

Once you have your stones, you'll need a jeweller to set them. We're happy to advise on finding a setter if you need one.