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Lab diamonds are a sustainable option for consumers concerned about the environmental impact of diamond production. They are created without the harmful effects associated with traditional diamond mining. Lab grown diamonds offer a cost-effective alternative to mined diamonds and are also a more environmentally responsible and ethical choice.

Your Responsible Jewellery Choice+

At After Diamonds, we are committed to providing our customers with high quality, beautiful diamond jewelry that reflects their values. All our lab grown diamond pieces are set in metals that have been responsibly sourced. We are dedicated to using environmentally friendly production methods throughout our supply chain. Whether you are looking for an engagement ring, a pair of earrings, or another special piece of jewelry, we offer a range of options to suit your style and budget. Choosing a lab grown diamond lets you enjoy all the benefits of this innovative and sustainable choice.

Shape Alters The Visual Size of the Diamond+

It is important to note that the weight of a diamond is not the only factor that affects its apparent size. The shape of the diamond also plays a significant role in how we perceive its size. For example, a pear shaped diamond of one carat weight will appear larger than a round diamond of the same weight. This is because the round diamond has a smaller surface area, while the pear shaped diamond has a more elongated shape and a greater surface area when viewed in its setting.

Therefore, when selecting a diamond, you should consider both its weight and shape. By choosing the right combination, you can ensure that your diamond will look beautiful and sparkling for years to come. The diamond shapes that offer the largest visual size are pear, marquise, and oval. Check our interactive diamond size app to explore how diamond shape and carat weight affect the appearance of a diamond in a piece of jewelry.

Diamond shape +

Diamonds come in various shapes, each with its unique character and appeal. Sometimes, jewelers use the term diamond cut instead of diamond shape. Here are the most popular diamond shapes used in diamond jewelry, ranked by popularity.

Round +

The round diamond is the most popular diamond shape, and it is easy to see why. It has a classic, timeless look and offers exceptional brilliance and sparkle. The round diamond is an ideal choice for an engagement ring or any other special piece of jewelry.

Princess +

The princess cut diamond is popular for its modern, angular shape and excellent fire and sparkle. The princess cut is square in shape and sometimes extends to a rectangular form. Princess cut diamonds are often chosen for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces because of their elegant and sophisticated appearance.

Oval +

The oval diamond is similar to the round diamond but features a more elongated shape that combines both modern and classic appeal. Oval diamonds are often chosen for their distinctive appearance and their ability to create the illusion of a larger diamond.

Pear +

The pear shaped diamond is a beautiful and versatile choice, popular for its unique silhouette and elegant, flowing lines. Pear shaped diamonds are often used in pendants, earrings, and other jewelry pieces because of their distinctive and eye catching appearance.

Emerald +

The emerald cut diamond is known for its elegant, rectangular shape and clean, step cut facets that create a beautiful hall of mirrors effect. Emerald cut diamonds are often chosen for their sophisticated style and timeless appeal, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.

Marquise +

The marquise cut diamond is admired for its distinctive elongated shape with pointed ends, creating a striking and elegant look. This shape often appears larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight and is a favorite for engagement rings and statement pieces due to its bold and graceful appearance.

Make Sure You Get A Good Deal+

Ultimately, IGI diamond grading certificates or reports are a valuable tool for anyone looking to purchase a diamond. These certificates provide important details about the diamond, including its quality and appearance, and help ensure that the diamond is being sold at a fair price.

By choosing a diamond with an IGI grading report, you can feel confident in your purchase and enjoy your diamond for many years to come. At After Diamonds, we provide an IGI diamond grading report for most of our diamond jewelry featuring a central diamond weighing half a carat or more.

Pros And Cons Of Each Precious Metal+

Each metal has its own advantages and disadvantages when used in jewelry making. Gold is durable and resistant to tarnishing but is also more expensive. Silver is affordable and easy to work with but may tarnish over time. Platinum is hypoallergenic and does not tarnish, but it is the most expensive of the three metals.

Silver is a relatively soft metal. When choosing silver for jewelry, it is best suited for pieces that are less likely to experience heavy wear, such as earrings or necklaces. It is not an ideal choice for rings and bangles, which are more prone to knocks and pressure.

Which Colour Of Precious Metal Is Best?+

White gold and platinum are the most popular choices for engagement rings. When choosing jewelry, the metal color can be matched to the wearer’s skin tone for a more flattering look. A general rule of thumb is that warm toned metals such as yellow and rose gold complement warm skin tones, while cool toned metals such as white gold and platinum complement cool skin tones.

However, the final decision comes down to personal preference and style. The most important factor is selecting a metal that feels comfortable to wear and complements the wearer’s unique taste. Ultimately, the choice of metal for your jewelry depends on both your personal preference and the intended use of the piece.

Cut +

The cut of a diamond refers to its angles and proportions, which play a key role in determining its overall appearance. The cut affects the diamond’s brightness, fire, and brilliance. A well cut diamond reflects light beautifully and maximizes its sparkle, making it one of the most important factors in a diamond’s quality.

Carat +

The carat weight of a diamond refers to its size and is measured in metric carats. One carat equals 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams. While carat weight influences a diamond’s size and value, it should be considered alongside cut, clarity, and color to find the perfect balance of beauty and quality.

Color +

The color grade of a diamond refers to the absence of color, with the highest quality diamonds being completely colorless. The G color grade is a popular and valuable choice for diamond jewelry as it is nearly colorless and offers an excellent balance between affordability and quality. At this grade, a diamond appears colorless to the naked eye and shows only slight traces of color under professional examination with specialized lighting.

Clarity +

The clarity of a diamond refers to the presence of inclusions and blemishes that can affect its transparency and brilliance. A high clarity grade means the diamond has very few inclusions or blemishes, while a lower clarity grade indicates more visible imperfections.

Clarity also plays an important role in a diamond’s overall quality and value. The VS (Very Slightly Included) and VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) clarity grades are excellent value choices for diamond jewelry. At these grades, inclusions are only noticeable under close inspection and high magnification, and they do not affect the diamond’s overall beauty or sparkle.

A Value And Quality Sweet Spot+

Most of our diamond jewelry is graded G/VS or D/VVS. These grades are more affordable than the highest diamond grades, yet most people cannot tell the difference between them and higher graded diamonds. Many jewelry lovers see no reason to pay extra for differences that are not visible to the naked eye. However, if you prefer higher graded diamonds for your jewelry, we can arrange that for you. Please contact us, and we will be happy to meet your requirements.

In conclusion, when selecting diamond jewelry, it is important to consider the 4 Cs. Choose the right combination of cut, carat weight, clarity, and color that best suits the wearer’s personal style, budget, and intended use.

Prong or claw setting+

This is the most popular setting type, where the gemstone is secured by metal prongs bent over the stone to hold it in place. Prong settings are an excellent choice for maximizing sparkle and brilliance, as they allow light to enter the diamond from all angles. They provide maximum exposure for the gemstone while offering excellent security.

Bezel or rub over setting+

In this setting, the metal surrounds the gemstone, holding it securely in place. Bezel settings provide a high level of protection for the diamond since it is fully enclosed. However, this setting limits the diamond’s exposure, meaning it will not sparkle as brightly as it would in a prong setting. In addition to security, a bezel setting offers a sleek and modern look that many jewelry lovers appreciate.

Channel Setting +

A channel setting features a row of gemstones set into a metal channel, with metal walls on each side holding the stones securely in place. Channel settings are durable and provide good protection for the gemstones, although the metal walls can limit their visibility. Similar to the bezel setting, channel settings have a sleek and elegant appearance and are often used in vintage-style jewelry.

Tension setting +

In a tension setting, the metal band applies pressure to the gemstone to hold it securely in place. Tension settings create a striking floating effect for the diamond but require precise craftsmanship and may not be as secure as other setting types. This modern style works well with contemporary designs and is an excellent way to showcase the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond.

Pavé setting+

In a pavé setting, small gemstones are set closely together and held in place by tiny metal beads or prongs. Pavé settings offer maximum sparkle and a continuous surface of gems, but the small size of the stones may make them more prone to damage or loss. Pavé set diamonds look great when used around a larger centre gemstone.

In a well-designed piece of jewellery, they can give the appearance of a larger central stone at a relatively low cost while adding extra sparkle. Each setting type has pros and cons, and the final choice depends on personal preference and the intended use of the jewellery. Our designers take great care in their choice of settings so that each diamond in each jewellery item looks its best.

Nickel-Free Metals +

Nickel free and hypoallergenic precious metals are an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin who want to wear fine jewelry. These metals are specifically designed to minimize the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions, providing a comfortable and safe option for everyday wear.

Hypoallergenic Metals+

In addition to nickel free metals, there are also hypoallergenic metals that are designed to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation or allergic reactions. Examples include 14k or 18k gold and 925 sterling silver.

It is important to note that even nickel free and hypoallergenic metals may still cause a reaction in some individuals. The best way to determine if a metal is suitable for sensitive skin is to perform a patch test on a small area. Nickel free and hypoallergenic precious metals are an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin who want to wear fine jewelry, offering peace of mind and the ability to enjoy wearing jewelry without worrying about irritation or allergic reactions.

For more information, check the guidance provided in our jewelry product specifications. If you have any questions about skin sensitivity and our precious metals, please contact us. We will be happy to provide additional assistance.

What is an Insurance Valuation+

When you purchase a piece of jewelry from After Diamonds, you will receive an individually signed document stating the full retail value of the item. This amount is typically higher than the discounted price you paid. This document, known as an insurance valuation, can be used to establish the true value of your jewelry for insurance purposes.

If you need to file an insurance claim, this certificate will allow you to claim the full cost of replacing the piece.

Please note that as the value of jewelry can increase over time, it is recommended to obtain an updated insurance valuation certificate every few years to ensure you are fully covered and avoid the risk of being underinsured.

Extend Protection+

With Extend, you can choose a comprehensive protection plan that offers coverage against accidental damage, loss, and other unexpected issues. Whether you are insuring a single piece of jewelry or an entire collection, Extend provides flexible options to suit your needs.

The plan will clearly outline the full scope of coverage and any exclusions. For complete peace of mind and more information, visit the Extend website and request a quote after completing your jewelry purchase. Remember, your new jewelry is fully insured until you accept delivery from our trusted carriers.

Ethical Diamonds+

The lab grown diamonds we use in our diamond jewellery are a responsible and ethical choice for those seeking beautiful and sustainable jewellery. Unlike mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory environment.

The producers use cutting-edge technology that replicates similar conditions in which natural diamonds are formed. This process produces visually and chemically identical diamonds to mined diamonds but with significantly less environmental impact and social harm.

When you choose lab grown diamonds, you can feel confident that your jewellery purchases align with your values of sustainability and ethical responsibility. Lab grown diamonds do not contribute to the negative impacts of diamond mining, such as deforestation, water pollution, and displacement of indigenous communities. Additionally, lab grown diamonds offer you the same quality and beauty as mined diamonds at a more affordable price.

Gemstone

What Are Lab Created Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds, also known as lab grown or cultured diamonds, are real diamonds made using advanced technology in a laboratory setting. Chemically and physically, these diamonds are the same as mined diamonds. They have the same quality, durability, and brilliance, but they offer consumers greater value. The main difference between the two is simply the origin of the diamond.

Diamond Weight

How is Diamond Weight Measured?

The weight of a diamond plays an important role in determining its value, with larger diamonds generally commanding higher prices than smaller stones. Diamonds, like other gemstones, are measured in carats. A carat is the standard unit of weight for diamonds and other gemstones, equal to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. It is important to note that size and weight are not directly connected. A two carat diamond will usually cost more than twice as much as a one carat diamond because larger diamonds are rarer and therefore more valuable.

Main Stone Shape

Diamond come in various shapes

Each diamond shape has its own unique characteristics and appeal. Sometimes, jewelers use the term diamond cut instead of diamond shape. Here are the most popular diamond shapes used in diamond jewelry, ranked by popularity. Selecting a well cut diamond that provides maximum brilliance and sparkle is essential, no matter which diamond shape you choose. Choosing a high quality diamond ensures that your jewelry will look beautiful and last a lifetime.

Certificates

Diamond Grading Certificates From IGI

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is a well-respected organisation in the diamond business. IGI provides independent certificates or reports to consumers about the quality of diamonds. Diamond grading certificates tell you a lot about the weight, colour, clarity, and cut of a diamond, as well as its quality and individual characteristics.

IGI's diamond grading certificate is a document that proves that a diamond is authentic and of good quality. This makes it an essential tool for people who want to buy diamond jewellery. Jewellers, insurers and diamond dealers worldwide recognise these certificates. Grading certificates help give you peace of mind when you want to make sure you are making a good investment.

Metals

The Precious Metals In Your Jewellery

We use three precious metals in our jewelry: gold, platinum, and silver. Gold, silver, and platinum are popular choices in jewelry making. Gold comes in three colors: yellow, white, and rose. The karat (k) value of gold refers to its purity, with a higher karat indicating a higher gold content.

9k gold contains 37.5% pure gold, 14k gold contains 58.3%, and 18k gold contains 75%. Sterling silver is a widely used silver alloy in jewelry, containing 92.5% pure silver. Platinum is a rare and durable metal with a 95% purity level, often referred to as 950 platinum.

Diamond Quality

About Diamond Quality

Diamond quality is determined by four main factors, known as the 4 Cs: cut, carat weight, clarity, and color. These characteristics work together to define a diamond’s overall beauty and value. The cut affects how brilliantly the diamond sparkles, carat weight measures its size, clarity refers to the presence of any inclusions or blemishes, and color evaluates how white or colorless the stone appears. Understanding the 4 Cs helps you choose the perfect diamond for your style and budget.

Setting

A Guide To Diamond Jewelry Setting Types

Jewelry settings are the way a gemstone or diamond is secured in a piece of jewelry. When reading jewelry descriptions, you will often see references to the setting and the type of setting used. The most common setting types include:

Nickel Free

Nickel-Free And Hypoallergenic Precious Metals

Insurance valuation and coverage

Make Sure You Have Insurance For Your New Jewellery!

Adding your new jewelry purchase to your existing homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy is a smart way to protect your valuable pieces from loss, theft, or damage. If adding it to your current policy is not possible, obtaining additional jewelry insurance is recommended.

Ethical Diamonds

Why we believe in Ethical Diamonds

Because lab grown diamonds are not linked to funding conflicts, they are considered a more ethical and socially responsible choice for consumers. With lab grown diamonds, you can enjoy the beauty and brilliance of diamonds without worrying about negative social impacts or the environmental effects of traditional diamond mining.

Dan Jacob

Diamond Cutting: How Diamonds Are Cut, Shaped & Polished

History of Jewelry: An Introduction

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